Featured Artist Teresa Haag

Painter Teresa Haag shares her portfolio, inspired by streets and urban memories. Enjoy her work and see more by visiting her website.

 

"Weekend in Montauk" by artist Teresa Haag

“Weekend in Montauk” by artist Teresa Haag

 

I tell stories through cityscapes. Old buildings and streets have so much to say and I try to share that through my work.

I wasn’t sure which direction I wanted to go in as an artist. It seemed as though I was painting every subject in every style. I hadn’t found my voice. The most frustrating critical component of being an artist is the pursuit of one’s own style.

 

"Frankford and Arrott" by artist Teresa Haag

“Frankford and Arrott” by artist Teresa Haag

 

In 2009, I took a business trip to San Francisco and after exploring the busy city streets one evening, I found myself hooked. I dug out the camera and sketchbook from the bottom of my bag and snapped several photos and jotted down some ideas. I could not wait to get back home.

 

"Inner Harbor" by artist Teresa Haag

“Inner Harbor” by artist Teresa Haag

 

Once home, I was ready to get going on the piece that I had just planned on the plane. There were several used canvases from a class that I had taken the year before just lying around my studio. No new ones.

I hastily grabbed an old still life of a vase painted in acrylic and decided to wallpaper it with torn up newspaper and clear gesso that I had previously purchased on a whim. This would give me a fresh surface to work with.

 

"Genesee" by artist Teresa Haag

“Genesee” by artist Teresa Haag

 

I was instantly drawn to the texture of the clear gesso (it is quite gritty) and energy of the words from the newspaper below. It felt like I was creating something meaningful out of a canvas full of chaos. This eliminated that “blank white canvas” feeling, which in turn, increased my confidence. “Powell Street” took shape, and it became the first in this series that I have been exploring for the past 4 years.

 

"Powell Street" by artist Teresa Haag

“Powell Street” by artist Teresa Haag

 

I am currently creating a body of work for an upcoming solo show this April 2013. The theme, Life on the Road, reflects the years that I spent traveling as a sales rep.

 

"Top of the World" by artist Teresa Haag

“Top of the World” by artist Teresa Haag

 

The pieces range from big city skylines, winding roads, and old mills and power plants that no longer stand today. I reduce the human presence purposely to allow for the streets and buildings to be heard. I try and think of my cityscapes as a portrait artist would think of their subject.

 

"Manayunk Bridge" by artist Teresa Haag

“Manayunk Bridge” by artist Teresa Haag

 

I welcome the little imperfections that I find only when painting or sketching a subject. A broken fence, crooked fire escape, or crumbling brick from a wall all remind me of lines and wrinkles in a face that has really lived.

After my solo show, I’ll be spending the summer at outdoor art exhibitions. Additionally, I am learning more about gallery representation and trying to decide if it would be a good fit for me.

 

"Paris Rooftops" by artist Teresa Haag

“Paris Rooftops” by artist Teresa Haag

 

Ultimately, I want to paint full time. Once my children start school, and I take that next step in my career, it will be as a full time artist.

 

Teresa Haag invites you to connect with her on Facebook and Twitter, and follow her blog.

Comments

  1. Very very nice work Teresa!

  2. I love your paintings! you have a very unique style that’s very distinct…in a sea of paintings these days, that is a really good thing! I especially love Top of the World…your skies are beautiful…nice contrast next to the buildings!!

    • Kathryn, thank you so much for your insights on my work. Top of the World is a favorite of mine as well. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. You made my day. Cheers!

  3. Beautiful works and a very distinct style. Congratulations!

  4. Amalya, firstly, I just love your name! Thank you so much for taking time to post a comment. I had a lot of trial and error before I fell into a style that I was proud of and “felt like me”. I appreciate you taking notice. 🙂 Cheers!

  5. Beautiful work Teresa, and l also love your distinctive style.

  6. Moira Haag says

    Such a great explanation of your work and your process!

  7. There are so many things I like about your work and the story you’ve told! Someday, I’m going to have a webpage where I mention artists who intrigue & inspire me. I’ll be back in touch when I’ve done it. May you continue to enjoy sharing your journey.

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