Personal  Statement

            My Waterworks group exhibition titled Realism to Abstraction and Abstraction to Realism was the origin of my focus changing to nonrepresentational,  I first pursued an abstracted composition with paper collage and watercolor mediums.  This led to what I now pursue----the painting of broad geometric shapes.  The smooth application of acrylic paint is fitting for my compositions.

            In order to create my geometrical art, I use an approach that I personally developed.  I involves  reworking drawings from previous paintings.  I rearrange, enlarge or reduce the shapes into a totally new design and then trace the completed new idea onto the wrapped canvas.  However, this original design may change as the paint is being applied, taking on a new life.  New approaches to my methods continue.  

            By nature, I am a creative person, whether it be in the kitchen, at the table producing beaded jewelry or in the art studio.  The challenge of generating the next piece is what inspires me to continue painting a distinct and recognizable work of art.  My goal is to have the viewer's eye drawn into the painting, captivated by the unique composition of shape, color and movement. I want the audience to be anxious to move onto view the next one hanging on the wall, and to find the one that enamors them the most.

Biography

Diane Kent located in Phoenix, Arizona has been creating paintings that are meant to draw the observer into an eye-catching and cohesive painting. Her acrylic works on wrapped canvas have movement and directional flow with the interplay of woven shapes and color which will draw the onlooker into the interesting painting and may elicit a "wow" reaction to the composition.

While growing up in a small Illinois town, art was always her favorite subject while attending school. After graduationg from high school, she attended the Chicago American Academy of Art. Later, she continued her art education at two community colleges, one in Illinois and the other in Glencale, Arizona. Diane has also attended many workshops with nationally know water media artists.

Kent has shown in Sedona and Chandler, Arizona, and Santa Fe New Mexico venues. Diane's paintings are in many private collections. She also had a solo show at the Arizona West Valley Art Museum. More recently, she has exhibited with the Waterworks group at the Phoenix Shemer Art Center, Chandler Center for the Arts, McCollough Price House and Vision Gallery in Chandler, Arizona.                 Diane is a signature member of Watercolor West, The National Watercolor Society, Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, and the Arizona Watercolor Association.  Some of her awards have been First Place, Best of Show and pruchase awards.

Her works have been published in the San Tan News, The League for Innovation as a national finalist in Community Colleges and b The Best of Arizona Watercolor Association Book and American Art Collector Magazine.