Images courtesy of Courtesy of Fredericks & Freiser, NY, shared with permissionThrough Gestural Oil Paintings, Maria Calandra Guides Her Stream of Consciousness Onto CanvasDecember 21, 2024ArtNatureJackie AndresWhile traditional plein air painters capture their surroundings while outdoors, artist Maria Calandra takes a different approach. By roaming the coastal headlands of Maine, exploring the waters of Florida, and venturing out to the rolling fields of Southern France, Calandra finds inspiration in nature for her dynamic oil landscapes.The artists Brooklyn studio is laden with energy after she returns from such invigorating excursions. I paint while reflecting on that moment during a hike when you start to feel Earths vibrations pulse through your feet and up your spine, letting memory, intuition, and those leftover vibrations take the reins, she describes.Calandras painting style mimics this intensity as she translates a stream of consciousness through fluid brushstrokes and oscillating organic forms. Instinct guides the artist, who describes the act as automatic painting.This January, the artist will be in a group show atHalf Galleryin New York followed by a solo show in June at the gallerys Los Angeles location. Find more on Calandras website and follow along on Instagram.Next article