Gretchen St. Lawrence For me, the most surprising and unexpected fact about my artistic career is that is has occurred primarily within the past year, just as I approached my 70th birthday!!  As a young child, I began drawing in my father's studio. He worked for several advertising agencies in the 30s and early 40s when illustrations – not photography – were the primary way of displaying products and goods in publications. I soon was spending hours copying illustrations from books. As a serious Fine Arts student in college, I was able to dabble in oils, watercolors, and charcoal, as well as exploring all forms of art and expression.  Marriage and family soon took over my interests and I only occasionally did any artwork, mainly pen and ink drawings of trees and flowers. But a recent move to Floyd, Virginia  fired me up again  and I couldn't wait

to get back into some painting classes. This is a locale blessed with an unusual amount of talent, committed artists, artisans and crafters, with many opportunities to pursue these interests. This past year, I took classes at the Jacksonville Center, here in Floyd, in watercolors and pastels. At first, I concentrated on the lush, local landscape subjects. But, I soon found myself drawn to the graceful lines of human and animal figures. I am constantly attracted to the eyes of these subjects and feel compelled to capture the life force that I find there. Similarly, in still life, I feel strong interest in capturing the ways that the light plays off the different textures and colors in each setting.  I have the loving support of my husband David as well as that of my extended family. So, I am really in my comfort zone now, being able to pursue a passion to capture the life quality of landscapes, pets and people that are part of my wonderful life. I am especially rewarded when a person comments on the “aliveness” that they find in my paintings.   Gretchen St Lawrence Studio Floyd, Virginia * 540-745-6224 e-mail: gretchenstlawrence@gmail.com www.gretchenstlawrencestudio.com