Biography for Diane Olsen*

It has been about 15 years since I started painting, beginning with watercolor, exploring acrylic and mixed media, and moving into painting with oils about 10 years ago.  Now I paint with oils the majority of the time.  I greatly enjoy both plein air and studio painting, preferring to spend as much time as possible painting outdoors.

The desert, mountains, fields, pathways, beaches and shoreline, flowers and animals are my favorite subjects to paint. Inspiration from shapes, movement of line, and my personal sense of place from the landscape translate onto my canvas through color and an immediate passionate response to each setting.

My style of painting is impressionistic realism, with both colorist and expressionist influences.  Through my style of painting I find the freedom to artistically explore my favorite subjects in a manner that is honest and satisfying to me. Each painting becomes a personal adventure to express myself as simply and beautifully as possible.

*Prior to 2008 I was known as Diane Van Noord.  There have been many changes in my life over the last few years and with careful consideration, I made the decision to return to the use of my given name, Olsen, after many years as Van Noord.  My signature mark with which I sign my name to my oil paintings remains almost exactly the same and is easily identifiable as mine. 

My hometown is Grand Haven, Michigan, a beautiful town on Michigan's western coastline with sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets. I live most of the year in the beauty of the Sonoran desert in Scottsdale, Arizona, returning to Grand Haven in the summer.  

Artists who have most greatly influenced me through their work and spirit are William Herring, under whom I mentored for 5 years and I am very grateful for his wisdom and encouragement: Michelangelo, Degas, Edgar Payne, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jeanne Dobie, and Gregory Kondos. 

Beauty is a beckoning power to the human soul and I strive to make it alive in my paintings through a pleasing subject, beautiful color and beautiful paint quality.  I hope you enjoy my work. What great fun!  I love painting.

Born:  December, 1950

Education:  
                   B.A. Hope College, Holland, Michigan, summa cum laude
                   M.A. Western Michigan University, Kalamzoo, MI

Professional Organizations: 
                  Oil Painters of America
                  American Women Artists
                  Tucson Plein Air Painters