Judy Mousseau

Judy Mousseau  --  “During these times of economic downturns, concerns for our national safety, war, mother natures’ outbursts of extreme weather and the ongoing political dialog, I sometimes feel depressed and frustrated.  I find that one of the best ways to change my mood is to take a long look at my surroundings and think how lucky I am to live in a beautiful country surrounded with beautiful people.  I draw and paint because I’m determined to capture some of this beauty.  My paintings provide a venue to forget everyday problems and get lost in the shadows and peacefulness of this wonderful country we live in.  

“I sketch as we travel in the car, quickly drawing small snatches of the countryside as we flash by.  My “plein air” drawings are more leisurely recordings of landscapes affected only by the movement of light.  Translating my drawings to paintings is a challenge that I meet with determination and thoughtfulness.  A special joy in my life is my “people” drawings and paintings of children and adults.  

“I enjoy working in watercolor and pastel, even though the two processes are opposite one another.  Previous training as in interior designer taught me to be conscious of detail.  Continuing development of my art skills dictate when to let go of details and let the eye of the viewer complete the scene. 

“I have been drawing since I was a little girl but have had one year of formal art training while studying for my degree in Interior Design at Washington State University.  After retirement as an interior designer at WSU, in 1994, I studied with Linda Wallace, a well-known and accomplished Moscow watercolorist, for approximately five years.  Three of the seven years we’ve lived in Lewiston, I attended pastel classes with Judy Fairley, another accomplished local artist.  I participate in figure drawing/portrait group study sessions each week.  I feel that the learning process is an ongoing life process and attend workshops and read art books regularly. 

“I have attended workshops taught by Jan Kunz, Wendy Caporale and Sam Collett, portrait artists; Bob Rohm, Stan Miller and Gloria Teats, landscape artists. 

“I am a member of the Palouse Watercolor Socius, Bridging the Arts, Idaho Watercolor Society and the Portrait Society of America.”