“Gifts of Life”

An 8” x 8” oil rendering selected for publication in the East Carolina University’s type.cast 2020 Edition XIII The Heart of Medicine under the theme: “Times of Our Lives.”

 

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”  Thomas Merton

 

Lou invites you to visit several venues which exhibit her renderings in various medium and sizes, from original miniatures to larger framed works, and 5 x 7 desk calendars,  that depict eastern NC scenes.  She is represented by the Kinston, NC,  Community Council for the Arts, located at 400 N. Queen Street; Riverwalk Gallery, 139 W. Main Street, Washington, NC; and participates in each month's themed shows, sponsored by the Carolina Artist Gallery, located at 814 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC.  Additionally, Lou's art is on display at a’Tavola Market Cafe, 620 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC often with a Greenville Brushstrokes Members' Show, and she offers Traveling Studio and En Plein Air Classes in watercolor and acrylics in collaboration with City Art Gallery, 511 Red Banks Rd.  Lou, enjoys passing her joy of painting on to others.  Pre-orders for 2022 desk calendars, or any other information about her art or classes can be obtained by contacting her through her website or [email protected]. 

 

Lou is particularly an advocate for using art as an avenue for taking care of one's own health, recognizing such "titles" as "wife, mother, grandmother, and friend" are the "roles" that linger most in the hearts of our families and friends. 

 

Lou now primarily paints in oils, but has also won awards in acrylics and watercolors.   Her art has also been featured in several books.  She has served as President of both the Watercolor Society of NC and Greenville Brushstrokes, and previously served on the board of the ECU School of Art and Design.  Her Solo Exhibition of “Humble Beginnings” was the Invitational Inaugural Exhibition for Art as Avocation at ECU.    

 

Lou entered the daffodil painting above as “Gifts of Love” because it represented both Gifts of Life and Love to her as an artist.  The image was painted as she celebrated her personal gratitude at the return of peace, hope, joy, and health after beloved family members experienced a winter season of several unexpected threats to their  health. The daffodils began to bloom in early spring, reminding her again and again of the many blessings of life and love.  Lou's joy and gratitude for all these blessings are expressed in the vibrant colors and brushstrokes of this painting.  The lovely vase was a gift from a cherished friend and the daffodils were freshly cut from the fields.