In Christine Lashley’s new painting Finale Perfection, it could be sunrise or sunset. The scene is inspired by the marshes of Mount Pleasant, near Charleston, South Carolina. A warm, golden pink glow as the sun peeks over the horizon line captures the tranquility of the East Coast’s wetlands. “Finale Perfectionwas painted from memories of visiting East Coast beaches with family over the years and the estuaries as seen from Mount Pleasant near Charleston,” she says. “I was attracted to the thinness of the land and how water meets the sky. I liked that in the sandy islands you can see both sunrise and sunset. I wanted to convey a timeless feel to the artwork. The color palette was keyed in with a wash of red to start the painting; this action got the glow that resonates through the subsequent paint layers.”
Paris at Noon, oil on linen, 24 x 48"
With a lifelong love of nature, Lashley’s work explores the intersection of light, transparency and memory. She strives to capture the ethereal qualities of water as it interacts with light, and is known for her vibrant color palettes and painterly brushwork. This April, Lashley will be having a solo show at Principle Gallery’s Charleston location. Opening Friday, April 4, Perceptions will feature more than 20 new works by the artist, including both landscapes and city scenes. A reception will take place in the gallery from 5 to 8 p.m.
Ce Soir, oil on linen panel, 18 x 18"
Her painting Ce Soir depicts a lively city street in the late evening. One can feel the energy emanating from the scene as citygoers bustle about amidst bright lights reflecting off the surrounding buildings.
In another urbanscape, the artist paints Paris at midday, the Eiffel Tower visible in the distance. “Paris at Noonwas from a memory of a long lunch at a rooftop cafe this past November in Paris with my husband. I knew instantly when we sat at our table that I would paint this,” says Lashley. “I lived in Paris for several years, and I often go back looking for new art inspiration or to teach an art workshop. On this trip I decided to just enjoy the week instead of having a ‘work’ trip. Interestingly, the art ideas came crowding in more powerful than ever.” The oil on linen gives viewers an expansive bird’s eye view of one of Europe’s most romantic cities, measuring 2-by-4 feet.
Finale Perfection, oil on linen, 30 x 30"
Influenced by both nature and the built environment, Lashley strikes a balance between direct observation and imaginary scenes. And her own memories and experiences will continue to light the way. —
Principle Gallery 125 Meeting Street • Charleston, SC 29401 (843) 727-4500 • www.principlegallery.com
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