Cynthia Thomas
The 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.