Joyful Abstractions

When I first saw Angela McFadden's contemporary abstract art on her website, the energy, movement, and emotional  intensity of the colors captivated me. Upon meeting this Fircrest artist, who turned out to be as vibrant as her paintings, I asked what inspires her.

"People," McFadden answered. "I'm a very emotional painter."

True, but she also finds inspiration in everything around her: the beauty of nature, kids playing ball, human interactions, and feelings. One of her paintings is called "Pick Up Sticks," like the children's game. The names of her other works include, "Dinner Party," "Breathe," "Sound," and "Fluid."

McFadden works mostly in oils on large canvases. Their size necessitates standing and getting the entire body involved, essential to her personal process of creation. She uses bold colors with instinctive finesse, but the change of seasons affects her approach.

"I did a whole series of 'gray' based upon a dead of winter walk by the lake," McFadden said, "I try to find something good in everything. On that walk, it was the pussy willows just starting to bloom."

"I'll always choose to be happy," McFadden added.

That outlook might contribute to the appeal of her art. The Tacoma Art Museum featured her work, and she tied with two others for 2010's Best Artist  in Best of the South Sound. In 2007, McFadden received juried recognition from ArtScene.com, as one of 72 featured international artists. Private collectors in the U.S. and Europe buy McFadden's art. She also donates her work to auctions benefiting worthy causes.

In addition to painting, this energetic woman enjoys life with her daughter Jasmine, and her job as a real estate broker for Better Properties, at 6720 Regents Blvd., Suite 103, in University Place. But that's not all. In mid-January, she and business partner Bruce Dunn will launch a joint venture called Plush Home Décor Etc., in Gig Harbor. McFadden can hardly wait. She said with glee, "The walls are mine!"