encaustic, pigment, and mixed media on cradled birch panel.
Patricia Aaron is represented by Space Gallery, Denver, CO
"Solitude" was painted during the 2020 Shelter at Home order.
I have a full time studio practice and working in isolation is typical for my painting practice. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the US and infiltrate into daily life making even going to the store seem impossible my work took a new turn. Where to find daily supplies, and on top of that needed face masks, hand sanitizer, Clorox, etc. overtook my studio time. Emotionally this really took a toll as I watched the news and deaths increased as the weeks ticked by. What was happening to the America I knew?
I did not realize at first what was happening with my studio work but gradually my color choices changed to begin using more greens, browns, neutrals, and the like. These colors were drawn from nature and provide comfort as do the birds and rabbits that surround my space. The content of my painting strokes began to open up and breathe.
"Solitude" was painted in my quiet meditative studio. My artist friends all remained home, galleries closed, museums closed, the impact on me was settling in and continues to do so.
The spread of coronavirus continues to affect my daily practice of being an artist. In the recent past I spent 2-3 months traveling domestically and abroad either in an artist residency situation at a museum or arts center or for pleasure with my family. This was the norm and I felt that in 2020 when my month's artist residency abroad was postponed due to COVID followed by another domestic residency postponed really disappointed.
My husband and I decided to purchase a small RV in May 2020 and not get stuck at home. We could sleep in the RV as well as keep food stored, prepare meals and keep to ourselves without stopping at hotels and restaurants.
We needed to connect with family out of state. On the way we saw some of Americas' beautiful state and national parks where we camped in safely. Connecting with family and friends in this new way really opened our eyes.
We made new friends in RV parks, state parks, and along the way. We saw some amazing parts of the US that typically we would have flown over to a different destination.
I am now working on large format paintings which were inspired by these trips. Life goes on and we are trying to stay one step ahead while keeping ourselves and others safe.