Doris

I am a self taught artist influenced by the French and Creole cultures and am interested in networking with other artists who have a similar style and sharing my art with friends.I grew up in Cajun country and surrounded by French, Indian, and African American culture. I also spent over twenty years teaching all African American students and so developed an affinity for the many wonderful and talented young people that I encountered. I mention these facts as I am often asked why I paint the subject matter that I do. As artists, we paint what we know. That is the simple answer. In a more complex realm, I paint from my heart and soul and rely on emotion and spiritual guidance.I feel that my art is a gift, coming from a place that is often difficult to define. I am compelled to create and most often feel that I do not control the resulting piece. I paint FAST working non-stop until the work is completed and do not fret over the finished product.I almost never paint on canvas as it so expensive but turn to masonite and cardboard. If I am low on supplies, then I simply return to colored pencil and paper. Lately, I have been doing alot of drawing. :)Sometimes, I will create things from found objects like shells and sticks, or even old jewelry, turning them into personal treasures. I also make decorative only Mardi Gras masks which I have recently posted in my albums.I like people and enjoy all whom I meet in my daily work.I am grateful to GOD for blessing me with a tiny bit of talent and the will to use it.When the mood strikes, I use what I have to satisfy my need to create.