18 Apr Meet the Artist: Dianne Bagnal
Each quarter, we display work from an acclaimed local artist at our Spartanburg office. Thanks to our Caine Cares initiative, our quarterly artist receptions support artists in the community while giving people a chance to gather together in our state-of-the-art spaces and admire beautiful artwork. This quarter, we will be sharing the work of Dianne Bagnal in conjunction with Spartanburg’s Art Walk. Please stop by our artist reception Thursday, May 16, from 6-8 pm to meet Dianne and enjoy her artwork.
The former Coordinator of Art Education at Converse College, Dianne Bagnal, has been very involved in the art world from a young age. For many years she worked as a public school art teacher before her extensive career at Converse, where she was named the 2012 Art Educator of the Year. She is passionate about elevating public awareness for the value of art education. In her own work, she particularly enjoys watercolor painting, playing with light and color to create abstract pieces, landscapes, and more.
To get to know Dianne and her work better, we asked her a few questions.
What piqued your interest in art?
From an early age, I watched my Aunt Verla draw and paint. She was a Portrait Artist. I have wanted to create art for as long as I can remember.
How would you describe your style of art?
My style of art has changed over time. I believe it is currently Impressionistic Spontaneity towards Creative Realism. As I work, I begin with sketches and photographs. I’m intrigued with light and color.
Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your work?
My creative inspiration comes from many sources: the environment, music, events, and even my mood.
What’s your favorite piece of your own work?
One of my current favorite pieces is from an Italy trip of mine: “View of Arezzo”.
What’s an interesting fact about you or your work?
Some interesting facts about me:
I taught Art Education at Converse College, where I wrote the M. Ed & MAT in Art Education and taught watercolor.
Throughout my career I’ve been awarded, the South Carolina Art Education Higher Educator of the Year in 2003 and the South Carolina Art Education Art Educator of the Year 2012. I have also been featured as one of the artists in the Spartanburg publication, Artist Among Us.
What famous artist do you most admire?
The famous artists I admired growing up were Paul Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Hokusai, and Degas. At East Carolina University I had the privilege of studying under an acclaimed artist, Frances Wayland Speight. He was the first Master Artist I had ever encountered. I also worked with two Master Watercolorists, Elliott O’Hara and Zoltan Zabo.
We look forward to seeing you at our Spartanburg office on 151 S Daniel Morgan Avenue on Thursday, May 16, from 6-8 pm. Invite a few friends and join us for food, beverages, and a viewing of Dianne’s work.
