"I hope my expressions of art will fan the wings of your joy and gratitude for the ‘good life’ and beauty we enjoy in Eastern North Carolina."
Welcome: Lou Everett, En Plein Air, Oil, and Watercolor Artist.
Draws and paints with oil and watercolor in the studio setting.
Artist Statement: My commitment and passion for painting stems from my experiences of being afforded the gifts of being taught and mentored by other dedicated artists; learning the joy of taking care of my health through creativity in painting. Having grown up in Eastern NC, I never thought one day, I would find tobacco blossoms so beautiful that I would actually paint them, but painting has increased my observations of all the beautiful scenes we may pass each day without really seeing them. Through my renderings, I strive to help viewers to see and feel the joy of the joy of following paths of light in familiar seascapes, landscapes, and on children and adults’ faces and bodies as they engage in familiar activities that may seem like daily routine. I am particularly challenged and inspired by figurative painting. We live in a beautiful world of people and places, if we can learn to listen, open our eyes, ears, and hearts, and observe, observe, observe!
Being an optimist, I love color and light, and am always looking for light, even in the darkest places I see. A path of light brings me joy, whether it's a smile from a child, the light outlining a face, light on an old tin-roofed barn, ripples across the water, or on a flower. It reminds me that in our life's journey, during difficult times, the light may be close by, but we have to keep looking for it and in that light, comes hope and joy. Like other artists, I have found the comfort of "lifelong friends" in my paintbrushes and joy in my paint boxes. I enjoy passing on my joy of painting and teaching others to take the leap of faith and open a paint box! Sir Winston Churchill who began painting later in life, in his book PAINTING AS A PASTTIME, states, “Painting is a companion with whom one may hope to walk a great part of life’s journey. Age cannot wither her nor custom stale her infinite variety….We may content ourselves with a joy ride in a paint box. And for this Audacity is the only ticket.”
Who am I really? That's easy to answer! I'm most of all, a grateful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, the titles that will best linger in the hearts of those who really know me. I'm proud and grateful for all the opportunities I've been given in life, but my greatest legacy and joys rest with my beautiful family. I'm also grateful for my loving parents, and siblings who are no longer present on earth, but instilled in me the love for Eastern NC. So, I paint because it gives me a spiritual connection that nurtures my body, mind, and soul, It makes me grateful each day, and provides me with fuel to have the energy and passion to enjoy my special family. I invite you to share my joy and passion for art and visit me at one of these lovely galleries during their receptions!
