Erika Duque
Through painting, I try to materialize the feelings of awe, wonder,
calm, and sometimes fear that come from being in nature. These
moments of awe can happen only while I am present in the
landscape. I make sketches, record videos, and take photographs
of plants and terrain in state and national parks as well as in
my immediate surroundings to aid in my recreation of these
fleeting sensations. I am drawn to otherworldly landscapes and
am interested in how weather, time of day (specifically dusk,
dawn, and night), and seasons can transform and elevate the
aesthetics of a landscape. I bring research material back to the
studio and use it as a loose reference. By choosing not to paint
en plein air, I create room for colors to be exaggerated and
keyed-up in an effort to invite the viewer to experience a moment
of soft fascination.