|
Judi McGraw Vreeland—Fine Art in Oil |
|
About Judi McGraw Vreeland |
|
Judi lived many years in Galveston, Texas before moving to central Texas. Through her art she shows her love of nature. Living close to the sea as a child as well as traveling all over the world, serve as constant inspiration for Judi's art. Judi Vreeland developed an interest in painting after the death of her mother. In January 2002 her mother passed away from Alzheimer's disease. Judi's mother did not learn how to paint until after retirement and before Alzheimer's made painting impossible. Actually, Judi never saw her paint. After the death of her mother, Judi and her sister went through her things. When they got to her art supplies, her sisters told Judi to take them because she was not interested in painting. Neither was Judi, but she brought them home anyway. Toward the end of a very tough year after the loss of her mother, Judi set up her mother's easel with a blank canvas and just stared at it, having no idea what to do next. It was very intimidating to her. Her last "art" class had been in high school.
|
|
Judi knew she needed to study art to be able to add any paint to that blank canvas. So after a great deal of encouragement from her husband, Victor, she bought books about painting. The more she learned, the more she wanted to learn. Judi knew that painting made her feel relaxed. It made her feel great! Joining the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild opened up so many doors. Through the guild she met, Rebecca Neef, a truly fine artist. In addition to being a fine artist, Rebecca is an excellent teacher. Judi also studied under Natalie Cooke. From Natalie she learned to paint with a palette knife. Yes, it was awkward at first, but in time it became more comfortable. Two wonderful teachers with very different styles made oil painting interesting and pleasurable. Judi considers herself very lucky and blessed with inspiration from her mother, support from her husband, Vic and guidance from two very patient teachers. One of Judi's paintings has been displayed on an international cruise ship, the Norwegian Dream. Her work can also be found in private collections around the world as well as in the Bastrop Fine Arts Guild Gallery in Bastrop, Texas |