For an artsist, an interpretation of an object, place or thing which inspires them to bring forth a piece of art is to pause, observe, to analyze and take in an image of reality. For an observer, one has a brief, momentary relationship with not only the artist, but an exchange of dialogue with their perception of reality. South of MaDi would like to introduce Christine Lyons of C Lyons Art, a native Floridian and self-taught artist who graciously gave up some time recently to talk with us about her artistic style of oil and acrylic painting.
C. Lyons has been showing her art for few years now, selling her bold and colorful artwork in the northeast Florida area at local art markets and private home shows. South of MaDi was first introduced to her artwork in 2010 at a trunk show in Ortega and has been a fan ever since. Using an combination of both light and dark colors, her work portrays natural and aquatic wildlife, floral arrangements, landscapes and coastal palms with bright and vivid imagery.
After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in interior design, Christine moved back to Florida where she began to hone in on her painting skills in her indoor studio at her home in Palm Coast. Although her art professors may not have necessarily found the student's work befitting for a future in professional art, Christine followed her passion and her love of color and knew she had a talent to paint objects that appealed to her and somehow she would find an audience. As a young mother of two, she continues to paint often even with two toddlers in the house, she merely hands the children their own paint brushes to join in on working on a canvas. Do not be surprised if you see Christine at the grocery store with her and her children covered in paint for, "that is just our life," she comments.
South of MaDi asked C Lyons what inspires her artistry? "Color! Also seeing something that I like to look at that I know instantly I can paint. Flowers, fish, trees and lately I've started to push myself out of the box in landscapes." Her work caters to those who aren't afraid to use color within their own interior environments. Her work is on the edge of eccentric with statement pieces and a pulling draw of attention that is contagious and has the potential to add "pop" to a room or office. Her use of various textures and layering of highlights and shadow keep your eye focusing, adjusting and shifting with each piece.
Her goals for the future is to perhaps someday display her work in a gallery where they can be viewed by a broader audience; but she also loves the personal relationships that transpire out of small private shows. Her reputation has grown, nevertheless, with one corporate law firm requesting 7 paintings for their offices overlooking the St. John's River in downtown Jacksonville; resulting in their office displaying a form of gallery with her art. C. Lyon's Art is continuing to grow as her craft evolves and she explores the study of natural light and various landscapes that challenge her to draw attention through her mediums.
Just as Plato encouraged us to view images of reality as being beautiful in the eye of the mind, South of MaDi encourages you to not only appreciate the artist for who they are, but what they are offering to you in their exploration of work. May we to stop, observe and reflect on these realities that are presented for us to enjoy.
South of MaDi invites you to stop by one of the local NE Florida art shows for a closer viewing of C Lyons Art and to visit her website at clyonsart.weebly.com. Custom work is available upon request.
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