Unique rock formations scatter across the landscapes of the southwest United States. The intensely saturated oranges and magentas of the sunburned rock draw the eye from the nearest base of the arch, up the edge of the canvas, across the top of the arch, and back into the depths of the landscape. The green desert foliage gives some relief from the heat, while its crooked branches keep the eye moving through the canvas.
Little Rock native Kristen Hess has been taken captive by the rich colors and thick textures of oil paints since 2005. Her work combines the effect of light on her subjects with expressive brushstrokes, creating movement and depth in her pieces. Her representational style along with an extensive background in drawing come together with the atmospheric colors of the impressionists to create paintings that capture the emotion of the place or subject.