Artist Diane Jorstad’s paintings and colored pencil drawings of landscapes, portraits and still lifes reflect her love of light, color and form. Find more of her art by visiting her website.
“Above the Falls” Oil, 48″ x 36″
My art is about life. I consider my art traditional realism with my landscapes leaning toward impressionism. I paint what I see that inspires me.
Child Portrait (Commission), Oil, 30” x 24”
My artistic tendency showed up early on, but my parents pushed me in a different direction. Life, however, is a constant conveyor belt that moves us along. Once my children were in high school a friend got me interested in an art class.
“Cabin Landscape” Acrylic, 24” x 18”
It was as if I then became a child in a candy store, taking lots of classes, trying different mediums and styles. After my first sale, my art began receiving recognition, escalating into Best of Show, First Place awards and more.
“Rhododendron and Bird” Oil, 24” x 24”
Before long I was making sales, teaching classes, creating cover art, being featured in newspaper articles and more. It has been a rewarding journey. After trying multiple mediums, I have settled on colored pencil and acrylic and oil paint. I am happy to commission in other mediums when asked.
“Fern Teapot” Oil, 30” x 24”
My preferred subject matter tends towards something with light, form and color. An apple is called red, but if you look at it closely you will see a variety of colors and values. I strive to have my still life look realistic but natural. Light is always a factor as it gives form and shape to the subject and pulls out the colors.
“Golden Lemons” Oil, 36” x 24”
I love living in the country and it reflects in my art. I am always photographing the flowers from my garden, which often show up in my art. Landscapes don’t necessarily have the closeup detail of a still life, so I am looking for a more natural look.
“Pitcher and Red Flowers” Oil, 36” x 24”
When working on a painting, I block in the basic shape and color by using a thin layer of paint. I do not enjoy this part of the art. Then I start going over the second layer with detail. I find the detail part quite relaxing.
“Stripes & Fruit Forever” Oil, 24” x 36”
The photo I am using becomes my focus as I translate the colors onto to the canvas. This gives the objects in my painting shape and form. I create thin layers of paint with total coverage. Usually I am satisfied with the painting after the second layer of detail.
“Morning Glory” Colored Pencil, 20” x 16”
Colored pencil art differs. I may use a watercolor base, then use a colored pencil to add detail. Using only colored pencils can involve more layers depending on what look you want to create. The process of layering colored pencil is more time consuming than layering paint, but the results can be highly realistic.
“Red Silk Flowers & Apples” Oil, 36” x 24”
I find satisfaction in doing a commissioned artwork for someone. It often has a deep personal meaning for them. There is also a great deal of satisfaction when someone sees my art in a gallery, falls in love with it and buys it to make it part of their home. The conveyor belt of life keeps moving along with my art.
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