Artist's Statement

Forms that radiate vibrant color energize my soul and lead me on a delightful journey into expression with silk painting or watercolor. The vehicle for this color discovery may be a brilliant poppy or a shimmering fish, they are both wondrous creations of nature and celebrations of life.

Artist's Background

My focus as an artist has always been color. Trying to achieve colors so intense that the viewer is drawn to the artwork, like a moth to a flame. Nature inspires me with many surprises in color and pattern. The purpose of my paintings is to make us more aware of our surroundings and their beauty.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, I graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute with a B.F.A. in Painting and Printmaking. After the Art Institute I went on to receive my teaching certification from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. My teaching experience began in the public school system of Independence, Missouri. After moving to Kansas in 1975 I continued teaching in my studio and other venues.  I have taught workshops and given demonstrations in Kansas and Missouri in Silk Painting and Watercolor. Because of my experience, I was selected as an instructor for Silk Painters International Conferences in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

I am a member of the Watercolor U.S.A. Honor Society, Kansas Watercolor Society, Silk Painters International, National Association for Independent Artists and Topeka Art Guild. I am also on the Board of Directors for Silk Painters International.  My work has been selected for many private and corporate collections. Including those of Sprint Corporation, Lockton Insurance Company, First National Bank of Chicago, Anderson Accounting in Chicago, Hays Medical Center, Hadley Foundation in Hays, Topeka Public Library and the Kansas State Treasurer’s office.

My work has also been published by Leanin’ Tree, Inc., in two different issues of Silkworm magazine, Koi U.S.A., Topeka magazine and Topeka Capital Journal.  My artwork has been featured on “Kansas Arts Today”, for KTWU television station in Topeka.

I have received many awards, the most recent one was First Place in the Silk Painters International Exhibition at Arrowmont College, third Place in Watercolor U.S.A. National Exhibition at Springfield Art Museum, an Honorable Mention in the “National Fiber Directions” Exhibition and cash awards in the MOAK Four State Regional Exhibition at Springfield Art Museum.  Gallery representation includes Santa Fe, San Antonio, St. Louis, Emporia, Manhattan, Lindsborg and Topeka, Kansas.

More information is available at DLawrence.faso.com.