Sanctuary - Solo Exhibit December 14 through January 21 at D’art Gallery
Time and Place: Solo Show December 21 Through January 14, East Gallery in D’art Gallery, 900 Sante Fe Drive, Denver, CO.
Open Thursday through Sunday: Thursday 12-5pm, Friday 12-9pm, Saturday 12-5 pm, Sunday 1-4pm
Sanctuary Artist Statement
In my artistic exploration of "Sanctuary," I delve into the profound essence of a garden as more than a mere physical space—it is a living, breathing sanctuary that nurtures all its stakeholders, from the creators to the admirers to the pollinators.
Gardens are cultivated and crafted with intention, love, and a sense of stewardship. In "Sanctuary," I seek to capture the essence of the creators—the hands that plant, nurture, and sculpt the landscape. Through the strokes of my brush or the lines of my pen, I convey the profound connection between the caretaker and the earth, exploring the intentionality behind every plant, every pathway, and every corner of this sacred space.
Within the sanctuary, admirers find solace and inspiration. Figures meander through the verdant landscape, finding places to sit, reflect, and connect with nature. The garden becomes a refuge, a haven where the human spirit is rejuvenated, and a profound connection to the natural world is rekindled. In this sanctuary, the act of admiration becomes a reciprocal exchange—humanity finding solace and the garden finding purpose through human interaction.
Crucially, "Sanctuary" extends its arms to the smallest yet most vital stakeholders—the pollinators. Butterflies, bees, and birds dance among the blooms, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all living things within this ecosystem. The garden becomes a symphony of life, each participant uniquely sustaining the vibrant tapestry of colors and fragrances.
The color palette of "Sanctuary" reflects the richness of a well-tended garden—earthy tones grounding the composition, lush greens breathing life into the foliage, and vibrant floral hues infusing energy into the scene. Every brushstroke is intentional, each detail carefully crafted to convey the emotional tone of the sanctuary—a space that evokes serenity, joy, and a profound sense of awe.
As a series, "Sanctuary" weaves a narrative thread that connects each piece, exploring the cyclical patterns of growth and renewal, the interconnectedness of life, and the timeless beauty inherent in these cultivated spaces. "Sanctuary" is an invitation to pause, reflect, and immerse oneself in the sanctuary of nature—a reminder that we find a profound refuge for the soul in the act of creation, admiration, and symbiosis.
The paintings are created with watercolor, gouache, and ink on canvas. They are preserved with an archival varnish.
Judy Doherty is an American-born artist from the San Francisco Bay Area, based in Denver, Colorado, where she resides with three beloved golden doodle dogs. She is the mom of one adult son living in California.
Judy works with many mediums, including watercolors, gouache, acrylic, carbon, charcoal, and ink, on topics about environmental sustainability. Currently, she is working on illuminating the importance of pollinators and the urgent need to protect their habitats. With the declining populations of butterflies and other pollinating insects, we face a looming threat to global food security and ecological stability. She strives to raise awareness of this pressing environmental issue through her art.
The Peace Garden Series
My paintings use a rich, organic color palette and they provide a visual language and tone for a room. They bring organic shapes, colors, and lines indoors.
Sanctuary will be showing at D’art Gallery from December 21st, 2023 to January 14, 2024.
Summer Butterfly Series
In Bloom, upcycled sculpture from leftover paint, yupo paper, wire, canvas scraps, and wood.
Judy Doherty is an American-born artist from the San Francisco Bay Area, based in Denver, Colorado, where she resides with three beloved golden doodle dogs. She is the mom of one adult son living in the Bay Area.
Judy works with many mediums, including watercolors, gouache, acrylic, carbon, charcoal, and ink, on topics about environmental sustainability. Currently, she is working on illuminating the importance of pollinators and the urgent need to protect their habitats. With the declining populations of butterflies and other pollinating insects, we face a looming threat to global food security and ecological stability. She strives to raise awareness of this pressing environmental issue through her art.
