Watershed Journeys
Paintings by Connecticut Plein Air Artist, Diana Rogers
March 22 – May 28, 2024
Artist Reception: Sunday, April 14 @ 3-4:30 pm
Earth Day, Virtual Panel Discussion, Monday, April 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
Panelists: Artist, Diana Rogers; Environmental Photographer and Artist, Jeffrey Feldmann; and Environmentalist, Editor and Publisher of Estuary Magazine, Richard H. Shriver. Required Registration
Diana Rogers is a Connecticut-based plein air artist who captures the changes of nature by surrounding herself with it year-round. “En plein air” (meaning “in the open air”) is a French expression that describes the practice of painting outside, in nature, to capture subtleties of light. As her senses are heightened by nature’s influence, Rogers can feel its power and presence while she creates. She believes nature’s inherent rhythms connect to our lives, if we embrace its gifts.
The Connecticut River and its surrounding watershed are the subject for Rogers’ Watershed Journeys. The River is a vital resource to all living creatures and natural systems. As Rogers states, “During this project, I witnessed the unfolding seasons and the cycle of renewal in nature. Spring and summer sprouted lush greens, and autumn’s blazing colors eventually faded into quiet winter hues. The resulting paintings are like candid portraits that reflect the rhythms of life across the ecosystem.”
Rogers often uses maps to explore spaces that she can access. Examining the Connecticut River and its watershed closely allows her to observe its uniqueness in detail. It is the “research” of her process. By observing, she connects the ecology to the exceptional character of the region, which supports the relevance of her work. Through her work, Rogers wishes to highlight the importance of this natural resource and bring attention to the continued need to protect it against climate change.
Rogers’ medium is pastels. Vibrant colors and dynamic mark-making combine to capture nature’s movement and energy. Rogers uses “pure pigment pastels,” which allow her to work quickly, analyze light and its dimensions, and produce varied colors, texture and patterns. Many pastelists use the term “painting” in reference to their medium, since pastels are pure pigment (pure color media), as are acrylics or oil paints.
Rogers has a background in the medical and scientific fields, which influence her art-making practice today. She is represented by Gallery One CT, and her work is held in private and public collections across the US. She has received numerous awards including First Place for Abstract Painting and Outstanding Pastel Painting in the BoldBrush National Art Competition. As an arts advocate, Rogers is active in national and regional organizations including American Women Artists, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, CT Women Artists, CT Pastel Society, and the Mystic Museum of Art. More information can be found at dianarogersfineart.com
