Artist’s Statement: The 2026 Sketchbook Series
Starstruck
This new series of entries in my 2026 Art Sketchbook Journal represents a dedicated return to "art for my own pleasure," acting as a bridge between the literal landscapes of North Texas and my own internal, expressive geography. My creative practice as a landscape artist has always been a dialogue with the natural world, and these studies allow me to move away from the literal constraints of a reference to find the lyrical rhythm inherent in the land.
By translating serene moments into the vibrant language of Fauvism and Expressionism, I aim to capture the vibrating energy of the atmosphere and the rhythmic pulse of the ridges rather than a static representation. These works are an exploration of technical harmony—specifically the "dark heart" of deep purples and blacks that can anchor a composition, and the push-pull of complementary colors between cool mountain blues and warm, glowing embers.
Ultimately, this sketchbook serves as a space for growth and technical play. It is a celebration of the joy found in a new page, where I can practice the "Practicing Art" philosophy by exploring how values and hues interact to turn a quiet night into a celestial wonder.
Gratefully yours
Ruth Elizabeth Nuckols Cox Williamson
