After the Rain

by Meaghan Troup

“I create visual escapes using palette knives and oil paints on canvas. Dynamic textures created through an expressive impasto technique are characteristic of my work and amplify the sense of depth in each piece. Vivid color creates unique energy that draws the observer into the painted space. Use of palette knives opens up the possibility of accidental forms and marks. I respond to those results, letting them guide the painting. The process continues over several layers, resulting in images that evoke both movement and tranquility. Throughout my work, there is an appreciation for the transience of life, and concurrently, our boundless capacity for hope. Many describe my pieces as simultaneously vibrant and peaceful, a quality that stems from my deep faith in God and a three-year battle with leukemia as a teenager, which taught me to see the beauty in life regardless of circumstances. My work is inspired by nature, as I believe the splendor around us is one of the most amazing ways God touches us with His presence. I endeavor to create work that speaks to our shared human experience and have a deep interest in the connection between art and healing. A universal language, art reaches people across boundaries, offers alternative perspectives, inspiration, and provides a visual break from daily stressors. Art can connect communities and promote physical, emotional, and mental healing. Akin to my own experience with art's healing abilities, the goal of my work is to provide a visual resting place where viewers can escape, unload the burdens of their day, and be reminded of the joy, hope, and wonder all around us.”