Artist of the month – Lori Niland Rounds
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 06:29AM
This month's featured artist is Lori Niland Rounds. I shared a sneak peak of Lori's work in my Artomatic - Part 1 post last week. This week I'll share more of Lori's artwork and her creative process.
Lori works with Oil Paint and cold wax to create her one of a kind pieces of art. She learned the process from Pennsylvania based abstract artist Linda Benton McCloskey. Lori has taken three oil and cold wax workshops with Linda over the past two years. Prior to using oil and cold was, Lori painted in acrylic.
I asked Lori to share with us a how she goes about creating one of her paintings. Here is what she had to say:
"I am an abstract artist who enjoys creating non-representational paintings in oil and cold wax medium. In all of my art, I like to explore possibilities. I literally don’t think when I paint. I just follow my gut instinct throughout the process. There is no hidden meaning within my paintings as I like to leave much to chance and to personal interpretation by the viewer."
Another interesting bit of informationa about Lori's creative process is that she does not use paint brushes to create her artwork.
"I like to use a variety of implements, including palette knife, brayer, squeegee, spatula, sponge, and just about anything else I find in my kitchen drawer! "
Lori has quite a diverse and comprehensive academic background in her life.
"I hold a B.A. in art history, with a minor in studio art. I also have a B.S. in computer science and an M.A. in instructional technology. For the past three years I have painted in Calvin Edward Ramsburg’s open abstract studio at the Delaplaine in Frederick, MD. Throughout my adult life, I have continued to take art workshops in a variety of topics and medium! There is no finish line in art or life!"
Lori's educational experience has paid off. She currently works full-time as an IT Director at Montgomery College in Maryland. Most of Lori's painting is done in the evening and on weekends. She has two cats and two grown children. Lori also enjoys photography and traveling. She has been to all seven continents and 48/50 states! She is a member of The Phillips Collection in DC and MOMA in NYC.
I asked Lori how she comes up with the ideas of what to paint.
"I like to be impulsive and spontaneous when I paint, so I don’t begin a painting with any preconceived notion of what I want it to look like when I am done. All of my paintings end up as a multilayered, visual approach to conveying both the simplicity and the complexity of the world around us. I like to vary my color choices, and use whatever colors feel right for the painting."
What is Lori's favorite part of the process?
"My most favorite part of the painting process is when I begin to manipulate the layers of the oil/cold wax surfaces to reveal unexpected underlying textures and patterns."
What is Lori's least favorite part of the process?
"Cleaning up afterward!"
As I mentioned earlier, Lori is currently exhibiting at Artomatic in Frederick. Her artwork will be on display there until October 5th. Her paintings are available for sale at the show as well. She has already sold 3 pieces! The Muse in downtown Frederick also carries Lori's artwork during special showings. She also has plans to participate in the Capital Arts Network "Call For the Halls" show in November and December, and the Crestwood Gallery in January. You can keep your eye out for all of Lori's upcoming shows on her Facebook page Art Rounds.
I asked Lori what she would share would anyone who would like to paint with oils, but might feel intimidated. Here is what she had to say"
"Don’t let fear hold you back. Take a risk! Buy a few small tubes and begin to play with it on different surfaces. Notice the feel of the paint, and keep experimenting over time."
So, what are Lori's plans for her art?
"I want to continue to evolve as an artist, and plan to take a number of workshop s through the new Capital Arts Network in Rockville, MD. I hope to be able to be juried into a studio space this wonderful new arts center! I should know if I am accepted within a couple of weeks!!
I can’t imagine my life without my art. Whether I am working on my own painting or taking in the art at a museum, I find that art helps me to keep my life balanced and in perspective."
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Lori and her artwork a little this month. If you'd like to find out more about Lori's art and see more photos, visit her Facebook page Art Rounds. Thank you so much for joining me for another Artist of the Month post!
"Color in your world." by Madi
Reader Comments (3)
Wow... nice texture!
I love Lori's quote, "there is no finish line in art or life". Thanks for reminding me that I'm not racing towards the end but being molded throughout the journey.
Gosh, I just love her work! The color. The texture. Amazing!
I think her art is quite amazing. Great feature on her.