Watercolor artist Therese Payne Ferguson says she finds inspiration almost everywhere. In each of her paintings, the flashes of color that spring from her brushes reveal an artistic spirit deeply connected to the natural world.
Ferguson’s artwork offers a vivid tour of the Treasure Coast, capturing its hidden historic gems, lesser-known attractions and tucked-away cafés, as well as a rich array of flora and fauna.
“When I’m walking outside, spot a garden of blooming florals, or any of the local birds, my painterly wheels begin to turn. Even a piece of glass sparkling on the sidewalk can ignite an idea,” says Ferguson.
Even grocery shopping can spark an idea. Ferguson often chooses fruits and vegetables for their unusual shapes or vivid colors, later using them as subjects in her still life paintings. She says she enjoys setting up still life arrangements for her paintings.
Although Ferguson says she does enjoy plein air painting, she generally uses photographs as the basis for most of her work. She explains that while photo images may distort colors and lines, she has learned to adjust.
“I do admire plein air artwork but never seem to have the time to do it. I love colorful subjects and you will see that in all my paintings. My style is realistic, but I like to keep it so that it has a painterly touch, so you still see some of the brush work.”
The colorful finery of the vibrant macaws featured in “Birds of a Feather” is characteristic of Ferguson’s luminous style. Likewise, the innocence of a little girl is portrayed in a portrait of “Abigail,” and “Ballerinas” captures the grace of beginner dancers in a style reminiscent of Impressionistic artist Edgar Degas.
“’Every painting is like a new journey since you do whatever is needed to make the painting on paper match what you have in your head,” says Ferguson.
“Sometimes, watercolor has a mind of its own which can be a good thing. It will create beautiful color blending or an unfolding that you must sit back and see how it dries before proceeding. Those little surprises can be frustrating but also exciting.”
Ferguson brings life to “Rossetter House,” a historic home in Melbourne, by injecting the detail of a cat preening itself at the gate to the property, and by the introduction of seagulls against a lively sky and people on the wharf of “Boat Dock.”
“Painting and drawing have always been a part of my life. I was one of those kids who liked to draw. I worked in acrylics, oils and pastels early on. But after I saw a watercolor demo by an artist who used a lot of rich deep color, not wishy-washy paintings that were so common back then, is when I knew I had to try it.”
Fergurson studied art at Eau Gallie High School and at Brevard Community College (today’s Eastern Florida College). Over the years, she has taken various workshops, including at the Brevard Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor Society.
She now teaches classes at the Satellite Beach Recreation Department and at her studio.
“Watercolors have been a lifelong journey to figure them out as I go. No one was teaching watercolors back then and we didn’t have online tutorials. So, there were a lot of trial and errors till I figured it out. I’m still learning as I go along.”
From the moment she takes the photographs to sketching the composition and transferring it to paper, she ponders how best to handle the project. Even when a promising idea presents itself, she admits that by using watercolors, the piece could end up taking a decidedly different journey at any point along the way.
“There are numerous objects waiting for their time to shine. I have taught watercolors for over 40 years; teaching also is an opportunity to increase your skills. I have been challenged to try something new or even learn from my students. One of my goals with students is to transform a nice painting to an aaah painting that gets noticed.”
Ferguson and husband, Larry, have two sons. Both, she says, are exceptionally talented and she is already coaching their two grandchildren how to hold pencils and brushes. They are also kept laughing all the time by the antics of Ginger, their personable, ‘talkative’ rescue mixed-breed dog, who is almost 4 years old.
“I am a signature member of the Women In Watercolor, a lifetime signature member of the Southern Watercolor Society, and a distinguished signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society,” says Ferguson.
“The signature status is given after an artist has been accepted into three shows; and the extra signature status is from being accepted 10 or more times.”
She explains that the initials from each of the societies can be seen after an artist’s name when they sign their paintings. She also serves on the Brevard Cultural Alliance Board for its Art in Public Places initiative.
Ferguson will hold demonstrations at the Southern Watercolor Society SW convention in October, where her painting “Blue Glassware and Lace” has been accepted. Her work can also be viewed at the Highland Art Studios & Gallery in Melbourne’s Eau Gallie Arts District.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
