Dianna Shomaker began her education as an artist at Central Washington College in Ellensburg, Washington. but later diverted into nursing. That created a hiatus in art for about 15 years. However, after moving to San Antonio, Texas she began studying art again under the tutelage of Ray Cox. He was very instrumental in helping her see art in a more experimental way, using charcoal and collage in her compositions. That experimentation continued and expanded when she moved to Germany where she studied abstract art using palette knife with Frau Sachweh in Zweibruken. Germany. Since then she has studied in Albuquerque with Sam Smith at UNM, Ted Hogsett at his Southwest School of Art, and Charles Dunbar at the Albuquerque School of Fine Arts. She enjoys drawing and traditional painting, but most recently the thrill of an artistic experiment readily captures her attention. 

Her approach in these experiments has been in extensive use of collage, charcoal and palette knife. The excitement of seeing the unexpected form by experimental application of color through these media oftentimes creates a stronger statement for her than the more traditional methods. She draws heavily on her life experiences and travels for her source material. Every observation brings a panoply of possibilities. Art is a means of extending her lifelong education, of learning to see and appreciate the world around her, the shadows, the colors in juxtaposition, the animation of the figure. 

"Woman in Sun Hat"
mixed media: acrylic/torn paper
21 x 24" matted    $300

This past year she was awarded several honors: first prize in mixed media and second prize in oils at the New Mexico State Fair, Fine Arts Division. The Albuquerque Youth Symphony selected her as one of twelve artists to paint a violin for their fund raiser this coming September. The Albuquerque Rotary Club bestowed on her their first Lifetime Achievement Award for community service. She has been in numerous juried exhibitions, e.g., Corrales Visual Arts Show, St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Show, and the Placitas Studio Tour. She is also a member of the Placitas Artists Series Board.

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"Woman Holding Bird"
20 x 32" Unmatted $600

©Dianna Shomaker-All rights reserved

Shomaker says:

"My paintings are constructed and textured. Most people call them collages. I use paper that is found, handmade or painted. It is applied to a surface such as illustration board, masonite, or canvas in conjunction with oil paint, acrylic or watercolor. Sometimes I carve into the surface and apply paint to enhance the texture. They are sealed with Polymer and varnish to protect them from UV light. In the case of watercolors I frame them under IJV glass. They are impressionistic and represent scenes, people and events in my life."