Artist Statement
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It’s never too late to reinvent yourself! I’ve been in the visual arts most of my life but have only recently followed my dream of becoming a painter. After many years designing corporate literature, I’ve discovered the wonderful medium of pastel. Pastel uses pure pigment, just like oil paint or watercolor, applied directly to paper or board from a dry stick. It can be applied in a single layer, like a drawing, or the pigment can be built up in opaque or transparent layers with all the features of a painting. I prefer the pastel medium because of its direct application (no brushes to wash!), its layering ability and vibrant colors. Subjects I find paint-worthy could be an unsuspecting bird, a grandchild’s glance or a serene cafe scene; but, more often, it’s dramatic shadow, color and light that attracts me. My artwork continually evolves through experimenting with new surfaces – from paper to sanded board – and various underpaintings. I’ve attended classes and workshops with some excellent teachers including: Frankie Johnson, Susan Ploughe, Jan Berglund, William Schneider, Sally Strand and Dawn Emerson. |
Shows & Exhibits
- 2012 Lakeside Legacy (Juried Show). Crystal Lake, Ill.
- 2011 Richeson 75 Animals, Birds & Wildlife (International Juried Show) Kimberly, Wisc. – Meritorious Entry
- 2011 Art in the Barn (Juried) Exhibition. Barrington, Ill.
- 2011 NAAC Member Show. Dole Mansion, Crystal Lake, Ill.
- 2011 Women’s Works (National Juried Show). Woodstock, Ill.
- 2010 Richeson 75 Landscape (International Juried Show) Kimberly, Wisc. – Finalist
- 2010 Real People (National Juried Show). Woodstock, Ill. – 3rd Place Award
- 2010 Featured Artist. Starbuck’s, Barrington, Ill.
- 2010 Featured Artist. Mainstreet Art Center, Lake Zurich, Ill.
- 2010 Gallery Representation. The Framery, Ridgefield, Ill.
- 2009 Women’s Works (National Juried Show). Woodstock, Ill. – People’s Choice Award
- 2009 NAAC Autumn Showcase. Crystal Lake, Ill.
- 2009 Gallery Representation. Susan McConnell Gallery, Barrington, Ill.
- 2009 BCAC Member Show. Icehouse Mall, Barrington, Ill.
- 2009 Original Pastels, One-Woman Show. Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, Ill.
I also operate my graphic design business, DotDesigns, in Cary, Illinois. www.dottydesigns.net
Awards
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Third Place Winner “The artist’s use of pastel is simply lovely, as are the identities she captures in her figures. The work reminds me of Impressionist café scenes while still feeling completely contemporary.” – Gregg Hertzlieb, Judge |
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People's Choice Winner |
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