Meeting the Petticoat Painters, Part 1

Susan Klein, Jana Millstone, Diane Schmidt,
Judy Lyons Schneider and Lucy Barber 

The name "Petticoat Painters" does not evoke visions of a diverse group of women creating art in today's world. And yet it's a name the 20 select women in the group have no intention of relinquishing. After all, the Petticoat Painters came into existence almost 70 years ago. It was a time when museums and gallerists made no qualms about discriminating against women. Here in Sarasota, female artists who had the gall to not only enter an exhibit but to win a prize were awarded rosettes while their male counterparts were given checks. Luckily the world has changed - to some degree at least. 

Arts Advocates recently hosted a talk at which five Petticoat Painters spoke about their artistic paths and their work. It was fascinating to hear their stories and what inspires them. In this post and the next, I'll share thumbnail sketches of what they had to say. 

Klein with "Ta Da" 

Susan Klein takes her inspiration from nature. Klein has participated multiple times in the National Park Residency Program, an initiative that offers artists the opportunity to have dedicated time and space in parks across the country. Klein has worked frequently in the Grand Canyon National Park, where she's been a resident artist on both the North and South Rims. She's also participated multiple times in the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, an annual event at which artists create plein air paintings. Many of the works are auctioned off, with the proceeds going to support the Park. 

Klein of course works closer to home as well, with Myakka State Park providing a continuing source of inspiration. Klein said she is always looking to invent new ways of landscape on canvas. The exuberant colors in her work reflect the joy she feels when painting. (Note: My iPhone camera does not do justice to these colors.) For more on Klein and her work, click here. 

Barber with "Red Gerbera and Cherries"

Lucy Barber is also inspired by the natural world, but while Klein works big, Barber paints small. Her intimate still life paintings transform ordinary objects into subjects worthy of being Art with a capital "A." 

Barber's process explains in part how she imbues something as simple as a cherry with a simple grandeur. Observation is a key part of her process, Barber explained. To this end, she places her objects in boxes with the light streaming in so she can really study them apart from their surroundings. She likens them to actors on the stage. Needless to say, I love that analogy. 

You've probably heard the expression that those who can't [fill in the blank] teach said thing. Barber is an example of the fallacy of that statement. Not only is Barber an artist; she also teaches others how to tap their own talent. Her resume includes teaching stints at Pratt Institute, the Rhode Island College of Design and Ringling College of Art & Design. For more on Barber and her work, click here. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this post, which will highlight the work of Jana Millstone, Diane Schmidt and Judy Lyons Schneider. For more on the Petticoat Painters, click here.