Biography

My flower series was inspired by Edouard Manet's painting Rose and Tulip created in 1882. Flowers are excellent subjects: varieties and colors to choose from are endless.
Through this series, I have rediscovered the art of drawing and painting from life---observation only---no cameras. I relied heavily on the crutch of photography for a while. Now, I use a home-made plumb line (2 washers and a string), a bamboo skewer (unused of course) and a couple rulers. I have the pride of creating artwork made by my eyes, hands and head without the translation of a camera lens or sensor. I needed to prove to myself that the skills I worked to achieve during my University days were not lost to the past.
I create my paintings in this way for the challenge. The challenge of attempting to re-create the perfection and beauty so effortlessly produced by nature. I welcome this challenge with every subject I draw and paint. Why? Because this practice fosters creativity and fuels my next artwork. Every new artwork has its challenges: composition, proportion, drawing a likeness, proper color mixing, matching the correct values and saturation to create believability.
I have a sense of both accomplishment and surprise with the completion of each and every artwork, learning more and more as I move forward. I will never attain the perfection of nature in my work, but I know that I am one tiny step closer with every artwork I create.
My work has been exhibited throughout New England and the Tampa Bay area. I received my MFA degree from the Academy of Art University and Bachelor's degree from Saint Anselm College.
Through this series, I have rediscovered the art of drawing and painting from life---observation only---no cameras. I relied heavily on the crutch of photography for a while. Now, I use a home-made plumb line (2 washers and a string), a bamboo skewer (unused of course) and a couple rulers. I have the pride of creating artwork made by my eyes, hands and head without the translation of a camera lens or sensor. I needed to prove to myself that the skills I worked to achieve during my University days were not lost to the past.
I create my paintings in this way for the challenge. The challenge of attempting to re-create the perfection and beauty so effortlessly produced by nature. I welcome this challenge with every subject I draw and paint. Why? Because this practice fosters creativity and fuels my next artwork. Every new artwork has its challenges: composition, proportion, drawing a likeness, proper color mixing, matching the correct values and saturation to create believability.
I have a sense of both accomplishment and surprise with the completion of each and every artwork, learning more and more as I move forward. I will never attain the perfection of nature in my work, but I know that I am one tiny step closer with every artwork I create.
My work has been exhibited throughout New England and the Tampa Bay area. I received my MFA degree from the Academy of Art University and Bachelor's degree from Saint Anselm College.
Lightning Unveil 41 Selections at 'Celebration of the Arts'
Thursday, 10.03.2013 / 9:19 AM
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning Foundation and Tampa Bay Lightning, along with chairman and governor Jeff Vinik and his wife, Penny, tonight unveiled the 41 selected art pieces chosen to adorn the walls of the IOA (Insurance Office of America) Executive Suite Level at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. During the 2nd annual ‘Celebration of the Arts’ the Lightning awarded the top three pieces of artwork that were submitted throughout the summer by local Tampa Bay artists tonight.
read more.....
Thursday, 10.03.2013 / 9:19 AM
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning Foundation and Tampa Bay Lightning, along with chairman and governor Jeff Vinik and his wife, Penny, tonight unveiled the 41 selected art pieces chosen to adorn the walls of the IOA (Insurance Office of America) Executive Suite Level at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. During the 2nd annual ‘Celebration of the Arts’ the Lightning awarded the top three pieces of artwork that were submitted throughout the summer by local Tampa Bay artists tonight.
read more.....
Three Local Artists Show Their Work At The SouthShore Regional Library
By Kathy L. Collins
The current exhibit at the SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin is a fabulous collection of artwork by three highly-talented local artists- Arthur Dillard, Nicole Lamothe and Diane G. Simon. Dillard and Simon are watercolor artists and Lamothe specializes in drawing.
read more....
By Kathy L. Collins
The current exhibit at the SouthShore Regional Library in Ruskin is a fabulous collection of artwork by three highly-talented local artists- Arthur Dillard, Nicole Lamothe and Diane G. Simon. Dillard and Simon are watercolor artists and Lamothe specializes in drawing.
read more....