Why I paint
Growing up in Côte d'Ivoire, school was out from June to September during the monsoon season. That’s when I spent my time creating. On these long rainy days, when I could not play outdoors with my friends, I was content making art: drawing, making paper dolls, painting plaster santons, and hand-sewing doll clothes.
Back then, there were no craft stores in town, rather many fabric stores. My mother would purchase local African fabrics to take to a seamstress. I often accompanied her and I was enchanted by the wild and intense colors of the fabric rolls.
As my education progressed, teachers told us to put away our crayons and get serious. In the French system of education, back in the 70s, skills in math and physics determined a student's career path at the tender age of 14. I was assigned this track in high school and later I pursued my education abroad in the United States to study electrical and biomedical engineering.
During my free time, while in college and throughout my professional career, I continued to nurture my creativity by knitting, learning new sewing techniques, and taking up pottery as a new hobby.
In addition to my other interests, I was attracted to oil paintings. I have often admired artists’ ability to create art that connects emotionally with their viewers. Many styles inspired me, but my favorite was impressionism.
After the birth of my children, I decided to put my career on hold to raise and homeschool them. During these years as a stay-at-home mom, I often contemplated the thought to pursue an artful life. But the time was not right, homeschooling was a full-time job and I needed to put my plans on hold.
When my youngest enrolled in high school, I joined a weekly workshop at the Art Students League of Denver. And for several years, I was fortunate to learn alongside Doug Dawson, a Master Pastelist and oil painter, and a methodical and dedicated instructor.
Having no formal art education, I credit Doug’s exceptional teaching ability and mentoring skills for inspiring me to grow as an artist. Painting alongside amazing artists during open studio sessions allowed me to persist in my art as well as gain lasting friendships along the way.
I am inspired by the landscape of the countryside, whether rugged or pastoral. I discover my subjects during simple walks in my neighborhood or hikes in the wilderness. Painting these landscapes helps me appreciate the beauty of the places I have called home.
Today, I live with my husband and our cat in the beautiful Champlain Valley in Vermont. I continue to satisfy my need to create by gardening, renovating our cottage, and, especially, making time to paint.
“The Lilac House”
16 x 20 inches, Oil on Canvas