Loretta Armstrong is the demonstrator for the Oct. 14 meeting of the Amador County Artists Association. She will share ideas on painting fall scenes at the meeting that starts at 7 p.m. at the Amador Senior Center in Jackson.
All Armstrong says she ever wanted to be was an artist. She has tried many different styles over the years and finally developed one of her own. One of her primary influences was Anita Wolff, who was not only Armstrong’s teacher, she became a lifelong friend. The women traveled together to France in the 1980s to study the impressionists.
A later influence from the 1990s was New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos, known for his vivid colors, skewed perspective and freedom from convention. His work forever changed how Armstrong viewed art, she said, and made her realize that this style could be utilized to depict beautiful Amador County buildings. Thereafter, she decided to follow her heart and paint the way she wanted to paint.
Finding inspiration in sites all over the area, many of Armstrong’s paintings depict homes, schools, churches and vistas familiar to area residents. Some are rendered in her whimsical style and others are captured in more traditional manners.
“Her paintings have a vitality resulting from her vibrant color choices and a sense of movement,” says an ACAA release. “The spooky houses and harvest scenes are especially appealing at this time of year.”
Armstrong’s works are featured in numerous venues throughout Amador County, including the Sutter Creek Gallery.
The ACAA meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the senior center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson. The public is invited and new members are encouraged to join. For more, visit amadorcountyartists.org.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Oct. 14
WHERE: Amador Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson
COST: Free
MORE INFO: amadorcountyartists.org
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