ARTIST'S BIO
Artist Bio
Elizabeth is a painter working primarily in oil and watercolor. Her subject matter includes; landscape, abstracted landscape, and pure abstraction. Elizabeth’s work is held by private collectors in the United states, Europe and the UAE. Originally from California, Ms. Garat currently resides in Memphis, working out of her Memphis studio; Rose’Neath. She is a Fine Arts Faculty member at St. Mary's Episcopal School for Girls.
Artist Statement
As a child growing up on my grandfather's ranch in southern California and in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, I spent a lot of time outdoors playing under big skies and noticing the magical effects of light in nature - especially during the golden hour. In the quiet space of my room, I liked to immerse myself in drawing. These early activities led to my engagement in the two kinds of painting I primarily practice today: plein air (on location) and studio.
I scout for three things when selecting subject matter: an inspiring light effect, the intersection of interesting compositional shapes, and the sensation of something stirring me. By taking my camera with me when I go for a walk, I’m ready to document an arresting moment in the landscape. Claude Monet said, "The motif is secondary; what I want to capture is what exists between the motif and myself." My goal is not to merely reproduce a scene, but to uncover how the scene makes me feel and use the tools I have as an artist: emphasis, color, brushstrokes - to bring forth that mood.
