Contemporary Fine Art
Diana Stauffer
Oil
Artist Statement
I am a representational oil painter following the plein air tradition of the Barbizon School and Impressionists of the mid-late 19th century, as well as contemporary artists, who draw inspiration from immersion in nature. Whether traveling through the high deserts of the Southwest or exploring Rocky Mountain peaks and valleys, this corner of the planet, enchanting New Mexico, has become my muse.
Creating quick studies in the field inspires larger scale studio landscapes and skyscapes where I hope to capture the same fresh sense of wonder. I am frequently left breathless by the beauty around me and relish the challenge of capturing that spirit on canvas . Most of all, I am grateful for the ability to compose a scene regardless of the routine hazards of wind, heat, cold and annoying flying insects.
Biography
Diana grew up in Connecticut where the thick dark woods of the New England countryside never bothered her UNTIL a trip West opened her eyes to the breathtaking vistas of story and song. Claustrophobia still sets in on any and all visits east of the 100th Meridian.
During a “gap year” prior to enrolling in the University of New Mexico, Diana spent time in Chantilly, France, where she enjoyed some French-English translation work before a summer of exercising occasionally flighty thoroughbred race horses as a “lad.” Soon afterwards she touched down in New Mexico and earned a degree in Political Science with English and French minors from UNM.
Diana rekindled her urge to paint more than 20 years ago following a lengthy award-winning career in radio news and corporation communications. Diana’s pastel and oil paintings have been exhibited in group shows and juried events throughout New Mexico. These include the Rio Grande Art Association’s Encantada; Johnson’s Gallery of Madrid; The Millicent Rogers Museum – Taos; The New Mexico Art League; The New Mexico Cancer Center; The New Mexico State Fair; The Ruidoso Regional Council for the Arts; The Santa Fe Art Collector Gallery; South Broadway Cultural Center; and Wilder-Nightingale Fine Art – Taos.
Diana is a member and former president of Plein Air Painters of New Mexico and a frequent enthusiastic student at the New Mexico Art League.