Iris Gentry

Iris Painting in Plein Air

BIO

Iris Gentry resides in Henderson, Kentucky and is a full time artist. Her award winning work is part of numerous private and corporate collections including the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, and Solarbron Retirement Community of Evansville, IN. Having studied at Murray State University, University of Kentucky and Brescia University, Gentry continues to work in multiple mediums on landscapes, florals and portraits.

ARTIST STATEMENT

What motivates an artist to create is a unique desire in each of us to express ourselves. That motivation can come from many of life's experiences causing joy, frustration, happiness, curiosity, even the desire to escape. As a full time painter, I can tell you it is seldom the same from one day to the next. Working in plein air is especially satisfying yet challenging. The ever changing light, bugs and weather all contribute to a forced concentration. Fun in a sadistic sort of way.

I enjoy working in Oils and Pastels. The richness of the palette draws me to my studio and never disappoints as the boldness of color is so exciting . The commonality of my more recent work seems to be the comfort of pure sunlight on whatever object I see. The play of light as it rounds an object forever holds fascination to the artist. Whether it be our cat pausing in the afternoon sun or the brilliance of snow on a sunny day, the urge to capture that incredible glow is irresistible.