McAdams Studio

This work may be small but it is mighty, ripe with visual information. The verticalness of this small painting gives it importance. The bright contrasting color palette energizes the tiny space. The play of light, through the trees and onto the surfaces creates a great sense of visual depth. The subtle nature of the tiny marks created through the subtractive process, causes almost an electric feel. It’s almost as if the viewer can see the leaves move in the breeze, watch the patches of sunlight dance along the sidewalk and see the ripple of the reflection of themselves in the window.

This is a very fine, very small artwork that shows just how beautifully the artist can draw. The figure is fresh and naturalistic, and the body’s gesture, shown from behind, is confidently indicated, particularly by the folds of the patterned sweater. If I were teaching scratchboard technique, I would gladly use a picture of this work as a perfect example of how to use scratch pen and colored ink.

“The quaint size of this work is a playful trick because I was delighted with the detail, skill and intention of the artist. This scratchboard piece left a satisfying impression. I wish I could reach out and touch that caterpillar, the one I recognize from the backyard of my childhood home. Lori captured the fragileness of the fine hair, and preciousness of a living form. As I was admiring the intentionality of the strokes and finesse of body, I was charmed by being duped to admire an insect that is historically an agricultural pest, capable of causing enormous damage to farmland and crops. While also a serious nuisance, caterpillars have been used for silk, food and biological control of invasive plants. This small piece really had me reconsidering nature, indeed.”

Antiquing drew me in and made me want to know more. ... McAdams’ perspective and attention to detail made me hear the boards.

This piece exhibits mastery of the painting technique. The colors are strong. Light and shadow are well established, and the framing is unexpected and refreshing. O like being suprised and this piece did!