Lorraine Karcz may have retired from her business producing graphic design work and illustrations for the food industry, but she hasn’t retired from painting. She paints watercolors in her Arlington apartment, drawing inspiration from objects around her.
Karcz began painting as a child and around 9 or 10 years old she got a book “How to Paint and Draw.” She remembers copying paintings in the book and refining her technique. When she went to college, Karcz didn’t know how to incorporate art into her studies. Instead, she studied political science and went on to write for the “Christian Science Monitor” and other publications.
Eventually, Karcz worked in graphic design and layout, creating watercolor paintings and digital art for food businesses. Among other things, she created brochures for Kettle Cuisine in Lynn. Now, she creates watercolors as fine art paintings.
Karcz added that she prefers watercolor to other mediums such as acrylics and oil paints. She said they work better in a smaller space, as she doesn’t have to worry about paint fumes and Karcz noted she never could get into those mediums.
Her first exhibition in Arlington will be held at Bistro Duet in East Arlington. Here, Karcz will showcase 22 of her watercolor still life paintings. Many feature various fruits and vegetables, as well as pottery and fabric Karcz has in her home.
“Sometimes there will be something in my apartment that will be good for a still life,” and she’ll assemble the rest of the painting around that one object, said Karcz.
Her still lifes are all done vertically. Karcz notes there’s more energy in the painting when they’re done this way. She also added that lines in the painting can add more energy and she tries to pay attention to them as she’s working.
On Oct. 22, an opening reception will be held at Bistro Duet. The pieces will remain up until the end of December.
source: http://arlington.wickedlocal.com/news/20171019/arlington-artist-exhibits-watercolor-paintings-at-bistro-duet