March 2011

Charleston Artist Guild in Charleston, SC, Features Works by Brenda Orcutt

Charleston Artist Guild in Charleston, SC, will present the exhibit, Palette Knife Impressions - Gardens & Florals, featuring works by Brenda Orcutt, on view in the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, from Mar. 1 -31, 2012. A reception will be held on Mar. 2, from 5-8pm.

Orcutt works in oil paints applied with a palette knife. She usually spends one day, with one palette knife, lots of oil paint and plenty of movement. “I’ve always loved the drama of the thickly applied paint, the texture, and the pureness of the colors.” She paints quickly, alla prima, allowing texture and bold color to be seen without perfecting form. Her goal is not to reproduce a landscape or still life with precision. Instead, she wants to translate the creative concepts she has into an artistic image with a fresh, contemporary feel.

Orcutt was born and raised in the Carolinas. Her personal journey as an artist began in her childhood. “My father enrolled in art school on the GI Bill after serving in the Navy. Although he provided for our family through other means, he never stopped creating,” Orcutt recalls. Fond childhood memories of discussing her father’s works helped spur an early interest in art.

As a child, Orcutt began taking classes in ceramics and decoupage, afterward photography and painting classes. She was later employed as a decorative artist specializing in hand painted glassware.

Orcutt went on to study oil painting under Joyce Hall at The Studio and further developed her drawing, painting and composition skills. She later advanced her palette knife techniques with international artist James Pratt, and continued this work with Susan Sarback, who owns and operates the School of Light and Color in California.

Orcutt continues to upgrade her goals as an artist while incorporating a sense of adventure. Visit the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery during the month of March and experience the excitement and anticipation of her palette knife reflections as spring comes early to Charleston.

For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, call the gallery at 843/722-2454 or visit (www.charlestonartistguild.com).

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