Moya Foley Art Ecuador
Art Gallery
Early Watercolours and Collage
The works in this gallery span the years from my arrival in Quito in September 1979, until my return to the coast of Manabi in 2002. it was a time of learning, both as an artist and as an "expat."
The watercolour above, entitled "On a Tack," appears to be a peaceful image but the bruised lines through the pink sail tell another story.
Portraits
Most of my portraits are commissioned works but every once in awhile I meet a child who I am compelled to paint. My great niece, Kennedy, whose portrait is shown here, is a case in point. She was shy but also inquisitive, both characteristics that I wanted to capture in watercolour.
Animal Portraits
Capturing an animal's spirit in watercolour, be it the wariness of a skittish horse, the inquiring tilt of a dog's face or the self-satisfaction of a bar cat who knows he's boss, is challenging but always rewarding. Amarillo, shown here, had a great life at the bar and though he's moved on, his portrait keeps his memory alive.
Landscapes and Botanicals
Although trained in conceptual art, I can't help but be inspired by the natural beauty of my tropical surroundings.
The acrylic painting above, Plumeria, acrylic on canvas, 120 x 100, was a commissioned piece but a joy to paint as it's my favourite tropical flower. I have one in my garden
Collage
Since moving to Ecuador from Canada in 1979, I have almost always lived in rural areas far from cities and shops. These circumstances caused me to see all that is available in the "debris" of nature. Faded Blossoms of Blood (2023) integrates bougainvillea blossoms, twigs, broken glass, sand, ash and crushed shells.
Murals
Mural painting often involves bending low to the ground and sometimes climbing a ladder. At this stage of the game, I am reluctant to do either. The last mural I completed, Tropical Splendour, was on a wall that started at about waist height and was 2-1/2 meters high so I could easily paint it without risking broken bones or putting my back out. I’m still available for mural painting in the area if my aging body agrees!
