Safe Haven
9 x 12, Pastel on Pastelmat
Available through the artist here
“As a plein air artist, I experience an indescribable sense of mystery when I stand and paint in nature. The boundary between nature and myself dissolves. As this shift occurs, I experience the gilded light and rich colors of the landscape with an increased vibrancy. When painting plein air in New Mexico I am rewarded with unexpected moments of life that unfold, and incredible ever changing clouds and skies. It is a gift to feel a connection to something that is a part of, but greater than me. I welcome the respite of silence and contemplation. The blessing of this connection is an expressive painting that captures the limitless expansive quality of the Southwest landscape, and invites the viewer to share in this gift.”
Award-winning plein air pastel artist Tobi Clement paints the expansive landscapes and ethereal quality of light that is only found in New Mexico. She is attracted to the transitory qualities of the skies and sweeping vistas, inspired by their ever-changing light and moods. The immediacy of the pastel medium, amplified by her own boundless energy, allows Tobi to capture the fast-changing effects of light and the dynamism of the New Mexican skies.
Tobi has been an active member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico for five years and participated in their annual juried events; the Santa Fe Plein Air Festival and National Members show. She has been juried into National Pastel Society shows throughout the USA and is an active member in the New Mexico Pastel Society and Northwest Pastel Society. Tobi’s work has been featured in the PleinAir Magazine in recent editorials that focused on skies and storms. Southwest Art Magazine will feature Tobi as an Artist to Watch in the 2018 May Issue.
Tobi explores Northern New Mexico to find locations to paint outdoors, to immerse herself in natural light and color, then uses these smaller studies to inform her studio work. Her energetic mark-making and brilliant palette expertly capture the temperament of this landscape. She says, “I lose myself in the process of painting the ethereal quality of our clouds and skies.”
Tobi’s solo show, The Sky Above Us: Mercurial New Mexico Skies, opens July 1st at 7 Arts Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The show runs through July 29th. Join the artist for the opening reception Friday, July 6th, 5-7:30 pm. View more information about the show here.
View more of Tobi’s work at www.tobiclementartist.com.
