When it comes to my art, I am a late bloomer. The path has been a long and crooked one. I was raised in St. Louis, where I took every art course offered by my high school. I went to the University of Missouri- Columbia with a declared major in art. However, when I saw what the other students could do I gave it up, thinking I was not artistically talented. I was 19 years old. I could not see it then, but now, I consider this one of the biggest mistakes of my life!
I took a long break from college and worked as an administrative assistant and bartender. I had a successful wallpapering business also. It was during this time that I learned photography, which would later contribute to my return to painting and drawing. My father, Jasper Forrest McFarland, who was a gifted artist, passed away in 1993 and I inherited all of his art supplies. Tucked away in storage in the years after his death, they were calling to me, but for various reasons, the time was just not right for me to nurture my artistic side until later in my life.
When I was in my thirties I followed my love of birds and wildlife and returned to school to earn a degree in Wildlife Management. I worked as a natural history biologist seasonally for 8 years. Because I was not able to find permanent employment as a biologist, I again returned to school to become a physical therapist assistant. I worked as a PTA until my mother-in-law, Bertha, who had Alzheimer's disease, became unable to live alone. Bertha came to live with me and my husband in 1998 and I quit my job to spend the next 8 years caring for her in our home. The decision to stop working and stay home with Bertha was a scary and agonizing one, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made because it was during the time I cared for her that I took up art again. I was 47 years old. It had been 28 years since I gave up. What now?
My father always told me I could learn everything I needed to know to be a good artist by reading and practice. Although our relationship was strained at best, I do remember feeling close to him when I sat by his side, watching him paint a mural on the wall of our living room, asking endless questions, and getting insightful answers that stuck in my mind. So, while I was home caring for Bertha, I took his advice to heart and started reading a lot about art history and technique. I pulled out the supplies he left me from their hiding place in the basement and began drawing and experimenting. By this time, the internet had emerged as a valuable resource and I started using it too. Slowly, steadily, and with increasing excitement, I applied what I learned. I took some drawing classes and a watercolor class, but it was when I took a pastel class at the local vo-tech that things really began to happen quickly.
To my surprise, I had brief "eureka" moments of seeing like an artist - moments that I thought were not in my ability 28 years before. I partially attribute this to my experience with photography over the years. Those moments came more and more often. Over the next few years, I began attending more in-depth workshops with pastel masters and entered pieces in the local juried shows and accumulated some honorable mention awards. In September of 2006, Bertha passed away and my dear husband, my biggest supporter, did not press me to get a job but encouraged me to work as an artist. I was off and running! Norm is a great husband!
I feel a responsibility as an artist to evoke an emotional response in the viewer of my work. I choose subjects from nature that move me in a way that allows me to proceed from instinct rather than from rational thinking - that is, in a visceral way. By using this visceral reaction to render what I see, I hope that the leap we must make from 3 dimensions to 2 becomes a non-issue and will put the viewer in that particular place at that particular moment in time. Nature's grandeur and creatures provide me with beautiful form, color and light. I experience joy while painting with pastels in particular, because those colors and light are so impeccably achieved by layering and juxtaposing different pastels on various surfaces.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
I believe in continuing education.
Robert Genn said, "True mastery involves a kind of driven skill-building".
I am always pursuing mastery, and I have no plans to stop! In my pursuit of mastery, I have had the great privilege to study with some of the most accomplished artists in the world, including:
Richard McKinley
Maggie Price
Lisa Ober
Desmond O’Hagan
Liz Haywood-Sullivan
Alan Flattmann
Spencer Meagher
Nancie King Mertz
Billyo O'Donnell
Bob Rohm
Rita Kirkman
Marsha Hamby-Savage
Theresa Emmet Allison
Doug Dawson
Kim Casebeer
Allen Kriegshauser
Farley Lewis
Lon Brauer
There are many other masters on my bucket list and I'm working on checking them all off the list!
WHY I TEACH
When I decided to begin teaching art, I was hesitant. Would my students be receptive? Would they learn? Would I embarrass myself? Would they like me? Would it matter that I don't have a formal art education?
Well, I held on to the hope that I would be good at teaching and jumped in with both feet, and, who knew? It has been a wonderful experience for both me and my students!
I love to share my experience through teaching! I have learned so much from my own teachers over the years. Now that I have achieved some of my goals I want to give back. Watching a fellow artist or beginner work and achieve their artistic goals, no matter how small, is one of the greatest joys of my life. Not to mention, I learn something new each time a step up to teach!
WHAT MY STUDENTS SAY
"I think the organization, presentation, and demonstrations were effective. Personal assistance was very good and I cannot imagine how it (the workshop) could have been better. "
"I am not being overly exuberant. This is one of the best workshops I've ever taken. Engaging and fun, and I learned so much. The pacing was very good and the time just flew by. Thank you!"
“Lorraine is not only a talented artist; she is also a gifted teacher. She brings her joy of art and nature and her heart and soul to her students.”
