Returning to Artistic Roots!

He Gave Me Roses - 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas, completed in a class with Bonnie Dhein at the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center What a great teacher and beautiful place to learn! And what a lovely group of artists to be with!

Once it was home, I tweaked it but softening some colors and adding more mark-making with mixed media. ! This was the completed painting, which I entered in the January Winder Garden Exhibit at Riverside Gallerry in Stevens Point. It won Best of Show!

After many years of sporatic art creation, I've been returning consistently to my artistic roots. I decided to be intentional about it - I am choosing to weave art creation into my rhythm of life. What a joy it's been! I painted more in 2024 than I have for decades, and I'm on track to make 2025 the most joyful and artisitcally prolific year yet!

I'm once again finding beauty in everyday life that catches my eye, and I'm accepting the challenge to capture it with scrumtious colors and fun brushstokes. Painting is so good for the soul!

Is there something that brought you joy in the past, but realize you've abandoned it over the years as life crowded in? I'd like to encourage you to think about ways you could weave that "joy bringer" back into your life. Look for inspiration in that area. Think about it—imagine yourself getting back into it. Break it into smaller pieces or steps, and look for ways to incorporate it back into your life! You won't regret it.

Check out my website for a glimpse at my artistic journey. Many of the paintings shown there were done in classes with great teachers or inspired by artists I admire. (Under "projects," Check out "A Year with Ali Kay!" I'm in the process of developing my own style and trying out lots of fun techniques. Who knows where I'll land?!

Below is a taste of some recent originals. Visit me at dianeoc.com to see more.

Cranberry Mojito (8 x 10 acrylic on canvas) Original by Diane OC

Autumn in the Woods (36x 48 acrylic on canvas) Original by Diane OC

Oranges on the Tree (8 x 8 acrylic on cradled wood) - Original by Diane OC