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Culp, a respected plein-air painter, spent her early adult years studying art in New York. In the late 1970s, she moved to California and became captivated by the desert’s beauty. In the book’s forward, Stanley Lewis explains that the artist is able to capture the magic of stark scenery because “she is out there.” She takes all her equipment to remote sites, where she spends hours creating images.
This book is an elegant celebration of Culp and her cherished artwork. The breathtaking pictures of her output are presented in full color. Although confined to the two-dimensional page, the stunning hues and interesting forms evoke an emotional response from the viewer. The works come across as thoughtful and sophisticated without being pretentious. This is a fascinating exploration of a dynamic artist and her creative process.
What makes this book unique is the diverse assortment of sources about the artist herself. Pictures of her and her favorite places to paint bring the subjects into sharp focus. The inclusion of poems, maps, and a timeline draws the reader further into her world. This is anchored by excerpts of an interview with the artist cleverly threaded through the vibrant pages of art. Culp shares her intriguing perspectives on life in the desert and art with a variety of media. This book is visually beautiful and intellectually stimulating. It is a balance of art and narrative. Art lovers will find this collection exciting. Unlike some art books that sit on the coffee table, this one will undoubtedly become the focus of the conversation.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review