Wallace Harding

A Biographical Sketch & Statement
I was born on the first day of spring and that, plus a great many other factors, has influenced my art. I grew up by the sea and flowers were always a big part of my life. Ice skating was my early passion and that has influenced my figure drawing. I wanted to draw from an early age but showed no artistic talent. But somewhere deep inside I had to draw and when I got to college age, I dared and won. I could draw and paint! It was a miracle, and I applied myself with every cell of intelligence and passion for learning all I could--anatomy, drawing, painting in oils, watercolor. I also went on an adventure to discover what I loved and how I could express my values in my art.

I moved to New York City and studied at the Art Students League. I earned a scholarship and then became the monitor for painting instructor Robert Brackman. I went to see dance and hear music, and to museums and art shows. I tried to go deep into my work so that my technical ability would be in the service of my content. I studied acting and had a dual career for a while. I became a figure drawing in a play, moving, expressing with voice and body the intent of the playwright. Everything I did fed into my art.

Now I live on the Housatonic River in Connecticut with my architect husband who designed my studio-greenhouse where I paint flowers I grow. When I am painting plein air, I focus on light, color, rhythms and atmosphere of nature's wonders. Mountains, rivers, ponds, the ocean and gardens are some of my subjects.

Art is my personal expression of my feelings about the world. I try to capture special moments of beauty, depth, and caring. I want to touch people in a positive way.

My work has been exhibited nationally and is in collections in Europe, South America, and the U.S. I am a life member of The Art Student's League of NYC. I am represented by the Lenox Gallery of Fine Art, Lenox, MA and the Fairholme Gallery in Villanova, PA.



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