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October Issue 2007
Edward Dare Gallery in Charleston, SC, Offers Works by Madeline Dukes
The
latest body of work by Madeline Dukes will be featured in the
exhibit, Natural Energy: New Works in Oil by Madeline Dukes,
at the Edward Dare Gallery in Charleston, SC, beginning on Oct.
5 and continuing through Oct. 31, 2007.
In this body of work, Dukes explores the relationship between
energy, atmosphere, and nature. Sweeping brushstrokes, deductive
scraping and palette knife work are integrated to depict potential
and kinetic energy observed between the subject matter and its
surroundings. This show will feature Dukes' depiction of the natural
environment of the rural and coastal areas of the South Carolina
Lowcountry.
Dukes landscape painting style has evolved into dreamlike representations of the Lowcountry that encourage the viewer to look beyond what is in front of them to a deeper interpretation and understanding of nature. The typically loose style of these abstract landscapes give the art appreciator the freedom to let their mind take over and the imagination kick in. These new nontraditional pieces combine an understanding and incorporation of academically required elements of a painting with the artist's personal perspective on a traditional subject matter; this combination results in compositions that are as comfortable as they are sophisticated.
Growing up surrounded by water in the lowcountry has clearly impacted Dukes' choice of compositions. Depictions of the variations that can be seen in water in nature play an important role in most of her paintings. Kinetic and potential energy or movement and stillness, the color possibilities of reflected light on water as well as the contemplative qualities of water in the landscape are all brought forth in her works.
Although most work is completed within her studio, Dukes does employ an interactive process of observation in nature to capture color, form, and, most importantly, light. For her, this is where the painting begins - outside or from the live model. For Dukes, a connection with the subject must happen and once this connection is made, she sketches, paints, photographs, and makes notes of her experiences.
"I approach each painting as a portrait," says Dukes. "I am fascinated by the movement between the subject and its environment. Something kinetic is always going on between the two and I want to communicate that as well as capture the personality of the subject, the day, and the light. I work mostly in oils and oil stick. My brush work ranges from thick to thin on any given painting and I will layer, scratch, and scrape with the brush and palette knives to portray the energy of the subject. From Gerhard Richter to Rembrandt, I believe the best artists throughout history have strived to solve the technical issue of painting and have combined that with the process of painting intuitively, thereby making the work one's own. This approach is the most challenging, but ultimately gets me to the place I want to be in a painting. When this synchronization happens, that is when I know I have produced my most interesting work. I apply the dos and don'ts of painting, add a lot of experimentation and a little excitement. This is the balance I enjoy."
South Carolina native and John's Island resident, Madeline Dukes studied studio art and political science at Winthrop University. Dukes' work has been featured in both group and two man shows in galleries, museums and cultural centers throughout the Carolinas, including the Spartanburg Museum of Art, Lincoln County Museum, Sumter County Gallery of Art, McElvey Center, Mooresville Art Center, Pickens County Museum, the Rauch Gallery at Gaston College, and a traveling show with the South Carolina State Museum.
For further information check our SC Commercial
Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/853-5002 or visit (www.edwarddare.com).
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Copyright© 2007 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston
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