Christine Waara

Artist Statement

I paint to communicate. I paint because it’s stimulating and energizing. And I paint because there is a part of me that embraces the challenge of the process of rearranging shapes and values to make a design that works.

In order for me to expand as an artist I have to strip away outward concerns of acceptance that dictate what I choose as subject or how I choose to express what I see and feel. So, now I take more risks, whether in subject matter, style, or both, remembering that painting started out as pure play – before concern of outward approval.

Watercolor is predominantly my medium of choice, though I also enjoy painting in pastels and oils. Each medium has its own allure. Pastels are immediate and use pure pigment to give vitality to the color; oils have texture and can be worked and reworked; but watercolor creates a delicate dance between control and letting go. It makes me think and plan, but then sweeps me away with its subtle beauty. It challenges me. It is my true passion.