Artist’s Statement:  Rocks, ocean and sky provide an endless interplay of shape, color and contrast for LeGendre. She is inspired by pattern and seasonal transitions as seen in clouds, ocean, trees and flora. The varied texture of coastal rock outcroppings are a major focus of her paintings. Firmly grounded in coastal New England these paintings capture the permanence of rocks, the vastness of the ocean and the infinity of the horizon. Beyond a strong sense of place, her paintings evoke optimism. They simultaneously offer respite, and a whisper of rebellion against the many forces eroding our natural world. Sea Smoke Studio on Lexington Ave in Magnolia, a community in Gloucester, Massachusetts now offers LeGendre’s vibrant seascapes and other paintings.

 

Bio: Nancy LeGendre has painted the landscape of Cape Ann for over a decade. She has found her voice through constant looking, exaggerated color, and expressive brushwork. Her media is water miscible oil paints on canvas or cradled wood. She’s inspired by the basic elements of rocks, ocean and clouds/ sky found at our coast. In addition to color and active brushwork in oils, LeGendre explores gouache, oil paint-stix, acrylic markers and fluorescent media. These fluorescent marks are invisible under normal lighting but appear when viewed under black light, creating an unanticipated effect. LeGendre has had the pleasure of painting en plein air with many members of the vibrant art communities on Cape Ann.

Addendum: Our adult daughters, Julia and Lilly have a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Pitt Hopkins Syndrome. They also have an aptitude for mark making, painting and creativity. See their work under “Intuitive Art by Julia&Lilly.” Joyfulness and unbridled energy in applying paint is evident on their canvases. They share their mother’s love for color, active brushwork and intuitive expression.