landscape painter, artist, oil paintings by Valerie Estvan, Oxnard, California

Gallery Two

Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor Reflection

Lake Tahoe
12 " X 12" o/c

I enjoy recreating the sacredness of being present with nature through my oil paintings. I try to capture the feelings I have experienced when in that particular place, rather than merely painting a representational copy of it. How the existing light falls on the elements of the scene defines the mood of the piece for me. The colors that emerge from this light strike emotional chords that bind my memories to the sensations felt about a place.

For some time, my focus has been strictly on geological land formations and the precious glimpse into the past they give us. I have begun to incorporate elements of water within these rock structure paintings in order to investigate a more vibrant approach to working with color. The staccato rhythms of the light playing on water have influenced my brushwork as well. I am excited by the results, and looking forward to more opportunities in which I can pair the lyrical element of water with other fascinating land or plant forms.

The current series of oil on paper or canvas paintings, which I am presenting here, concentrate mainly on the shorelines of North Lake Tahoe. The appreciation gained from working with this exquisitely beautiful place urges me to advocate for its preservation. As these waters have permeated my paintings to enliven them, so I could only hope that my work might inspire conservationist deeds.

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