Dyanne Locati
Artist's Statement:

Texture and color play an important role in my artwork. The process of layering and combination of each medium is very exciting! I love to see what will happen when each addition of pigment is introduced to the page. It is putting the puzzle together and making each layer work to create a unit.

Acrylic and colored pencils play an important part in this process. The intensity of fluid acrylic and colored pencil is a great combination. I used watercolor in this method for many years and found colored pencil overpowered the intensity of watercolor washes. Sometimes I will start a painting with watercolor, add acrylic then use colored pencil as a final layer. The addition of art tissue paper or metallic papers with this method adds another element of surprise. I enjoy the ability to explore and use a variety of mediums in each piece of artwork.

I start with an idea then cultivate that idea into a series of artwork. I find by working in a series that each piece gives me a new idea for the next piece of art. I will take one word, such as “Tapestry”, “Vessels” or “City” and see what road my creativity will take. I sometimes use travel as an inspiration. Photographs remind me of the place visited. I then allow atmosphere, mood and sounds to take over. This helps me create a piece of art, not copy what the camera has captured. For me the essence of the place visited comes alive.

My art career has led me down many paths. With each road I traveled a new adventure opened up leading to another bend in a different direction. Each event has been rewarding, educational and exciting but most of all meeting and working with people have been most gratifying.

Education has played an important role in my career. The Pacific Northwest is blessed with many fine art instructors, schools and organizations that encourage and educate artists. I continue to take workshops, seminars and classes on a regular basis. For five years I owned and operated the Locati Creative Art Center, which involved teaching and organizing workshops and class in all media. I continue to teach a variety of art classes, workshops and jury both colored pencil and mixed media art shows locally and around the country. 

I have been and continue to be involved with many art organizations including serving as President of the Watercolor Society of Oregon and Colored Pencil Society of America – DC 201. I was instrumental with the structure and formation of CPSA. For six years I served on the national board as Executive Vice President and Director of International Exhibitions.
For two years, the business of “Art” was a part of my art career. I was the Director of a Downtown Portland, Oregon Art Gallery. During that time I also helped to form the Downtown Art Gallery Association and served as Vice President of the organization.

I have artwork published in and on the cover of twelve fine art books in the United States, England and France. In addition, I have been asked by authors and art magazines to write articles and provide step-by-step material for various publications. I have been honored with many awards and various accolades in my art career. I’m privileged to have artwork selected for purchase awards and included in private and public collections. Please view my artwork at the Cornerstone Gallery in Aurora and Portland Art Museum Rental Sales Gallery, Portland Oregon.
 

The Artist reserves all rights to the reproduction of the Artworks.