The artistic philosophy of Dorsey McHugh lies in her favorite quote: "Look to the light and the shadows will fall behind." With each brushstroke, Dorsey gives attention to technique, color selection and subject matter, all used to create images that bring in the warmer side of life. Dorsey infuses her landscapes with a carefree, joyful depth that celebrates the simplicity of life. Her works are designed to pull viewers in through their intrigue: what is inside those quaint houses, or just beyond that gentle hill? And it is this curiosity and calm delight that Dorsey looks for as opposed to amazement or awe. "I want to keep the image simple enough to enable the viewer to bring their own story in with them," she says, "so they become part of the painting." Dorsey paints with an unrestrained spontaneity, allowing colors to layer over and over to bring out her final expression. Because she revels in subtle texture, her acrylics are almost exclusively applied with a palette knife. "while I am executing the painting, I am playing- playing with color, the palette knife and the shapes. Mostly I am playing with light. Light and color are my vocal chords- there is music in painting for me."