Meet Hedy DuCharme!
Hedy is one of PPWS’ Featured Artists for January 2025!
Hedy has been a member of PPWS since 2022 and is an Associate Member.
I have not served yet on any PPWS committees but have for other Arts Organizations.
I was a docent at the Fine Art Center at Colorado College from 2003-2013, and I served as Secretary for 2 years.
I was on the board of the Pikes Peak Arts Council when Jay Miller was President for 3-4 years. I also organized benefit art shows at Stargazers for PPAC and other venues. I am still a member of PPAC.
Hedy’s Bio:
My interest in art began in High School art classes. I learned that I loved being creative no matter the project. I went on to study art in college at Michigan State University and earned a BFA degree.
My favorite period of art is Impressionism with it’s emphasis on expressing a subject with loose brush work, a variety of colors and textures, and with the artists creating their interpretation of the subject rather than an exact replica. For years I have been inspired by art history and many great artists from all over the world.
From my travels I’ve had the opportunity to see the great works of Michaelangelo, Leonardo DaVinci, Rembrandt, Corot, Casset, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Degas, Frankenthaler, Picasso, and Pollack.
For 13 years I was a docent at the Colorado Fine Arts Center Museum and expanded my knowledge of art, art history from many different eras and styles that have inspired and motivated me to do more of my own painting. For years Colorado landscapes, mountains, summer flowers, and hiking trails have kept me very much inspired.
Here in Colorado Springs I have exhibited at Cottonwood Center for the Arts, Commonwheel Coop, The Modbo, The Bridge Gallery, Academy Art and Frame, Chapel of Our Saviour, First Presbyterian Church, Discovery Church, The Colorado Springs Fine Art Center Docent Show, Pikes Perk Mountain Shadows, Art Aloud Artist and Poetry sponsored by Academy Art and Frame, C-21 Library, Manitou Art Center, and Salad or Bust. I have participated in the Rotary Club “Flight” fundraiser for 4 years.
Entering shows helps keep me motivated to paint and to be challenged by different themes. It also keeps me growing and improving as an artist.
Painting is a passion for me and is relaxing and a challenge mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Hedy’s Awards:
First Place in the painting category in the 2018 Academy Art and Frame Miniatures Show.
Sunny Vista Show 6/2019: Favorite of the Show by Corvirtus, one of their donors.
Hedy’s favorite things to paint:
Florals, particularly sunflowers, daisies, abstract florals, Colorado landscapes especially fall scenes, mountains, lion portraits, rocks, wildflowers, some abstracts. I work primarily acrylic, and some watercolors.
Hedy’s favorite or most admired artists:
The Impressionists especially Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Morisot.
Hedy’s goals for the next year:
Take studio art classes and workshops in watercolor, drawing, painting . Look for new places to exhibit, shows to enter, make prints and notecards of specific art work, try working larger, try plein air, more painting, and take online classes.
FAVORITE ARTSY QUOTE
“We need sunshine, freedom and art!”
Hedy’s Watercolor Tip:
When possible, take time to stand back from what you are working on to see it from a distance, at least 10-15 feet, know when to stop, take photos as you are working to see your progress, and always take photos of finished work.
