Exploring The Landscape through Miniature Pastel Paintings: Original Artworks by Rosann Toma
This August, the Livingston Public Library is exhibiting miniature pastel paintings by Rosann Toma, local Essex County artist, working in various mediums such as pastel, acrylic, charcoal, watercolor and graphite. Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous exhibits and juried shows and have won honors and awards from various organizations throughout New Jersey. Her works are sometimes abstract, but mostly representational, with the aim of exploring the gestures, emotions, and narratives of everyday life.
Artist’s Statement
Creative activities and crafts have been an integral part of my life and have provided me with happiness ever since I was young. It wasn’t until I moved to New Jersey, approximately 30 years ago, that I began to seriously undertake painting and drawing. I studied with instructors at the Livingston Arts Association, at the Yard School of Art in the Montclair Art Museum and have continued my art education taking various workshops and classes throughout New Jersey. I enjoy working in various styles and media. My paintings have been exhibited in numerous exhibits and juried shows and have won honors and awards from various organizations.
Painting has provided me with much joy and has been a wonderful outlet for self- expression. Having worked in health care for most of my life, I have come to appreciate how fragile each moment can be, how precious our relationships are and the special attachment we feel to people, place or time. Painting can explore our unique experiences as a visual language and story. I try to capture these visual stories to share with the viewer. This display is an exploration of miniature images that feel like a snapshot in time. Their small size increases the attention and engagement of the viewer. I have chosen to use soft pastels as the painting medium to add a sense of impermanence, delicacy and mystery to each image. Perhaps these paintings will remind you of someone, someplace, or something you have experienced or shared. I hope you enjoy them.
Email: Rosannarts1@gmail.com