PIERMONT — In Lesley Butman’s paintings, lifelike birds, deer and other creatures peer out of soft-focus landscapes, creating an effect that is realistic and dreamlike at the same time.
Butman, whose exhibit,“Wildlife With Soul,” is on view at the Piermont Public Library, produces this contrast by using both classic watercolor techniques and random household objects to create a wide range of textures.
“I’ll try anything once,” she said.
Butman, an Orford resident, discussed her artwork in an email Q&A. The exchange has been lightly edited.
Question: What do you mean by “Wildlife With Soul”?
Answer: Pet owners or anyone who lives in close proximity to wildlife can attest to the fact that animals have their own quirks and unique personalities. In my work, I attempt to capture that character. My aim is to convey their personality.
Q: Besides animals, what subjects do you enjoy painting?
A: I’ve been exploring the man-made landscape of the barns, stone walls and farms in the region. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with abstract landscapes to expand the breadth of my work.
Q: Can you elaborate a little more on your technique?
A: I employ traditional watercolor techniques, with the addition of using sea sponges, credit cards, spray bottles, Saran wrap. Occasionally I’ve used found items like leaves and feathers.
Q: How do you use some of those unconventional tools?
A: Saran wrap is put on crumpled while the paint is wet. You can let it dry, then peel off and you get texture that’s like branches or leafy patterns. I also wad it up and use it like a sponge to make leaves. Credit cards I cut up and use mostly as scraping tools. It’s good for rocks. I also use the sharp ends for making grass. Things I find, like feathers, twigs and dried seed heads, I use as stamps. I’ve also used onion bags for stamping.
Q: How did you get started painting?
A: I come from a family of women who value creativity and are artists in their own right. So art has always been a significant part of my life. For the last several years, I have studied with Ed Kadunc at Court Street Arts in Haverhill, and I paint with the Odanakasis group.
Q: Has your artwork evolved since you began?
A: While I’m always striving to master traditional techniques, I also try to push myself to evolve and expand my work by playing with them and exploring alternative materials. My next challenge is to experiment with size and color.
Q: What’s your “day job”?
A: I’m a yoga teacher and foodie when I’m not in my studio painting. I’m also teaching an art class for those with special needs at Court Street Arts in Haverhill, in addition to serving as the artistic director for Hogwarts Homecoming Festival there. The elaborate sets and large-scale work that I get to create for that event allows me to stretch my creativity in new directions.
Editor’s note: Butman’s work is on display at the Piermont Public Library through Wednesday, June 26. For exhibit hours, call the library at 603-272-4967.