Flower Mound is home to countless parks, restaurants, and community members. But one person is quietly working to create evocative, abstract paintings of her memories. Diane Walker-Gladney, our artist of the month, has been creating art since childhood, and creates superb paintings in her forest-like studio.
Diane reflects on her work. “My work is a visual diary of sorts exploring an ongoing collection of memories that began in a small town in Connecticut. As a young child, walking was a part of my daily life. We lived close to town, and as I meandered my way to school, I became keenly observant. I experienced the changing of the seasons, splashed in puddles, kicked leaves, and walked the same paths of my father and grandfather. These quiet whispers have remained with visceral integrity and have become fodder for my work.
"As I move forward in my life, I continue my collection of memories. Just as those childhood experiences etched their place, new ones are added. Unexpectedly, it is the seemingly insignificant and inconsequential moments that remain and hold such gravity. These are the moments I celebrate and paint as they are the ones that define my story. I find that my history, although unique to me, can find a universal voice. We all have an autobiography; we all have a story. Let the conversation begin!”
Diane’s work can be found in numerous public and private collections, including the Longview Museum of Fine Arts and the Denton Public Art Project. In addition, she was named a Hunting Art Prize finalist three times.
Diane’s pieces are atmospheric, gestural, and layered, with a soft, weathered quality. Many pieces are moody but not heavy, with moments of warmth that keep them from feeling cold. One piece, The Space Between Raindrops, features bold colors evoking a wet path covered in leaves. Each piece allows the viewer to pause and consider what might be Diane’s inspiration or just reflect on the beauty of the colors and composition.
Do you know of a local artist, all-over good human, or student who should be featured in our magazine? Please email our editorial coordinator at Valerie.Merrick@CityLifestyle.com to make a nomination