West Chester, Pa. local Cary Galbraith has traveled the long journey to being an authentic American Artist. Her father was an artist, though he made his living through his own advertising agency in Manhattan. They had paintings hanging in their home and some of them were his. The Galbraith’s also had art books that Cary would look through. Her favorite artist as a grade schooler was El Greco. Cary says, “I went on to admire Winslow Homer watercolors as an influence in High School.”

Her favorite painting is of her yellow lab, Dudley. “I love this painting, first of all, because of my attachment to this dog. It was done a long time ago and I have created finer paintings since. It also moves me because it is large, 24″ x 36″. The majority of what I am producing now is 9 x 12. I like the way I manipulated the paint. I used a lot of paint with big brushes and big strokes. It was done from a photograph, although I learned to paint from life, and I prefer that. Unless a dog is sleeping, they do not make good models.”

Comparing her approach to her fathers she said, “I would say we both worked predominantly in oil. In his later years, he transformed from a realist to an abstract impressionist, influenced by De Kooning. I am a representational painter.”

About Cary’s actual approach to creating she explained, ” Usually something I see appeals to me and my mind says, “that would be a good painting”. Before I begin to paint, I spend some time determining the best composition. I do this with small value sketches. The eye is attracted to contrast made by light and dark values. There should be a focal point where the darkest and lightest values in the painting meet. It should not be dead center and there should be interesting shapes that lead the eye around the painting. Once I have decided on the composition, I begin by sketching with a brush the objects and then, blocking in the major shapes and values using a monochrome palette. When the drawing and perspective are correct, I build the painting from the focal point out. I often refer to a quote by Delacroix, “The art of painting is to attract attention only to what is necessary.” In other words, if one stroke can indicate what the item is then good, it is done, leave it alone. I start with large brushes and work towards smaller ones for the details.

On selecting her supplies Cary shared this, “I prefer to use Gamblin Oil Colors. They are buttery and blend well. Gamblin also makes an oder-less mineral spirits that is non-toxic. The brushes I use have changed over the years. Usually, they are recommended by a workshop or course instructor. For instance, I was accepted into a two-week Masterclass painting course at a certain school. They were very particular about what brushes to use. White bristle brushes, no synthetics. Then I took a workshop with a wonderful painter Qiang Huang and he advised white bristle for light colors and synthetics for dark. That is what I use now. He also taught me to use Gator Board with oil based gesso for plein air painting. It is light and durable with a good surface for wiping off. This is a plus when getting your drawing correct. I use stretched linen for studio work and commissions.”

Then she added, “Now that I am retired, I paint regularly. I have a daily painting practice. A painting a day for 30 days, one hour time limit for each, every other month. These are small 5″ x 7″ studies. This is in addition to any other things I have going on like commissions. It I am working on a larger piece such as a commission I work about 3-4 hours in the morning with breaks. The light in my studio is better in the morning. I stand while I work and if I paint all day, I will feel it in my back the next day. When working with a model it is 20 minutes on and a 5 minute break for 3 hours.”

She said this, “When someone tells me they can sense the atmosphere in the painting or they feel as though they can touch, smell or hear the surroundings I am happy. Art is created from the soul and brings value to our world and our lives.”

Explaining how one becomes an artist she said, “I have always enjoyed creating art. It was my best subject from kindergarten to graduation from high school. My education includes several formal art schools and numerous workshops with contemporary award-winning artists. My dream was to be a professional artist however that was not taught in those days. So, I worked at various jobs, sometimes art related sometimes not. Now I have the time to work at producing and selling my art. I am looking for gallery representation and I will begin attending outdoor Art Shows now that Covid is almost behind us.”

Visit www.carygalbraithart.com And sample a lifetime of homing in her talent.