Painting is quite simply a passion for American impressionist artist Blanche McAlister Harris. A nationally recognized and collected painter with an impressive and growing reputation, she has immersed herself in the study of oil painting, continually refining her own unique style of painting. She is currently studying oil painting as a protégé in an intensive program with internationally renowned plein air artist Kevin Macpherson. When she is not in her studio, the artist can usually be found painting "en plein air". Blanche draws inspiration for her paintings from her native southern landscape and from her travels, both in the United States and abroad.
The artist's work continues to receive critical acclaim, both nationally and regionally. Her painting Provençal Farm was recently selected for the 2013 Oil Painters of America National Juried Salon Show. Her painting Sunwashed Villa was juried into the prestigious American Impressionist Society's 2011 National Juried Exhibition and her painting Green Shutters was juried into the esteemed Oil Painters of America 2010 Eastern Regional Exhibition. Working with Twentieth Century Fox Studios, she provides paintings for film sets. Most currently, her paintings can be seen in "Homeland", a psychological thriller airing on Showtime. She is a member of, and has exhibited with, many respected organizations including, the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society and Women Painters of the Southeast. In presenting an award in a recent juried exhibition, the juror stated that he "was able to see a remarkable sensitivity to color and a sensual use of paint". Blanche's paintings can be found in galleries throughout the United States.
In addition to painting, Blanche co-hosts a talk radio show titled "AMO Art Chat" which is a great resource for all artists. She has interviewed many of today's leading artists including Kevin Macpherson, Quang Ho, Scott Christensen, C.W. Mundy, David Leffel and Sherrie McGraw, discussing all aspects of painting and drawing.
Artist's Statement
Creating shimmering landscapes infused with atmosphere is my aspiration as the oil paint is intuitively stroked on the canvas. Seeing the intriguing interplay of light and shadow in my subject intensifies my awareness of the luminous colors that are influenced by the constantly changing light. Luscious, yet organic colors are used to interpret the ephemeral effect of light on color. Color harmony is used to express atmosphere and mood. Shadows are no longer just dark shapes, but are filled with subtle nuances of evocative color. Paint is layered and often scraped away to achieve richness, luminosity, and most importantly to evoke a memory. The layers of paint revealed allude to glimpses into our memory, a sense of longing and spirituality. Painting is about magically capturing the impression of a moment in time that may never again exist, revealing and conveying the transcendent quality of nature.
Education
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC: minor Art History
St. Mary's College, Raleigh, NC: undergraduate studies in Art History
Selected Exhibitions
2013 Oil Painters of America National Juried Salon Exhibition, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey, MI
2103 Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Imagine Gallery, Franklin, TN
2012 Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Corse Gallery & Atelier, Jacksonville, FL
2011 American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibition, Mountainsong Gallery, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
2010 Corse Gallery & Atelier, Jacksonville, FL, "A Grand Affair"
Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition, Walls Fine Art Gallery, Wilmington, NC
Sophia's Fine Art, Charlotte,NC, "3rd Annual Spring Exhibition"
Sophia's Fine Art, Charlotte, NC, "Forest for the Trees"
2009 Sophia's Fine Art, Charlotte, NC, "Artist's Open House"
Chasen Galleries, Richmond, VA, "Modern Impressionists, Contemporary Artists"
The Linville Gallery at Tynecastle, Banner Elk, NC, "From the Mountains to the Sea"
2008 Chasen Galleries, Charlotte, NC, "The Best of Chasen"
Chasen Galleries, Charlotte, NC, "Four Incredible NC Artists"
Chasen Galleries, Charlotte, NC, "Let's Celebrate Our Surroundings"
Honors and Awards
2011 Finalist, American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibition, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
2010 Finalist, Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition, Wilmington, NC
Film Credits
"Homeland" by 20th Century Fox, 2011
Publications
Artist Mentors Online Magazine, May 2011
American Art Collector Magazine, November 2010
Corporate Collections
Braxton Capital Management, New York, NY
Professional Organizations
American Impressionist Society
Oil Painters of America
Women Painters of the Southeast
