Artist Profile Liz Morton

Morton’s intensely tactile canvas channels cascading hues and dense, elemental surfaces to beautifully manifest the timeless interaction of groundedness and flow.

Artist Statement

St Francis by the Sea presents an abstract interplay of earth, sky, and water through a vertical composition that guides viewers across layered colors and textures. At the summit, a golden-yellow glow evokes dawn or a sacred light, from which five distinct streams descend. These streams originate from muted brown rectangles, providing structure before transitioning into vibrant hues—fiery red-orange, turquoise and aqua greens, deep blues, and neutral beige. The colors cascade energetically, reminiscent of waterfalls that transform the space.

The lower section features a rich oceanic blue, conveying both depth and movement. The textured surface anchors the composition, evoking the essence of water—dense and dynamic.

Created through intentional layering and openness to chance, the painting’s rhythm and character emerged naturally. The work reflects the timeless interaction of groundedness and flow, solidity and transformation, and the unseen currents that shape what is visible. St Francis by the Sea invites viewers to engage deeply, contemplating the balance of strength and softness present in each cascade, and to experience a sense of possibility at water’s edge.

Artist Biography

Liz Morton developed an early passion for art, beginning her journey painting and drawing alongside her grandmother. After extensive international travel, Liz transitioned to exhibiting her work full-time. Her art engages viewers through abstract expression, drawing inspiration from nature and imagination, and is distinguished by dynamic movement, fluidity, and a cohesive use of color and texture. Liz Morton is a resident artist at the Carolina Artist Gallery (MHC) and an active member of several professional organizations, including the International Society of Experimental Artists, the Women’s Caucus for Art, the Society of Layerists in Multi-Media, the Wilmington Artist Association, and the Arts Council of Carteret County.

Her work is characterized by expressive, organic forms and a consistent technique that produces richly layered, tactile surfaces. She employs a palette of cool blues, teals, and whites, accented by vibrant reds, pinks, and yellows, creating both harmony and contrast. Thematically, her paintings evoke natural phenomena—such as water, mist, and organic growth—without direct representation, inviting viewers to connect on an emotional and introspective level