The landscapes of coastal Maine, from rugged to serene, are of paramount importance to Porteous’s work. The inspiration she derives from the coast compels her “to take a risk in my work.” To gather subjects for her paintings, Porteous wanders along the coast, making sketches and taking photographs for reference. “When I’m in the studio, I spend a lot of time fiddling around,” she says. “I take out the sketches, sort through the pictures, convinced I’ll find something I’ve missed, sketch again, and finally mix some paint.” Porteous’s palette “goes back to taking a risk.” “On a good day, I can push the colors into a direct and believable painting.” Her bold color choices lend her art depth and reality, balancing representation with imagination.