“I am a beginning painter, yet I never feel discouraged by my lack of experience or talent in Lorraine’s workshops. She gives objective, constructive nudges in the right direction.”
"You have given me tons to think about and incorporate into my methodology. So may tips and tricks! Thank you so much. I really learened more than I've ever learned in any other class! Love the handouts!"
"Lorraine is so empowering and inspiring! Even though there is so very much information and technique to take in you never feel like you don't belong in her class. I love her teaching style and learning from her!"
"Lorraine is a great teacher. If you are interested in learning about pastel painting sign up for one of her classes! Totally awesome!"
“Although her approach to teaching is very thorough and organized, she has a talent for nurturing her students’ unique abilities.”
“I am so grateful to Lorraine for making me feel like I have an artist inside of me and for having the patience and grace to help me express it!”
AWARDS AND HONORS
2023 Second Place, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air -"Gateway to the Woods" - Pastel
2022 Second Place, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "Autumn on the Creek" - Pastel
2022 Award of Excellence, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "Adventure Awaits" - Pastel
2022 People's Choice, Rocheport Plein Air - "Gloria's Big Muddy" - Pastel
2022 Second Place, Rocheport Plein Air, "Katy Trail at Rocheport" - Pastel
2022 Third Place, Heartland Arts Club Members Exhibition - "Peaceful Path" - Pastel
2021 Third Place, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "Brown Toe" - Pastel
2021 Award of Excellence, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "Inks Lake - Dimming of the Day" - Pastel
2020 Award of Excellence, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "Maple Tree and Chicken House" - Pastel
2019 Second Place, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "Path to Peaceful" - Pastel
2019 Third Place, Steelville Plein Air - " Path to Peaceful" - Pastel
2019 Purchase Prize Award, Fairfield Paint Out - "Fields of Gold" - Pastel
2019 People's Choice, Northbrook Plein Air - "Hydrotherapy" - Pastel
2019 Honorable Mention, Gateway Pastel Artists Summer Show - "Thank You Morning Sun" - Pastel
2019 Honorable Mention, Golden Hills Plein Air - "To the Land of Lincoln" - Pastel
2019 First Place, Quick Paint - Steelville, Missouri Plein Air - "Wildflower Country Road" - Pastel
2018 Honorable Mention, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - "View to the Gravel Bar" - Pastel
2018 Honorable Mention, Nocturne Category - Fairfield, Illinois Plein Air - "Not Dark Yet" - Pastel
2018 Best Other Media, Fairfield, Illinois Plein Air - "325 Million Years" - Pastel
2018 Second Place, Sainte Genevieve, Missouri Plein Air - "Dappled Door"- Pastel
2018 Second Place, Quick Paint , Dexter Michigan Plein Air - "It Flows" - Pastel
2018 Honorable Mention, Steelville Plein Air - "View to the Gravel Bar" - Pastel
2018 Second Place, Nocturne category, Steelville Plein Air - "Good Night at Milt's Place" - Pastel
2018 Third Place, Callaway Plein Air, Portland River View - Pastel
2018 Best In Show, White River Artists Plein Air Event - "After the Rain" - Pastel
2018 Second Place, Mixed Media, Augusta Missouri Plein Air Festival - Moo Are You? Moo moo, Moo moo, Mixed Media
2018 Honorable Mention, Gateway Pastel Artists Annual Show - Over the Creek - Pastel
2017 Purchase Award, Fairfield Plein Air, Fairfield, Illinois - Albion Sunrise - Pastel
2017 Best Pastel, Fairifield Plein Air, Fairfield, Illinois - Albion Sunrise - Pastel
2017 Dot Uding Memorial Award, Ste. Genevieve Plein Air, Before Sunrise - Pastel
2017 Purchase Award, Riverfront Paintoff, St. Charles, Missouri - Morning by the River - Pastel
2017 Honorable Mention, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Plein Air - Entitlements After Dark - Pastel
2017 Purchase Award, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air - River Time - Pastel
2107 First Place, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air - Meadows Meander - Pastel
2107 Third Place, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air - Good Morning Perkins Farm - Pastel
2017 Honorable Mention, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air - Sunset at Milt's Place - Pastel
2017 FAVE15%, February Bold Brush Competition - FASO - Sophie's Snowfall - Pastel
2017 Best in Show, Gateway Pastel Artists Annual Show - Brooks Williams, Fret Monster - Pastel
2016 Jury Member - Best of Missouri Hands
2016 Honorable Mention, St. Peters Cultural Arts Center Pastels Show, St. Peters, Missouri - Coastal Twilight
Meditation - Pastel
2016 First Place, St. Peters Cultural Arts Center Pastels Show, St. Peters, Missouri - Oklahoma Beauty - Pastel
