Light Conditions

Visual Aid presents a solo show of oil paintings by Heidi McDowell, the inaugural exhibition at their new gallery in the historic Mechanic's Institute Building.

At first glance, it's clear that McDowell's tender paintings of clouds and blurred California landscapes are inspired by German romantic paintings. Evidence of the paintings' origins as digital images becomes apparent upon closer inspection. McDowell paints the lens flares and digital artifacts that are aberrations left behind in the making or of a visible image (often overlooked or discarded as "mistakes"). When incorporated into her paintings, these details situate the viewer within the space of the painting and add a layer of complexity to the work, further clarify and enhancing the experience of specific light conditions.

"I paint expansive landscapes which unapologetically celebrate the transformations brought about by time and the elements. My paintings depict a heightened sense of realism using an economy of means. Rough painterly marks suggesting layer upon layer of texture combine with precisely rendered sunlight to define both architectural form and emotional tone. It is this juxtaposition of the specific and the general which leaves space for the viewer's own experience and memory to flesh out the painting's narrative," says McDowell.

To see more work by Heidi McDowell, visit her website at http://www.heidimatic.com.