Sunday, January 4, 2009

A conversation with Valerie D'Ortona

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Since Valerie D'Ortona is the featured artist for January, I will be having a month long discussion with her about her art, techniques, and other interesting snippets.

How did you get started?

In 2003, I retired from college administration work and moved from Missouri back to Gainesville, FL, to live with family and bask in the sunshine. I didn’t “do” ice and snow very well, even though I was born in Bloomington, IL, and fondly remember building snow forts and throwing snow balls. When my brother and I would come in for tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, Mother would hang our snow suits near the radiator to dry a bit before we headed back out to fight off the enemy. I wasn’t even five then, so, of course, the snowy battles were fun.

Anyhow, back in Florida and without job identity (you know, “And what do YOU do?” “Oh, USED to be a college dean” stuff), I needed something to do to “keep out of trouble,” as per my son’s instruction. Consequently, my very wise son Tony, who had often noticed me dabbling with children’s paints while we watched evening news in Missouri, suggested that I take painting lessons. The local community college was offering a beginning painters class, so I signed up.
Picture credit: "Peek a Moo", watercolor on paper
To Be Continued....

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love reading about Valerie. She is an interesting, kind and talented person.
Love,
Linda Blondheim

Kathy said...

Linda,

It only gets better. Valerie has some funny anecdotes to share!

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