Dans Papers - May 11, 2007 - Honoring the Artist: Eileen Dawn Skretch

The cover painting this week represents a departure for its artist, Eileen Dawn Skretch. In the following conversation, Ms. Skretch explains why as she discusses a variety of subjects.

Q: What is it about the cover, "Northwest Harbor Clouds," that's different from your usual work?

A: It's an oil painting on wood; I usually don't use wood. I was influenced by Terry Elkins, who also uses wood. I love the smoothness of it and preparing the material so the grain comes through.

Q: What is it about wood that enhances your paintings' themes?

A: For example, if I'm doing a landscape of freshly planted fields in the fog, I'd go with a dark wood to convey the atmosphere. Another example: I would usually use birch when I'm painting wheat fields. For the cover piece, I chose a panel according to the wood grain. Also, wood grain causes a ripple unlike ripples in canvas. I like that.

Q: Where did you get this interest in wood?

A: I studied cabinet - making years ago. Besides, there are carpenters in the family. I was prepared to work with wood: I have sanders, power tools. I even bought new tools. I've refinished furniture before.

Q: How much woodworking do you have to do on a project?

A: For the cover painting, I had to build a support system for the panels, so a bit of woodworking was needed. A woman and her power tools is a beautiful thing.

Q: I love that slogan. Besides the wood, the fact that you are an "en plein air" artist is also special.

A: Yes. I love the outdoors; I've painted landscapes all my life. I come from a farming family so it comes naturally. I'm especially drawn to the flatness of the land, the open spaces.

Q: What other associations do you have that connect you to the land?

A: I am very much involved with the Peconic Land Trust. There's a group of us who paint outdoors. And my work will be on display all of July at the Water Mill Museum to benefit the South Fork Breast Health Coalition.

Q: What is it that you particularly like when you observe the local landscape?

A: I love marshes, especially out here. The grasses are ever changing - pink, yellow, emerald green. The marshes can be a black color too, at the high tide line.

Q: Were there any particular artists who inspired you?

A: I know it's not fashionable, but I like the Impressionists. They can paint the same thing but it comes out completely different.

Q: What else has influenced you?

A: My farming background. Watching something grew out of nothing, like when you paint an image. I am also strongly influenced by the local scenes here. And the fact that we can drive by the same landscape every day and not take the time to appreciate the scenery. I say to myself, "This is where I live. It drives me crazy. "

Q: "Crazy" in a good way.

-Marion Wolberg Weiss

Ms. Skretch's website is: www.eileenskretch.com. Her work can also be seen at Greenport's South Street Gallery. The show at the Water Mill Museum will be on view from May 24- June 11. The cover was photographed by Gary Mamay.