Molly McDonald

Drawing on past and present experiences, in combination with observation and imagination, Molly creates energetic, meditative color fields. Her style is direct--broad pencil marks, fluid brush strokes and a paint-loaded palette knife. Arresting abstract landscapes reflect an ongoing intuitive conversation between materials and ideas. Molly has contributed to numerous art educational initiatives with the Yale Center for British Art, Education Outreach Yale Art Gallery and Quinnipiac University’s “Celebration of Women in the Arts.” She collaborated on the art activities book Moved to Write by Jane Hoder, former education outreach director of the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Connecticut. Molly's art has been recognized with national and local awards. To learn more about Molly, visit her Facebook page.

Gallery One Featured Artist: Molly McDonald

G1: The paintings in the Reality Checks Exhibit are filled with color and optimism. What inspired these new works?

Molly: I’ve always had a preoccupation with the curiosities of how colors react with each other and delight in making surprising discoveries. During the pandemic, I had a shift in my approach to “why not?” and this opened a door for creative ideas to emerge. I realized that the release of color from the containment of line and form could reveal moments of wonder. Color began to speak for itself. The process of discovery in creating the work for Reality Checks was truly a source of joy.

G1: Is there a specific way that you start a new painting?

Molly: There are many possible ways that I begin a new work such as painting over bits and pieces or doing small preliminary sketches on paper. Then I directly draw with a loaded paint brush from memories of objects, figures or place. With the brush or paint stick, I often add a wash of turpentine while letting the colors flow as I chart out large areas of color. My goal at this point is to keep the fresh spirit of color alive as I proceed to build in layers of color.

G1: How do you know when to say the painting is done?

Molly: When the colors glow and when the puzzle parts seem to fit, then I know the painting is resolved and ready to be out in the world. In the end, I want the painting to convey freedom of expression and simplicity.

Click here to view Reality Checks in our virtual gallery.