Artist Rebecca Skelton

Artist Statement

The making of art and viewing of art are transformational experiences. It is easy to express anger, horror and pain. The challenge is to reach beyond the present. I would like the viewing of my work to be a healing force and to evoke an emotional release.
Although most of my work contains an undercurrent of longing and melancholy, I feel the characters are surviving to brave another day. It is my wish that the intrinsic sadness is overshadowed by the beauty of the forms and tones. I try to honestly portray something of the personality of the model. The models are an inspiration for me and I hope the drawings are an inspiration to the viewer.
The exact colors vary depending on the particular emotion I am trying to convey, but they are often based on copper, brass, and their patinas. I am hoping to show the humanity of the models through the warmth of this luster.

Bio

Rebecca Skelton earned her B.F.A. and M.F.A. in painting from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.  She moved to Atlanta in 1979 where she worked in the advertising industry. After moving to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1985, she reestablished her career as an artist and teacher.
Ms. Skelton’s prize-winning work has been collected, exhibited, and published since 1974. She has taught art classes for University of Tampa, St. Petersburg College, USF St. Petersburg, HCC Ybor, and Eckerd College as well as for the Morean Arts Center, Creative Clay, Youth Arts Corps, and the Dali Museum.
As a volunteer, Ms. Skelton has participated in many community projects, including for St. Petersburg’s First Night, the Museum of Fine Arts Garden Party series, the Salvador Dali Museum, WMNF, the Humane Society, American Stage, Stageworks, Tampa Aids Network, Habitat for Humanity, CASA, Katrina/Rita hurricane relief, Family Resources, Family Services, Bayfront Hospital and Southeastern Guide Dogs.

 Rebecca’s Website