Today we’d like to introduce you to Lois Perdue.
Lois Perdue has lived in Florida her entire life. She graduated from Florida International University and spent much of her career in other creative fields: journalism and public relations. In 2009 after retiring, she began a lifelong dream of painting.
A consistent award winner at the local, state and national levels she most recently received a first-place award at Bonnet House’s Impressions Exhibit 2019, Gold Coast Watercolor Society’s Florida Focus 2018 “Best in Show” award and signature membership. Lois also received the Florida Watercolor Society’s “2018 Art Societies” award.
Several years ago, in response to a question she is most often asked, “how do you begin an abstract painting”, she responded by starting to teach a workshop course in the South Florida area to organizations, art guilds and businesses for employee therapy! In her popular workshops, she teaches all levels from traditional artists who want to learn how to paint in an abstract style to new artists. Growing up in Miami, Lois couldn’t afford art classes but dreamed of going to the Ringling School of Art one day; though that career path didn’t work out she “pays it forward” now by raising funds for Broward College young women’s art scholarships for a local arts organization to which she belongs.
Lois is involved in numerous art guilds and societies whose purpose it is to educate and inform the community about art: Florida and Gold Coast Water Color Societies, Bonnet House Museum, Coral Springs, Weston, Plantation and Broward Art Guilds, International Society of Experimental Artists and National League of American Pen Women, Fort Lauderdale Branch.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Many of my paintings have between 10 to 15 layers of paint and collage.
Because I grew up in South Florida and have traveled worldwide, most of my paintings reflect abstract seascapes, mountainscapes, and landscapes.
Many of my paintings begin on a plastic paper called Yupo, a synthetic product that allows watercolors, particularly, to burst with vibrant colors when they meet. I also paint on wood panel and watercolor paper.
I first paint an under painting of watercolors, watercolor inks, highly pigmented watercolor powders and glazes to create a foundation for the multitude of layers to follow. I follow with vibrant acrylic paints and inks, translucent glazes as well as charcoal, crayons, stencils and collage to create depth and dimension. Each layer is sealed to “hold” the paint. I also use unusual “tools” to create mark making such as shower squeegees, kitchen utensils, hardware, etc. whatever it takes to attain an outcome!
I begin my journey intuitively, sometimes instinctively. It is a very personal journey I takes when I paint that hopefully, conveys a variety of emotions in viewers as well.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Our role has become more important as the world’s events become more challenging and complicated. We communicate through our art. Our art can lift people when they are down, motivate them to action and create controversy. I realize since I have begun to paint how important art is in society and I want to continue to make sure my art “speaks” throughout the changes that are occurring at all levels in the world.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Always at my website at: www.loisperdue.com
BBX Capital Corporation Offices, Las Olas
Sunrise Civic Center, Sunrise, FL
Nova Southeastern University Library, Davie, FL
Offices of Dr. Jennifer Pollak, Hollywood, FL.
Essentials Boutique, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loisperdue.com
- Phone: 954-812-1860
- Email: runner12@bellsouth.net
- Instagram: #loisrperdue
- Facebook: loisperdue
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
