Ethelinda
“There are paintings everywhere in nature. Whenever I see one, I am usually so thrilled I want to scale the subject large, so the viewer can really see how beautiful and fascinating it is. To me, the impact of a canvas has to do with the exciting broad strokes foiled by intricate detail rendered in the high relief oil paint affords. I try to paint things as they’ve not been before seen; impromptu, perhaps with some aspect of humor. Whether it is a French street or a pomegranate, the subject is Real, completely absorbing and demanding; whatever it takes, I want the viewer to see what I see.
“Ever since my grandmother read to me and I would sketch the characters in the books, I have chosen subjects around me. I am from Hawaii; there are portraits of Chinese, Japanese and Hawaiian people. My mother, who studied with Nicoli Fechin, just said, ‘Really look at what you are painting!’ I received a B.A. in Art and English Literature from the University of the Pacific, Northern California, then traveled to Switzerland to study French and paint café scenes and still lifes in France.
“Out West in 1988, I discovered Indians. Their clothing seemed to be inspired by birds, with all the feathers and the Ghost Dance dresses and shirts of painted leather, which were believed to be impenetrable to the white man’s bullets. I am grateful to Rosemary and (the late) T. Dennis Lessard for authenticating every detail.
“Throughout my life, I have painted horses. They, as mystical creatures, can take your breath. I am particularly drawn to the black and white spotted Paints and Appaloosas. They create patterns all their own. Then there is no conformation or dance like that of the Andalusian. Burros and Longhorns follow. My favorite work is always on the easel.”
