The lovely Shenandoah River flows gently through the surrounding countryside. This is a morning view, looking upstream. One can imagine a solitary figure paddling a bark or hidebound canoe through the slowly moving current.
It is a long, downhill walk to Cedar Creek from the house. On certain summer mornings you can trace its meandering curves by the plumes of mist rising from its cold waters.
The maple tree in Bleyler's field is a constant source of inspiration. A perfectly formed little tree it occupies a field surrounded by cedars. In this painting, the morning light has struck its autumn-colored leaves with fire.
Massanutten Mountain and Signal Knob loom large in my mind's eye. The mountain is a permanent part of my mental store of inspiration. The road through Sandy Hook really does end at the mountain's base.
The shrubs, foliage plants, and flowers form a riot of color and texture around the herbalist's house. The early morning light illuminates a swath of patterned hues.
This is a view of the Massanutten Mountain range looking south on a lovely, clear, early summer evening. The sky is filled with clouds reflecting the warm light of the setting sun. The houses glow in the same reflected light. The mountain's green bulk looms above the little houses. I envy their closeness to the mountain.
Diane Artz Furlong is well acquainted with the landscape of the northern Shenandoah Valley. A lifelong resident, she continues to be inspired daily by the startling visual beauty of the mountains, hills, woods, fields and streams that make up the countryside surrounding her home in Oranda. Considering herself to have been an artist all her life, it is only within the last 3 years that she began to devote herself fulltime to her passion, focusing on mastering the medium of pastel. Largely self-taught, Diane works daily exploring the possibilities of pastel with intimate expressions of her love for the landscape.
Currently showing work at the 7East Gallery, Woodstock, Virginia.
Member of VECCA (Valley Educational Center for the Creative Arts).
Solo shows:
2008: The Atrium, Lord Fairfax Community College, Middletown, Virginia
Strasburg Community Library
2009: Lord Fairfax Community College, Warrenton, Virginia campus.
Awards: First Place, VECCA members show, 2007. Honorable Mention, VECCA Fur and Feathers show, 2008
If you are interested in purchasing a painting or would like to discuss a commission, please email Diane at dianemariefurlong@yahoo.com