Marsha Savage

Artist Statement:
My philosophy and my favorite saying is 'It's the journey!' and my paintings are the expression of a chosen moment in time. An artist should take pleasure in his journey, indulging in the pure joy of playing with the paints or whatever medium is used. For me it is the journey, not the destination!

As the artist, capturing the emotion of a place, recognition or a feeling that one can identify with, is important to me. To make you see what I have seen is part of my objective; but to have you feel what I felt is the ultimate goal. The journey of the mind is as important as the journey of the feet!

Biography:
I grew up in Smyrna, GA and still live in beautiful North Georgia. Imagine flowing creeks, tall trees, sunlit rocks, rolling hills, apple orchards and the summer scent of fresh bailed hay. This has been the inspiration for the beginning of my journey and has led me across the country to the Western landscape, to Europe, the Carribean and Jamaica. My plein air work is about the journey of learning to observe correctly, which teaches me color, atmosphere and light. My studio work, then, is not limited by a photographic image, but it just becomes a jumping off point for the painting. The inspiration for my art comes from a love of nature and outdoor activity. I create paintings from the Southeastern US, but do include scenes from other places I visit. I believe that many of my paintings convey the wonderful experience of living in Georgia and the Southeastern United States.

I divide my time between creating paintings in pastel and oil, with a little acrylic on the side. I plan several workshops each year in studio and en plein air and participate in plein air festivals and paint-outs as often as possible. I demonstrate and give programs at arts organizations and my galleries several times each year. I have taken workshops with Terry Ludwig, Albert Handell, Susan Ogilvie, Duane Wakeham, Bob Rohm, Ann Templeton, Bill Hosner, and Elsie Dresch.

My paintings have been accepted into many juried exhibitions and have won numerous awards. I was recently honored to be included in art placed in our Georgia State Capitol in the suite of offices of the Speaker of the House, David Ralston. My painting, 'Sunflower Tango' was recently included in the International Association of Pastel Societies' 2009-2010 Calendar for May, 2010. This year, 2010, I won an Exceptional Merit Award at the Southeastern Pastel Society International Exhibition at Oglethorpe University, judged by Duane Wakeham. In 2008, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and the Southern Appalachian Artist Guild held their first National Show juried by nationally acclaimed aritst, Alan Flattmann. Two pastel paintings won awards: Second Best in Show for 'Musical Waters' and the People's Choice Award for 'The Stand.' The Art du Pastel Society of France juried a North Georgia plein air painting, 'Golden Opportunity' into their 2007 International Pastel Exhibition and then into a traveling exhibit in Giverny, France. Be sure to look at the list of exhibitions and awards for more about my awards and shows.

I am a Member of Excellence in the Southeastern Pastel Society, a Merit member of the Atlanta Artist Center, and the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association / Southern Appalachian Artist Guild. I am presently represented by: High Country Art & Antiques in Blue Ridge, GA. My paintings are in corporate and private collections across the United States.

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