By Todd Peterson
For "50 Artists" Series
Dottie Chase loves to tell a story when she creates a painting. She says, "I want people to feel an emotion when they see my paintings."When Dottie paints a portrait, she begins with the person's eyes. Eyes show the humanness of each person and bring their essence to life in her paintings.
Today, Dottie is one of the area's leading portraitists with many private commissions to her credit. She has received many awards for her pastels and watercolors from the Watercolor Society of Oregon, Mayor's Art Shows in Eugene and Springfield, Lane County Fair, and Emerald Art Center.
In addition to her work as an artist, Dottie is a dedicated advocate and supporter of the arts in Springfield and Eugene. She has helped advance local art organizations with her fundraising abilities and has held leadership positions with the Emerald Empire Art Association, Gallery at the Airport, Jacobs Gallery, and Lane Arts Council.
In 1999, Chase received the Alvord Award for exemplary service and dedication to the advancement of the arts. She was among the 14 women named a "Legend" by the Springfield Museum this year for the difference she has made to help improve our community.
"I'm grateful to have been able to play a part in the growth and success of the Emerald Art Center," says Dottie. "It has blessed me in so many ways and has inspired my work as an artist."
In her own words:
Inspiration To Begin: "In high school I considered being an artist. I knew I could do whatever I wanted to do. But I realized that I was a 'variety person' and entrepreneur by nature. I wanted to do many different things and I did over the years. In 1990 I decided it was time to seriously begin working as an artist. I've been creating art and involved in supporting the arts ever since."
Important Mentors: "Among contemporary painters, Daniel Green, Harley Brown, and Ben Konis have inspired me. Also a young painter, Jacob Collins, is a current favorite. Among the Old Masters, I enjoy Vermeer and Caravaggio.
Value of Art in Her Life: "Art is a part of my whole being ... the way I look at things. I just love being in the midst of it and get excited at the wonderment of colors and shapes."
Her Artist's Legacy: "I was able to share my art and make people aware of the beauty that surrounds them. As a result of seeing my paintings, I hope people will look, see, and feel the beauty of world in a deeper way."
For more information about Dottie Chase and to see additional images of her art, visit the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.
"Elephant Watering Hole" by Dottie Chase
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About The Artist
Birthplace: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Arts Education: University of Oregon - Art Major (Sculpting & Ceramics)
Media of Choice: Pastels, Watercolors, and Oil
Favorite Place to Do Art: With people around creating art, except when painting portraits which she does in her home studio.
Favorite Subjects To Paint: People
Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association (Board Member & Past President), Jacobs Gallery (Steering Committee), Gallery at the Airport (Steering Committee), Art Selection Committees for LTD(Springfield & Em-X Stations), Moshofsky Center, and RiverBend Hospital (Art Panel), Lane Arts Council (Past Board Member).
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All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.
"George" by Dottie Chase
"Beach Walk" by Dottie Chase
"In the Shadows" by Dottie Chase
