Offering an open space where all creative voices may be heard. 

Nancy Fitz-Rapalje

Nancy Fitz-Rapalje

Artist’s Statement

Why do I paint?

I paint so that tomorrow I may surprise myself with the memory of having 'looked'.

I like to be reminded of the excitement in the examined edge, of the seemingly neutral gray shadowplaced quickly on the canvas, and the surprise again in the unexpectedly many colors in the simple dark spot - just there.

I find much that is arresting in looking carefully and choosing only what seems essential for me. I make few attempts to 'copy' or to recreate carefully. I don’t aim for a precise rendition as I have neither the skill, nor the desire for minute detail. My paintings are sketches really - a quick drillingof the eye and a short alla prima battle to leavea reminder that I did 'see', for a short time.

My paintings may not work for every viewer who wasn'tpresentfor the still life - or landscape - posing so quietly in front of me. But as I look at my paintings, days or months later, I see again what I saw then; what made up a petal or a window pane, or maybe a peach, and thus I am reinvigorated. So, I paint again. Try again - amazed that a two dimensional surface brought to life by me can say, 'Here it was. And I was there.’

Canal Street Art Gallery

23 Canal Street, Bellows Falls, Vermont