A Quiet Beach (2004) Painting by Diji Scales

'After a lifetime of literally living in the arts, as an opera singer, a painter, an art gallery owner and the artistic director of an opera company, I have learned that my one constant and dearest companion has been painting. Painting has given to me a world that is so precious and complete in its value to my life that I always return to its calling. It is that wordless center that we each carry with us from childhood and whether we write or paint, compose or sing, it is this center that we turn to for direction. Like so many painters I want to paint everything I see that touches me and that can be expressed with light and color and even emotion. I can’t resist beaches and carousels with children playing in the sun or doors and windows reflecting light, flowers held in vases of water asking to be admired, and yes shoppers scurrying around in the snow on busy streets. It amazes me that I am unable to clearly define why I paint what I paint. I can only say that I see things as if from within that excite and bind me and that I can barely wait to explore and to paint . For me, the subject is the single most valid point and all else in the painting exists to its end. Until I see it very clearly, I can’t expect you to see it at all. It may sound naive for someone so far along in living to say “I have so much to learn and to see and to paint”, but that is the case. Believe me when I say that each painting is an expression of my gratitude for the extraordinary privilege of being an artist. '

• Nationality: UNITED STATES
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary American Artists