Gayle Faulkner

Since childhood, Gayle wanted to be an artist. But as an academic with little exposure to art, she did not have the opportunity to explore her creativity until many years later when she took a couple of workshops introducing the elements and principles of design and the medium of watercolor. She spent many late nights in her cold basement, perfecting her technique and creativity. For about 35 years, American artist, Gayle Faulkner sold her watercolor/mixed media paintings in juried shows and exhibitions and won many awards.  

With the onset of Covid and being secluded at home, Gayle decided to explore a new medium. The use of palette knives in conjunction with acrylic paint, gels and modeling paste has opened a new window of creativity. Gayle becomes very immersed in the creative process and has a “conversation” with the painting in order to create a place that speaks to her and the viewer. Her paintings are full of colorful textures and invite the viewer to walk into the landscape to discover a memory or a new favorite place.

"I have termed my paintings Textural Acrylics, and I get very excited as I watch the paint come off the palette knife in a variety of textures and combinations of color. Every painting is full of emotion and in-the-moment creativity. I start with an idea and a very loose drawing, usually 5-6 lines of composition, and then become immersed in the process. I have always said that a painting is like a child that you nurture, have conversations with, work through the teenage angst with love and patience and what emerges is a beautiful adult. When I paint, I put on the music (louder than I would have let my children play it), dance to the beat and even sing, which is a terrible sound. I want my joy to come across to the viewer and I want them to share the beautiful place that I have created. All are invited to enter the painting, smell the flowers, listen to the rustle of the leaves, lean against a tree and just breathe."