Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Lary.
Diane, aka “The Outpost Artist”, is a native of Michigan, but has made her home in the “Redlands” of South Florida. There she has found true happiness living amongst the natural beauty of her “Jungle Outpost”. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1986. Following a two-year research position at the U of M, Then, Diane began a long career with a top biomedical corporation located in South Florida, where she met and married her husband, Todd. During this time her early interest in art resurfaced when Todd surprised her one Christmas with a set of watercolors, an easel and a couple of brushes. Surprised and energized by this gift, while working full time, Diane found time to sign up for Plein-aire watercolor classes at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens in Coral Gables. Here she was able to capture the true beauty of bright light and vibrant color, which expresses the tropical foliage of Florida. As hard work typically pays off, Diane retired from the corporate life in 2007 and since then has been able to devote additional time to her passion (aside from also raising two young kids). Working exclusively in watercolor, Diane loves to describe her subject through light, color, and depth. The mixture of foliage and rustic charm is the most intriguing for her. She enjoys painting in “Series” as it allows her to really study her subject and stretch her creativity. Several of her best selling series are “Fruits of Miami”, “Appetizing Instrumentals” and the “South Beach Rain” series. These efforts have permitted Diane to garner numerous awards and accolades for her paintings. As life often comes full circle, Diane is now teaching watercolor classes and workshops at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens sharing the knowledge where she began many years ago. She also participates in several open air art festivals every year. Additionally, she is an active member of the Miami Watercolor Society, holding positions as President, 1st VP Exhibitions, 2nd VP Workshops, Newsletter Editor and now as the Grant Coordinator. As a Signature Member of Florida Watercolor Society, she is currently the 2nd VP and will be President in 2021 for their 50th Anniversary Exhibition. She is also a signature member of San Diego and Northwest Watercolor Societies.
Please tell us about your art.
I create vibrant and expressive watercolor paintings, typically on 300 lb Arches cold pressed watercolor paper with transparent watercolors using a variety of techniques. My favorite method is wet into wet, where I mingle the colors together on the paper in a small puddle of water to create a beautiful soft glow. I also use traditional direct painting to highlight areas and bring out definition where necessary for the composition. I especially like to create in a series and I have many ideas still developing in my head just waiting for me to find the time to start a new chapter in my sketchbook. In terms of development. I often get an idea that sparks my interest, but it seems either too ordinary or I’m just not certain as to how I would go about describing it with watercolors. In those cases, I find myself thinking more deeply about the idea and what I can do to make it “mine”. For example, regarding my “South Beach Rain Series”, I always have loved the lifeguard stations on the beach, they are so colorful and bright. However, I felt that pictures of them are so overdone by photographers and artists alike so I was tentative to attempt something for fear it would be blase. Then one day when I was running (yes I do that too:)) in the rain and thinking about this potential “Series” I thought of ‘Watercolor Rain’ and that was it! I was ready to begin my new series and very excited about it!!!
A new development began about six months ago, not long after I started teaching at Fairchild Gardens. I began to have ‘watercolor visions’. They occur when I’m asleep, dreaming, but it is when you are semi-conscious, you are dreaming but you know it. I get a flash of an image that is painted with watercolors, you can see how the paint is dried on the paper and the glow it gives. In a couple of cases, I was able to focus in on the image to see it better like you focus binoculars to see detail close up. After this happened a couple of times and I still had a pretty good image of what I saw, as best as I could, I painted them in my sketchbook and dated them. I had several that were so quick I couldn’t really remember to describe what I saw sufficiently, it was like you were able to see part of something. Just this morning, I had another ‘vision’. It wasn’t quite as detailed as the first 2, but now I keep a notebook by my bed so I can quickly write down my thoughts, colors used and overall feeling.
I believe the message my paintings give is a positive mood and entertaining to the viewer with color, design and life and some curiosity that keeps them intrigued. I hope with all the stress, controversy and negative energy in the world, my paintings will counteract that with some positive vibes to calm ones spirit and make them smile.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Paint often and look for community programs which may be free to artists. If you can donate your art for Gala events to help get your name out there. Join societies and other groups of like-minded artists, they typically have activities planned where you may be able to show and or sell your work with a small commission to the group.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is the best, outpostartist.com and people can order Giclees or even buy an original watercolor painting from the site. They can find me on Facebook and Instagram too. The outdoor festivals are always a good way to find me and I update those dates on my website when the season starts in the winter months in Florida. I also exhibit with the Miami Watercolor Society 2 times a year and the Florida Watercolor Society when I am fortunate enough to get into their Annual Exhibition. I am also a member of the Homestead Center for the Arts group and we exhibit at various Galleries in Homestead, FL.
When I have Gallery shows or other events planned, I also put them on my website and Social Media. I also welcome studio tours to those interested in venturing into the Redlands of South Florida.
Contact Info:
- Website: outpostartist.com
- Phone: 305-607-5447
- Email: outpostartist@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outpostartist/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutpostArtist
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