DIANA THEWLIS
Artist Statement:
Art has always been my passion. I feel compelled to paint and draw, and to pass along what I know through teaching. Solving visual challenges is to me exciting and engaging. When I’m in “the zone”, the whole world falls away, because I have jumped into and am living in the painting. I am sharing my love of art and positive vision of the world to others.
As a child, I spent a great deal of time running all over the Mall in Washington, D.C., especially haunting the galleries and museums. My father, an accountant with the Museum Labs, a branch of the Park Service worked in a temporary building on the Mall. I often accompanied him to work, and would wander past his office into the huge room where all of the artists worked. I fell in love with the smell of paint, turpentine, and clay, and with all of the amazing work the artists produced. One of the artists, Edwin Pearson became my mentor, and encouraged my explorations in art.
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I paint all subject matter, although the majority of my works are figurative or nature related; capturing moments, concepts, and telling stories through imagery. I’m by nature a traditional realist, but am exploring the limitless possibilities of abstract work. My principle media are watercolors, mixed media, pencil, pen and ink, and soft pastels. I also work in charcoal, oil pastels, acrylics, gouache, and collage.
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I am a retired adjunct professor of the Academy of Art University, and have also taught classes and workshops at other venues. After many years working first as a graphic artist, then graphic designer, product illustrator, technical illustrator, and finally contract illustrator, I retired to concentrate on full time drawing and painting. I have participated in several shows, won many awards, and have judged numerous art shows. My work resides in the Air Force Art Collection and in various private collections in the U.S.A and abroad.