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Cynthia Thomas

Cynthia ThomasThe Holyoke Range is a magnificent natural presence in the Pioneer Valley.  It defines the area in which we live, geographically & spiritually.  There are few places in the valley where the range does not dominate the landscape. 

For as long as I have lived here, I have always been drawn to the range   It is a focal point for me in my travels throughout the valley.  Sometimes I stop on the side of the road to take in the beauty of the scene.  Different vantage points, different light, different seasons -  all the while life unfolds calmly in its shadow.

I have a need to paint the Pioneer Valley.  It is home.  I know it well.  I find that the Holyoke Range appears more & more in my paintings.  I am reminded of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), the famous Japanese woodblock artist, who painted 100 views of Mount Fuji.  I want to paint 101 views of the Holyoke Range!

All paintings on display are pastels, my current medium of choice.  To start a painting, I quickly sketch the scene with a hard, orange pastel to set the composition & the values.  I then move on to my soft pastels, layering as I go.

Through my paintings of the Holyoke Range & life in the valley below, I hope to increase local awareness that the valley as we know it is at risk.  Prime agricultural land is invaluable, it is our future, our well-being.  The open spaces that sustain us both physically & visually are being developed away.  As the time approaches when our fossil fueled economy becomes less sustainable, we should be growing more self-sufficient & less dependent on the outside world.  The valley landscape is indeed a precious & necessary gift for us to protect for future generations.

Cynthia ThomasCynthia Thomas