California painter Heidi Hybl shares an ethereal collection of abstract landscapes inspired by the coastal atmosphere. See more of her portfolio on her website.
“Elusive Perspective” oil on canvas, 40” x 30”
I live on the Big Sur Coast of California. This location provides me with the inspiration for this body of work. There are many aspects of the environment that are thrilling, awe-inspiring and stimulating for anyone who has curiosity about the natural world. The views are dramatic. Steep cliffs drop to the Pacific Ocean. Sunsets are gorgeous, providing the viewer with continuous displays of changing colors — sometimes subtle in tone, often striking, depending on the time of the year and the atmospheric conditions.
“Red Sky” oil on canvas, 14” x 11”
Frequently, fog does a slow dance up the canyons, meandering and hesitating along its path, often retreating to hover over the ocean. To add to the mysterious quality of this landscape, there is rarely a distinct horizon line over the Pacific. Rather, the colors of the sky and the ocean often bleed into one another, merging together as if they are having a quiet conversation.
“Soft Focus” oil on canvas, 30” x 30”
I am particularly taken with the cyclical aspects of nature and with the passage of time. One can trace the path of the sun and the moon throughout the seasons as they progress across the sky and rise and set behind the hillsides.
“Deep Green” oil on canvas, 36” x 24”
In the morning I watch the sun make its way down the canyon wall, lighting up trees that it touches along its path. I observe cycles of growth and decay on a grand scale.
“One’s Own Horizon” oil on canvas, 12” x 12”
My imagery is abstracted landscape. Not having to comply to a strict recreation of the visual field before me, abstraction allows me freedom in the interpretation of my subject matter. I am interested in evoking what I experience through all my senses.
“Specializing in Stillness” 36” x 36”
I pay attention to the paint itself, often exploiting chance occurrences during the painting process. Paint is the medium between me and my observations of the world around me. I use contrasts, between color choices, light and dark values, textured or smooth surfaces — that do battle on the surface of each piece. When the opposing elements find their dynamic equilibrium, I quit working. I reduce what I see to light, motion, and simplified form. Then I ask the viewer to complete the picture in his or her own mind.
“Animating the Invisible” oil on canvas, 40” x 30”
I was born in Chicago and grew up roaming the galleries of the Art Institute. My early professional life was spent in the medical field; a continuing interest in biology informs my work. Since moving to California I studied art at the University of California at Santa Cruz and Monterey Peninsula College.
“Green Earth” oil on canvas, 24” x 24”
I’ve had many one woman exhibits and have participated in juried and group exhibitions across the United States. I taught art to children and adults, served on the Board of Directors of Artists’ Equity and the Big Sur Arts Initiative and interviewed artists on Public Radio. Currently I maintain a studio in Big Sur and paint full time.
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