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Al Skaar

Watercolors

Coleen Allen
Jack Archibald
Rocky Barrick
Dan Bergsma
Marc Boutte
Lance Carleton

Ann Cory
Vicki Dodge
Mark Dodge
Jack Dorsey
Jed Dorsey
Mark Ellinger
Marguerite Goff
Jack Gunter
Dan Koffman
David Leak

John Losee
John Luke
Victor Loverro
Candi Martin
  Baker

Karla Matzke
Libby Michailoff
Vickie Miller
Merrilee Moore
Bev Paulson
Judi Peterson
Ben Rainchild
James Reeves
Pamela Searcy
Al Skaar
Shano
Mary Simmons
Duane
  Simshauser

Melanie Serroels
Alice Turner

Big Quack
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Al Skaar

I like to travel and as a result I've come to realize that the Northwest is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. I'm lucky to live here and I spend every moment I can appreciating this special environment and painting it in all it's various moods and personalities... from perfect sunny days to more typical, but no less beautiful, gray and rainy ones.

Most of my working life has been as a graphic designer employed first in advertising, followed by a stint as a freelance illustrator before going to work for a toy company doing package design. For several years I was an Art Director and then a Creative Director for a big game company in Seattle. It was a wonderful experience to work with dozens of talented artists and designers there. During those years I was constantly intrigued and inspired by their talent and skill. The opportunity to work with some of the best illustrators from around the world was invaluable. After spending the last 15 years using the computer almost exclusively, I felt compelled to work with real materials and tools, rather than virtual ones, for a change. As a result I discovered working (with oil paint) "en plein air" – on location – and that has reawakened my passion for painting!

I paint because it's fun… sort of like how golf is fun. It's engrossing, frustrating, and yet intensely satisfying. Most of my work is still done in the studio but painting on location is an important part of my work. Painting from life keeps me honest. Of course I work from sketches, imagination, and my own photos too, but working directly from life forces me to really see without the help of technology. My eyes and brain become the only filter for what goes on the canvas. Painting is like having a dialogue with the world and the result is visible evidence of the discussion. Some conversations are more successful than others… or rather some of the translations are more successful than others. Artists are interpreters who share their particular view of the world with anyone who cares to see it – and anyone willing to look gains a broader perspective, and hopefully some pleasure from the experience. - Al Skaar


Call 360-387-8300 or email
doris@seagrassgallery.com
 

 


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Seagrass Gallery
At the Camano Plaza
370 North East Camano Drive, Building C, Camano Island, Washington 98282
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