Ginny Burdick lives and works in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Mountains in Coarsegold, California. She is known for her strong use of color and imagery in pastels, oil, and watercolor. Inspired by the beauty of the surrounding Sierra Mountains, she frequently captures memories of the many places where she has traveled. She often portrays her feeling for a particular locale in the strength of early morning or late afternoon light when shadows are strongest.
The artist has studied under a number of nationally known artists: Skip Lawrence, David Taylor, Susan Ogilvie, Richard McKinley, Richard McDaniel, Judi Betts, Gary Porter, Lavern Hutching, Jane Gyer, Guy Corriero, Thomas Sgouros, Alvaro Castagnett, Diane Maxey, Timothy Clark, Brian Ateo, Libby Tolley, Stephen Quiller, John Salminen, Clark Mitchell, Kim Lordier and others.
When asked why she paints, she replies, “As difficult as it is to express, I think painting is a metaphor for life...why we live...it is a step toward understanding. I strive to gain an understanding of the world and its beauty, to appreciate the way we live and how we integrate ourselves with our environment. I have learned that when painting a beautiful landscape, my feelings are expressed through that process. The creation of art enhances the experience of my personal life as well.”
When discussing her technique and process, the artist says, “I capture what I experience in my mind’s eye, and I explore the experience with light, color, and shape, and manipulate the physical reality until it is forced to reveal the truth of my experience. My brush and my hand are far more talented than my brain when it comes to this work. I am sometimes surprised by what shows up on paper. When it works when a painting gives the viewer an experience of entering a space and mood - I’ve created something worthwhile.”
Painting for the artist is a graphic language through which she expresses herself. She says, “I grow as an artist by taking risks, by attempting new expression in the language of paint and color.” She advises beginning artists, “Never be afraid to make a bad painting. I’ve painted a lot of bad ones that have ended up in the trash bin, and I haven’t regretted one of those failures. I learn from each one, and often failure is more valuable than success.”
“Creativity isn’t something I do on weekends; creativity is my life – in business, in family, in art.
The artist observes, “To me, the skies are filled with emotions that draw the viewer closer to the landscape. I enjoy capturing images that allow the viewer to reach inside, and feel a private sense of solitude and a sense of place.”
In December of 2012 Ginny opened a fine art gallery in Fresno, The Sense of Place, where she represents artist from throughout Central California. Ginny teaches both pastel and watercolor workshops and classes.
Ginny has a BA degree in Art from Utah State University.
