Press Release
Harrison Blackford, a local abstract and impressionist artist, will be launching her new collection: “PROVENCE: A Walk Through the South of France” on Wednesday, October 16th via her website at 11 am.
She will also have an open studio from 11 am through 7 pm to view the collection in person, with light bites and drinks provided from 4 pm through 7 pm. Harrison's studio is located at 78 Line Street.
After studying plein air painting with Jill Steenhuis in France this summer, Blackford was struck with the inspiration to incorporate the painting techniques she learned in her newest collection. She hopes her new collection will evoke feelings of strolling through French flower markets of Aix en Provence, breathing in the salty air on the beaches of Cassis, and the sense of wonder one has as they gaze upon olive trees alongside the roads of Saint-Rémy, which Van Gogh found inspiration in for a series of paintings.
“Initially, plein air painting pushed me out of my comfort zone,” said Blackford. “However, I came to love the challenge of capturing the subtle changes in the scene I'm painting. Learning how to incorporate the feeling of evening light casting rays onto the cathedrals of France, catching the shadows of birds before they pass, and translating the Mistral winds onto canvas was an exhilarating experience.”
Anyone interested in previewing the collection and meeting Blackford is encouraged to attend the Open Studio. No RSVP is necessary.
