Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Morris.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was a very creative kid, always working on crafts and projects. I learned to use oil paint in elementary school, mixing colors on a palette and copying paintings from art books. I remember the first time I asked my teacher if I could paint from life, and the freedom in observation. In college the Friday classes were optional, and soon enough I was the only student painting alongside my professor, a wonderfully talented landscape painter.
I’ve long since realized that I needed to un-learn all the rules to make my own work, working intuitively with color and materials to build layers in my paintings. I’m always interested in pushing the work, playing with color and simply being present with each piece as I create it.
Please tell us about your art.
I create paintings that are layered and full of color and light. I’m deeply inspired by my own experiences in nature. My process begins with a simple line drawing on a blank canvas, onto which I block in washes of color. From there I build up the surface with oil paint, adding darker shapes and pushing the sense of space in the work. I love creating a sense of depth within a canvas – it’s a transformative moment when a surface becomes a space.
I want a viewer to be able to spend time looking one of my paintings, finding something new each time. I think my work engages viewers at different levels – from a distance there is a sense of movement and light, and then up close they might notice details and drawn elements peeking through from the under-painting.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
The best advice I’ve received is to develop a daily practice of creating work and carve out a space in which to create it. If having a studio space is not possible, adapt your work to fit the space you have. The meaningful work comes from a daily dedication to its creation, not having a perfect studio space.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Locally I show at Pryor Fine Art where they have current works on paper as well as paintings on canvas.
Link: https://www.pryorfineart.com/elise-morris
764 Miami Cir NE Suite 132, Atlanta, GA 30324
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elisemorris.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisemorrispaint/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisemorrispaint/
Image Credit:
Elise Morris
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
