Griselda Healy

I work primarily with the figure in paint, pastel, clay charcoal, and graphite. Trained in the classical tradition I work from life using models for my figure works. I also paint landscape and still life. These smaller studies are quickly executed and are painted on sight. The portrait and multi figure paintings are more complex and require many sessions with models in my studio which is located at the New York Artists and Residency Foundation (NARS) in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. When working with figure or still life my concern is to paint the forms sculpturaly in space. Composition and context of the forms are problem solving issues that evolve with each work.

In order for my work to move forward I need to be consciously grounded in the story of art as we know it beginning with the early cave paintings. I find inspiration in contemplating the past. Our history provides the necessary tools to explore with freedom my own contemporary ideas within a learned framework whereby I can make art, invent, choose, and select.