True Olive Connection – Lois Cole
Lois Cole, Artist’s Bio
Looking back on my artist’s life, I can’t remember a time when I was not fascinated with the materials used to create art. I loved using color, line and form in many media to express myself. Studying piano and taking creative writing courses also helped me to look inward to find sources of inspiration . My first drawing subjects were trees. They are very patient subjects and easy to appreciate. I fell in love with abstract expressionism and still use many of the elements of abstract expressionism when doing my backgrounds today; also, when integrating figure and background.
Right now the whole process of creative discovery plays out best for me in the field of figurative painting. Occasionally, I paint animals and landscapes or still lives, but mostly I paint people. I usually begin by slapping paint on a canvas with a large brush. This is play and develops into choosing colors that work together. I may sketch out a figure on the background or just continue applying paint with no plan. A half finished painting sometime works best when turned upside down. It is a challenge to trust the process and see what develops.
I like my paintings to express a dance between abstract and realistic elements. I am indebted to Bay Area Figurative painters Park, Bischoff, Diebenkorn, etc., who reveled in combing abstraction and figurative painting. It seems a perfect marriage of the internal and the external. Impressionistic painters have also made an indelible mark on my psyche. Their gift to me has been one of beauty, feeling, and of leaving room for the imagination of the viewer. I feel privileged to live in an area that supports so many artists, art classes, workshops, and an interested public. I have participated in Open Studios and also exhibited in several area galleries. Contact her directly @ lois@mcpotter.com
6-9pm
106 Lincoln Street, Downtown Santa Cruz
