Carlsbad artist Darlene Katz describes herself as “a scientist by training, and an artist by choice.”She asserts, “Art requires a knowledge of technical information, and science requires creativity.” For an artist to be successful in developing emotional response in the observer, she believes that both the technical and creative aspects of painting are essential.
A native of Syracuse, NY, Katz began her successful career in Immunology in 1985 as a post-doctoral fellow at La Jolla’s VA hospital, followed by several years in clinical research.
Katz learned the value of a strong education as the offspring of WWII concentration camp survivors, as it provided a vehicle for her parents to establish a successful post-war life in America. With medical backgrounds, both parents believed it was their responsibility to provide their children with the best possible education.
Katz says, “My parents believed that I should try everything, and learn as much as possible, exposing me to music and art at an early age.” The shy young girl used her artistic and musical talents to make friends and communicate with others.
With a liberal arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College, Katz studied art at Northwestern University in Illinois, Syracuse University in New York, and locally under Sebastian Capella and Vanessa Lemen.
Katz has maintained her innate drive towards success since becoming a professional artist in 1999.
She says, “I don’t want to be limited by anything, especially myself. As an artist, I want to be able to work in any style.” Whether working on landscapes, figures, portraits, animals, or still life, she enjoys technical proficiency while maintaining freshness in her paintings. She says, “Any subject matter can be fascinating for a painting. The power and resulting statement of my paintings comes from the technical interpretation of the work.”
Katz says, “My goal for each painting is to capture and remember a unique moment in time.
When I’m observing something, I realize that the “moment” that I was a part of will never happen again. I feel like I’ve grabbed the moment by painting it, and am preserving it forever.” She continues, “Because I have immortalized this moment, in a way it immortalizes me. I love the idea that long after I’m gone, my paintings will still be here, hopefully with someone still enjoying them.”
A regularly participating artist in Encinitas’ annual Arts Alive banner program, Katz has recently taught “Try it You’ll Like It” workshops offered by the San Dieguito Art Guild, through which instructors encourage participants to try new art media and techniques for a nominal fee.
Teaching private and semiprivate classes in her Carlsbad studio, which has often been featured on the San Dieguito Art Guild’s Mother’s Day Studio and Garden Tour, Katz accepts landscape and portrait commissions. Her work can be seen regularly at the Off Track Gallery in Encinitas, as well as in Carlsbad’s Front Porch Gallery’s current juried show through Nov. 4.
See studiokatz.com to view her work and a complete list of current and upcoming exhibits.
Kay Colvin is an art consultant and director of the L Street Fine Art Gallery in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. She specializes in promoting emerging and mid-career artists and bringing enrichment programs to elementary schools through The Kid’s College. Contact her at [email protected].
