About the Artist | artworkbyingridlates

I began painting in mid-life after a first career in International Education and several years spent living and working in Japan. As my two boys reached elementary and middle school I began taking plein air painting classes and have studied and painted furiously for the past several years.

I love painting, both plein-air and in my art studios, one at home in Virginia and my new studio, South Street Studio, on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Oxford, MD.

My approach is to paint what makes me happy, or calls my attention, in a very loose and carefree style. I paint mostly in oils but in in Fall of 2019 I began experimenting with abstract acrylics.

When not plein air painting in the greater Washington, DC area, most of my art inspirations reflect my love of the Virginia countryside; farms, barns, winding country roads, open space, trees, creeks, rivers and pastures. In particular I have deep roots and connections to Madison and Rockbridge Counties, Virginia and those landscapes inspire me.

Recently, I have been painting more scenes from the Eastern Shore of Maryland which captures my heart and imagination. I love water, marinas, boats, and sunrises and sunsets. My new studio, South Street Studio, is located in Oxford, Maryland.

In creating I first try to connect with my subject, capture the energy of the place or living being, and transfer that into the painting itself. I do not draw first but dive right into the painting and mold the shapes and colors as I move across the canvas. As I paint I usually hold an intention for the painting, especially if a painting is meant for a particular person. I hope that my work will always bring joy.