Library exhibit features Matzen ‘alla prima’
Published 11:57 am Thursday, May 29, 2008
The Edmonds Arts Commission presents an exhibit at the Edmonds Library of oil paintings by Deon Matzen now through June 29.
Deon Matzen started painting in oils in 2002. Prior to that she used watercolor exclusively, but a year spent in China, resulted in material she felt was best rendered in oil. Matzen paints “alla prima” — working on one painting at a time, start to finish without the benefit of drying time between applications of paint. She feels it makes her work more spontaneous and allows colors to mix on the board as well as the palette. She likes to use a bright colorful palette, but rarely uses more than 5 colors in any one piece.
This exhibit features work from two different series: “Doors of China” and “Jumble Sale Treasures”. Her work is representational -– recreating the world around her. No symbolism, just a straightforward representation of life. As Matzen paints, she sees many different ways she could have painted the piece –- different applications of paint, different compositions, different colors, different seasons of the year or angles of light. All of these inspire new pieces that fit into whatever current theme or series she is creating.
A resident of Whidbey Island for 35 years, Matzen is a member of the Women Painters of Washington, the American Artists Professional League, the Artists of South Whidbey and a lifetime member of the Island Arts Council. She holds a BFA from Seattle Pacific University. When not painting and teaching at the Skagit Valley College South Whidbey Campus, she gives workshops and lectures.
