Lauren Radke
I remember my delight in finding a gold and copper crayon in my oversize Crayola box when I was seven. In third grade my teacher asked us to write a paper on what we thought we would be doing when we were sixteen. She was not happy with my answer of drawing Snoopy and Woodstock. Likely the problem was my lack of ability in articulating my dreams of drawing and painting. My spare time was spent replicating pictures found in magazines and other creative adventures. Throughout my life art has been part of who I am, though its role fluid. Not always finding time to paint for myself while raising four boys, my creative desire took multiple forms. With my sons grown, I am enjoying focusing on painting and creating again.
I became acquainted with gouache paints while studying years ago, loving their ability to layer, looking similar to oils, though with a matte finish. Gouache is fun, and travels with me wherever I go. Oil paints are relaxing when I have long periods of painting time. Experimenting with other mediums has been fun with my abstract paintings. Always wanting to learn, I continue participating in various workshops. My favorites subjects are the skies, marshes and flowers.
Painting has always been a relaxing escape for me and the subjects I choose make me happy and bring me joy. I have a reason, sometimes a silly one, of why I painted each one which I love sharing with others. I love a road trip and regular drives down to South Carolina allow me plenty of time for gazing out the window, daydreaming and getting inspiration from the shapes and colors of the sky. Pulling over while driving to capture a great cloud formation or yelling "stop" to the driver so I can take a photo is routine for me. Watching nightly sunsets on my patio, counting the mourning doves as they come to roost in the evergreens, and watching for flashes of fireflies brings new ideas as well. Another love since I was a toddler visiting my grandmother's garden are flowers: growing, designing, and painting. My hope is for others to share my escape and feel the tranquility I feel after a day of painting. Having paintings to view can give you an escape every day.
