Artist Biography

Diane is a new 2010 signature member of i-p-a-p, the International Plein Air Painters, an organization created for the sole purpose of advancing the enjoyment of plein air painting without the restrictions and limitations of borders or regions.

Also a member of the Connecticut Plein Air Painters, she recently facilitated a partnership between CPAPS and the Weintinoge Land Trust to establish their first-ever plein air event in the western CT area. Information about this new event appears on the Weantinoge Land Trust website and the CT Plein Air Painters website.

In the late 1970’s while living and working in the Pittsburgh, PA area, Diane met and studied watercolor painting with Frank Webb. His influence helped formulate her preference for painting in the watercolor medium. While not exclusively a watercolorist after all these years of painting, watercolor is still her favorite medium.

Working as a professional artist since 1976, she has completed a number of assignments for various individuals and corporations. Diane is known mostly over the last 20 years for her work as digital artist and web designer with well-known artist/illustrator Mercer Mayer, and his licensed character Little Critter®. She has served as president of several local art associations including the West Hills Art League in Pittsburgh PA, Nashua (NH) Art Association and the Housatonic Art League in New Milford CT. She is currently chairwoman of the New Milford (CT) Commission on the Arts, having served on that commission for 20 years.

In the past, her paintings won numerous awards from the Connecticut Watercolor Society and the New Hampshire Art Association. She is a juried member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited with the American Watercolor Society in New York City. In 2005, she was awarded a residency with the Musee de la Grande Vigne in France, and two years later organized a painting tour in Italy. Her favorite place to paint is ‘en plein air’ the New England area. After many years of commercial work, Diane is returning to painting, demonstrating watercolor painting, and teaching workshops.