d. a. graham

Hayden, ID, USA

 

Doreen is a North Idaho artist and poet. Her work embraces the light, color and emotion of impressionism while also focusing on realistic details to draw your attention. She likes to experiment, stretch, and enjoys projects on both ends of the impressio-realist spectrum.

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Working primarily with acrylic, soft pastel, and watercolor, Doreen finds inspiration in nature’s wild beauty, the tenacity of rustic barns, and the classy lines of vintage automobiles. Her bright, expressive art celebrates the little moments of beauty that often go unnoticed in our busy world. Her hallmark style features unique focal points, giving her paintings a sense of abstraction. You may have seen her work at the Magpie Boutique Gallery during Car d’Lane this year or on postcards in the Farragut State Park Visitor Center.

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Doreen studies her subjects in order to faithfully represent them in painted form, while still imparting her own artistic style. She is not afraid of new subject matter or liberal color, and looks for new ways to express the joy she takes in creating works of art. Additionally, Doreen expresses her creativity through poetry, with one collection published (Snapshots From a Real, Simple Life, 2020) and another in progress.

 

AN UNCOMPLETED CANVAS

 

What is behind the name of my little company? Simply this: I believe any person seeking God is an uncompleted masterpiece in the hands of the Master Artist, Jesus Christ. Including a person that is broken, damaged, or lost. Scripture tells us to be confident that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. His trustworthy hands are skilled at creating great works of beauty. I have always been drawn to the evidence of His skill with details found in both nature and in a person’s life story. He leaves lots of detailed clues as to His good intentions toward us. There is nothing more beautiful than a life redeemed by His touch.

 

I am still a masterpiece in process, as is any life that has decided to follow His leadership. There are phases on the way that seem unpromising, or just pure ugly and unrecoverable, but I am holding onto Him knowing that He only produces the very best works of art.

 

Why is beautiful art worthwhile? Firstly, God is a creative force, and as His child, I am made in His image. Creating beautiful things is a form of celebrating His creative gift within me. Secondly, as the world degrades we need beautiful things that point us toward hoping for better. Don’t we need some beauty in light of today’s ugliness? 

 

I hope you enjoy perusing my gallery from time to time. And I hope you are inspired to both do something beautiful and to see the beauty of God at work in your life.

 

*Scripture reference: Philippians 1:6