Claudia Engel, Watercolor (2006)

Moving here originally from Vermont, Port Ewen resident, Claudia Engel, has always had a way with a brush. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design, moved to Woodstock, New York and now resides in nearby Port Ewen, in a lovely home overlooking the Hudson River, a subject that is seen repeatedly in her paintings.

Past years as a graphic designer has contributed greatly to her sense of composition as she has moved ahead into the world of watercolor. Claudia’s passion moves from seascapes and boats to botanical and the Hudson Valley landscape. Known by her associates as an artist in love with color, she has always been attracted to the impressionist period; the color surprises and non-rendering way of expressing forms. Van Gogh, Degas and Monet are a few of her favorites,

Her personal definition of Art is, “to create.” She believes the Creator made us to be like Him, creators. Since one cannot separate good and evil forces from anything, it might be easier to see what art can be by looking a moment as to what it should not: to destroy, bring chaos, criticize, envy, cause confusion and on and on. There are too many negative things already. Art should mean to restore, bring order, serenity, harmony, whether it’s through music, poetry, paintings, etc. Anyone can see what’s wrong, it takes God to see what is right. To arouse beauty in the senses; to motivate, to lift one up.

“There are so many ways to be considered artistic. To place one technique above the other would be like saying a rose is better than a lily, and one would lose out on appreciating things lost in the shadows. I can glean something from almost everyone I meet or painting I see. Each has its place in the overall scheme of things. I like working in a studio environment with other artists and consider team-work far superior as compared to being on my own. If I leave myself open, I more quickly see what’s been overlooked, what weaknesses I habitually make, etc; I grow more quickly.

“Working together spurs on the creative juices and makes life much more enjoyable.”

What is art? In a world that has lost the ability to see, we show them how.

Claudia has spent the past five years studying at the Betsy Jacaruso Studio and Gallery located at the Chocolate Factory, 54 Elizabeth St., Red Hook.

www.claudiaengel.com

That which should have been first cannot go unsaid:

My troubles, all of them, have taken on a better tone as I have been helped to step back and look at things from an eternal perspective. As I look at all the really awful things I have done in the past, I am overwhelmed at the grace given to me to overcome the reasons I did them; and then not repeat them! At least not too many more times. It truly wasn't my abilities that brought the change. Time and time again, as I have sought help in many troubles, the way was opened for me. I experienced it. When I really goofed up, and asked, the way was made right again. I didn't deserve it even if I never admitted it to those around me. The goodness that has surrounded me even when I wasn't looking, and unaware, is now very evident at this last part of my life.

Now when many others start to wind down, I am going faster and further and stronger than ever. And I know why. I owe it to acknowledge the power and love that is the bedrock source of who I have become. I am full of joy knowing how everything has worked together and makes such amazing sense.

I don't know what all the reasons for my life are yet. But I know Who is orchestrating the whole thing. It is more and more evident in every day that goes by me.

I love, really love to paint light and color. I have been brought out of the kingdom of darkness into a marvelous light. I love to paint the light. Leonardo Da Vinci said, "May I learn to please the Lord who made the light." I say so too.

It is not an idea, not an excuse. . . I've found a very real person, the author of all the light that I find we paint and are so in love with. The author of Light and the Savior from the realm of darkness, Jesus the Christ is my friend,...my everything. He's done it all.

Selah

My epitaph shall someday read,
"Gone to be with the Author."