Jade And Ivory 2014

Terri Kelly Moyers made this painting, "Jade and Ivory," using oil paints to create a scene of quiet contemplation. Look at how the light falls, not in hard lines, but in gentle shifts across the surface. The way Moyers handles the paint feels very traditional, almost classical. She's built up the forms slowly, carefully blending the colors to give a smooth, polished finish. It's clear she is interested in capturing the texture of the fabric of the dress, and the softness of the woman's skin. But it's in the jade plant where the paint handling is most interesting. See how the leaves have a kind of muted vibrancy, rendered in a soft and subdued palette. This piece reminds me of the work of John Singer Sargent, an artist who was also deeply interested in portraying light and elegance. Just like Sargent, Moyers invites us into a world of beauty, where the act of looking becomes a form of pleasure.