Artist’s Statement
I came to art later in life. After college, I spent 20 years in research labs, discovering new medicines for diabetes. It was a great first career and gave me the means to pursue my love of drawing and painting. I started on the art path with a few community college courses which quickly morphed into the full-time study of traditional drawing and painting techniques at the Watts Atelier of the Arts. After 4 years at Watts, I studied landscape painting techniques for another 18 months through the Landscape Atelier.
My art usually involves a simple composition with a human element; a face or figure. While I also enjoy painting landscapes, I especially love the process and experience of creating a compelling portrait. I strive for a likeness in my portraits, but I’m painting an interior as well, attempting to visually convey the essence and character of my subject as I perceive it. And I’m always looking for ways to infuse a little mystery into my work. All good art has some. Mystery draws the viewer into a deeper connection with the art, to linger a moment to observe and wonder, and perhaps create their own solutions to the unresolved. That’s good art.
My love of drawing and value are reflected in the tonal realistic style I prefer. Accurate drawing is always at the core of my work. I love beautiful color harmonies, but value arrangements and the effects of light are usually my main focus when creating a composition.
I have finaled and won awards in numerous juried exhibitions. Most recently I received the Realism Award of Excellence at the Oil Painters of America 2018 Salon and was selected as a finalist in the Oil Painters of America 2019 National Exhibition of Traditional Oils and the 14th International Art Renewal Center Salon in the Portraiture category (2019).
I maintain a studio in San Diego, California, and welcome inquiries on portrait commissions from individual collectors and galleries. I can be reached at candacexmoore.gmail.com.
Resume
Art Education
2008-2013 Watts Atelier of the Arts, Encinitas, CA (drawing/painting techniques)
2013 9-month mentorship through Portrait Society of America (color usage)
2016-2017 Landscape Atelier, Clarksville, TX (landscape techniques)
Selected Juried Exhibitions and Honors
2013
“The Best and the Brightest” Scottsdale Artists School Fine Art Show
9th International Art Renewal Center Salon, Drawing category
Oil Painters of America, Western Regional Exhibition
3rd Place, La Jolla Art Association “Black and White” Exhibition
2014
William D. Cannon Gallery Juried Biennial Exhibition, Carlsbad CA
2015
11th International Art Renewal Center Salon, Drawing category
Oil Painters of America, Western Regional Exhibition
4th Merit Award, Portrait Society of America, Members Only Competition
2018
National Oil and Acrylic Painters “Best of America” National Exhibition
Realism Award of Excellence, Oil Painters of America Salon Show
2019
2nd Place, Figurative Oil Painting, San Diego County Fair
14th International Art Renewal Center Salon, Portraiture category
Oil Painters of America National Exhibition of Traditional Oils
Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition
2020
Finalist, Oil Painters of America Salon Show
Mid 2020-2022
COVID Pause
2023
Honorable Mention, Figurative Oil Painting, San Diego County Fair
2024
Honorable Mention, Figurative Oil Painting, San Diego County Fair
Professional Affiliations
Portrait Society of America, Member
Oil Painters of America, Associate member
American Women Artists, Associate with Distinction
Oceanside Museum of Art, Artists Alliance
San Dieguito Artists Guild