Diane Whiting's solo painting exhibition titled "Sea, Sky & Stone" is open August 24th through September 11th. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 4, and Saturday, September 11th, from 10 to 2 (or by appointment) at the Q Gallery.

What happens when a fabric weaver becomes a painter? Is there a way to blend the two art forms? This was my challenge as I stepped from the loom to the easel.

There must be a way to combine the texture and depth of weaving with the flow of color in painting. I began to experiment with painting on a new medium — an art canvas composed of strips and strings that are carefully woven.

When you see my paintings you may notice the colors gently lifted by the patterned background. There is a third dimension that produces soft shadows on the surface. I am determined to show the free forms of earth elements lightly laid upon an orderly framework, a hint of structure to nature.

My paintings are inspired by the hues and patterns of sea, sky, and stone. The intention is to convey the feelings that I associate with these natural elements, sometimes light and airy, but occasionally rich and deep. The paintings are meant to compliment the style of a room, whether contemporary or traditional, rather than overpower it.

See what can happen when a fabric weaver becomes a painter.

— Diane Whiting

Diane G. Whiting graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in Broad Area Art Education. After spending many years in the financial industry in Minneapolis, she and her husband moved to the lakes area of northern Minnesota. Having the luxury of time, she pursued a variety of artistic activities. A passion for gardening led to floral design and pencil portraits of flowers. A studio at Franklin Arts Center in Brainerd, MN provided a place to brainstorm with other artists and experiment with fiber and metal sculptures along with acrylic painting. Adjacent to that studio, she and her husband designed and built the Q Gallery, which they passed on to The Crossing Arts Alliance, central Minnesota's premier exhibitor of regional art.

After years of visiting different regions of the country, it became apparent that Santa Fe, New Mexico was a location that would inspire continued artistic exploration. Diane now calls Santa Fe her second home, and has a new studio where she continues to paint and absorb ideas from the vibrant arts community. She has a studio at her home in Lake Shore, Minnesota, and enjoys an inspiring view of Gull Lake.

"Meander" by Diane G. Whiting

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