2016 Best Pastel, Fairfield Paint Out, Fairfield, Illinois, Take Me Home Country Road - Pastel
2016 First Place, Riverfront Paintoff, St. Charles, Missouri, Main Street Paint - Twilight on Main - Pastel
2016 First Place, Riverfront Paintoff, St. Charles, Missouri, Old St. Charles Quick Paint - Barges at Old
St. Charles - Pastel
2016 Bette Geraghty Memorial Award, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Plein Air, Twilight in Ste. Genevieve - Pastel
2016 Honorable Mention, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Plein Air, Works on Paper -Twilight in Ste. Genevieve - Pastel
2016 First Place, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Plein Air, Twilight Quick Paint - Twilight in Ste. Genevieve - Pastel
2016 First Place, White River Plein Air, Cotter, Arkansas - Bed, Breakfast, and Beauty - Pastel
2016 Third Place, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air, Cedar Spring Farm - Summer Road - Pastel
2016 Third Place, Steelville, Missouri Plein Air, Nocturne - Daybreak at Milt's Place - Pastel
2016 Outstanding Pastel, January Bold Brush Competition - FASO - Max, Lit - Pastel
2015 Award of Excellence, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - Brooks Williams, Fret Monster - Pastel
2015 FAVE15%, November Bold Brush Competition - FASO - Brooks Williams, Fret Monster - Pastel
2015 Juror/Judge of Awards, Paint Your County Parks - Foundry Art Center, St. Charles, Missouri
2015 Third Place, Riverfront Paint Off, St. Charles, Missouri - Walkin' with Lewis and Clark - Pastel
2015 Honorable Mention - Cook Station Paint, Steelville, Missouri - Art Goes Better with Coke - Pastel
2015 Honorable Mention - Sunset Quick Paint, Augusta Plein Air Art Festival - Politte's Missouri - Pastel
2015 Second Place (National), Pastel Category - Art Show at the Dog Show National Fine Art Juried
Competition, Sponsored by Purina - Rare Still Moment - Pastel
2015 Jury member - Best of Missouri Hands
2014 Award of Excellence, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - Spirits' View - Pastel
2014 First Place, Annual Paint Webster Event - Blackburn's Secret - Pastel
2014 Second Place, Pastel Category (Overall) Augusta Plein Air Art Festival - Dogwood Path
2014 Third Place, Augusta Plein Air Art Festival (daily) - Missouri River Rollin' - Pastel
2014 Third Place, Pastel Category (Overall) Augusta Plein Air Art Festival - Missouri River Rollin'
2014 Third Place, Callaway Plein Air - Ousley's Lake - Pastel
2014 First Place, Sainte Genevieve Plein Air - Goin' to the Chapel - Pastel
2014 Honorable Mention, Steelville Plein Air - Park View of Highway 8 Bridge - Pastel
2014 Honorable Mention, Steelville Plein Air - Red Bluffs - Pastel
2013 Award of Excellence, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - Bachelor Dog - Pastel
2013 Second Place, Steelville Plein Air - View from Marsh's Gate - Pastel
2013 Artists' Choice, Riverfront Paint Off, sunset paint - Main Street Gazebo - Oil
2013 Honorable Mention, Augusta Plein Air Art Festival - Jackie's View - Pastel
2013 Honorable Mention, Pastel Category (Overall) Augusta Plein Air - Femme Osage Spring
2012 Best in Show, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - Noboleis Vineyard Sunrise - Pastel
2012 Third Place, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - Skye - Pastel
2012 First Place, Riverfront Paint Off, water theme paint - Bird Bath - Pastel
2011 Honorable Mention, Gateway Pastel Artist's Show - Purple Mountains Majesty - Pastel
2011 Best in Show, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - Down on the Farm - Pastel
2011 Second Place, Arts Rolla Annual Juried Show - McGee - Pastel
2010 Honorable Mention Arts Rolla Juried Show - Fruit Bowl - Colored Pencil
2007 Honorable Mention Arts Rolla Juried Show - Summer’s Bounty – Pastel
2005 Honorable Mention Arts Rolla Juried Show - Mt. Haleakala Summit – Pastel
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
Pastel Society of America
International Association of Pastel Societies
Gateway Pastel Society
Best of Missouri Hands
Missouri Valley Impressionist Society
Illinois Prairie Pastel Society
St. Louis Artists Guild
In 2008, Lorraine became an elected member of the Bella Arts Group of award-winning working artists. The leader of this group is the noted watercolorist, Mary Lou Corn of St. James, Missouri.
Solo show 2018, Stone Soup Galleries, St. Louis, MO
Solo show 2009, Arts Rolla, Rolla, MO
Solo show 2012, Arts Rolla, Rolla, MO
Bella Arts Group Show - 2013 - Framations Gallery, St. Charles, MO
Bella Arts Group Show - 2014 - Arts Rolla, MO
Illinois River Salon Show - 2015 - Cave Springs, AR
Bella Arts Group Show - 2015 - Arts Rolla, MO
Solo Show, 2016, Arts Rolla, Rolla, MO
Dual Show, "Double Vision" with photographer, Norm Movitz, 2018, Arts Rolla, Rolla, MO
