Elizabeth Floyd

I am an artist and teacher living in Alexandria, VA.

I am someone who seeks clarity of ideas.  I am drawn to color, pattern, and detail.  In my artwork, I am fascinated with incorporating beauty observed in my surroundings, always striving to celebrate the simple moments of life. 

This was not always the case.  I went to school to be an architect, and then practiced for nine years.  However on the eve of turning 35, I left the architectural profession to pursue being an artist full-time.  What I most loved about architecture (going out and sketching the built environment and reading architectural history and theory), I get to pursue with art.    I have parlayed the strong observational and sketching skills gained from being an architect towards mastering representational oil painting.  I established a self-directed study plan, where I gained proficiency by attending local art classes and workshops, and by copying masterpieces at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

Also, I am tactile by nature.  I want to feel the rasp of pencil on paper, the pressure of paint being applied to canvas, and the shift of my weight as I step close to the easel.   My studio practice is all about engaging the senses.

Now I work and teach in my home studio and garden, creating paintings that are firmly rooted in celebrating the seasons of the year.

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.