Artist Amy Lay will be displaying a large collection of works for Mountain Trails Gallery in her new one-woman show. Lay’s oil and pencil works of wildlife are described by art collector’s as “vibrant, loose and comfortable,” while also capturing “the very essence of her subject matter.” Her love of the natural world is quite evident and her biggest goal is to share this appreciation, along with spreading joy through her colorful, powerful imagery. 
Rowdy, oil, 20 x 10"
Lay is heavily inspired by her surroundings in northeast Oregon, where she was born and raised. “We live about 25 miles away from a small, rural town near the Wallowa Mountains,” she says. “I feel very fortunate to have my workspace not only in the most beautiful of places, but a place that is close to my heart. I grew up here and it’s full of memories, not to mention gorgeous vistas, clean air, water and tons of wildlife.”
Solitaire, oil, 48 x 36"
While the new work features Lay’s classic style, she will be implementing new square pieces that “have a much more modern compositional feel,” she says. “I also feel like my inspiration recently has been much more focused on bringing some color back to our lives. We have all been through a bit of a dark phase and I want to reintroduce some happy color to our visual palate.”
Besides her bold use of color, Lay also achieves her goals using elements of fluid movement, simplicity and freshness. “I try to let these things be the bones of each piece,” she explains. “My pencil line and transparent oil technique really allows for this and keeps the animal alive.”
Peaceful, oil, 14 x 11"
To create her animals, Lay will sometimes use a stockpile of reference photos, which she finds as helpful refreshers for color. But lately, she tries to stay away from photo references, choosing to create her own animal. “I want to rely on the snapshot in my mind, not the snapshot of a camera,” Lay says. “What I want to take away from my visual experience with wildlife and the natural world is more about movement and being in the moment. If I can understand the way an animal moves, then
Rogue, oil, 11 x 14"
I can position it however I want in a composition and, for me, I can only truly do that from memory...I am the person who will watch an animal and not take a photo. I’m far more likely to rely on a nature documentary than a pile of photographs.”
Paintings such as Rowdy, a close-up image of a rabbit starring directly at the viewer, illustrates Lay’s skill at capturing animals in a distinctive yet energetic way. Another gem is Solitaire, of a moose walking among a moving landscape of color.
The show begins on August 18 for public viewing, with an opening reception August 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. Works will be on display through September 1. —
Upcoming Show
Up to 20 works
Aug. 18-Sept. 1, 2021
155 Center Street, Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 734-8150, www.mtntrails.net
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