What is the story behind the painting "After Lunch" which is featured on the cover?
My friend and I were having lunch at a Virginia restaurant. Near us was a large group finishing their lunch. There were empty wine glasses, bottles, a wine carafe, and the remainder of their meal. At one point they got up and left and I said to my friend – that’s a painting! I took photos and went home and painted the scene. I’d like viewers of my painting to see that long after patrons leave the table, the scene still tells a story of a great gathering.
Tell us about your artistic technique.
I consider myself to be a realist artist because that seems to be the closest fit for my artistic style. I try to paint the colors, shapes and textures of a scene as I remember. The goal is to capture the feeling I had when I viewed the scene for real.
How did you get started in art?
I heard about a watercolor painting trip to Provence and thought that sounded like fun. I had no watercolor supplies so I took a weekend “Traveling with Your Sketchbook” class taught by Susan Abbott, who also was leading the workshop. I fell in love with watercolor.
After returning from Provence, I enrolled in drawing and watercolor classes at the Art League in Alexandria. Two of my favorite watercolor instructors were Ted Betts and Peter Ulrich. I took about 20 years of instruction every Saturday from Peter who taught me, among other things, to keep going no matter what the outcome. There is always more paper.
Who are your artistic influences or mentors?
The works of Homer, Turner and Sargent have inspired my work. I have painted many of their masterpieces, as well as other famous watercolor artists. That process has taught me how to paint detailed scenes using slow and deliberate movements, how to develop an eye for composition, how to handle light and atmosphere and how to blend their style into my own.
What does being a local artist mean to you?
I’ve been fortunate to have been juried into the Potomac Valley Watercolorists Society and am a member of the McLean Art Gallery. PVW has several art exhibits a year which has given me a place to exhibit my art and have access to a large group of highly talented artists who share their art and experiences.
What is your favorite October tradition?
There is nothing like the fall colors in Northern Virginia to give me inspiration. How can one not want to paint a flaming red or orange tree, water trickling in a stream or a cabin nestled in the woods?
IG: @Fulton_1948
"Paint an hour a day by leaving your art materials out. If you walk by your table, pick up a brush and fix a spot, you have accomplished something."