Christine Bates – Pastel and Watercolor
Town of Norwich

It is my greatest joy to paint the simple life that surrounds me here in Chenango County. I am intrigued by the many personalities of those in the community and the rough beauty of local landscapes. Although I have no formal art education I have participated in several workshops and adult art classes and learned a great deal from my painting buddies. I love the energy generated by color and contrast. My portraits are simple and yet seem to capture the subject well. I am inspired by the innocence of children or the character of an aged face.

Pastels and watercolors are the primary media I use because of the spontinaity. It is important that I be able to work for a few moments of time and then leave the materials out and come back to them. The vivid colors of pastel on sanded paper just thrill me. There is something satisfying about holding a piece of chalk in your bare hand creating an image others will recognize and appreciate. Watercolor appeals to me because it is possible  to achieve a very loose and playful work or a detailed and  precise image.  

I believe life has something unique to say to each of us and that we write our own story as we go. We have different tools to help us interpret our joy and pain and for me painting is my way of saying WOW, this is a GREAT life!
Chris joined MIC in 2004.

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