Randy's Art Studio

RANDY LEIBOWITZ DEAN 

ARTIST  BIO

Primarily self-taught, Randy attended art classes at the Community College in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia College of Art and Broward County Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  In addition, she gives credit to many inspirational and talented private teachers in her pursuit for self-expression.

As a teenager Randy drew portraits in malls and festivals and displayed her work in local shows.  In the 1970's Randy's work included original hand painted fabric made into pillows and other decorative items.  After settling in South Florida she continued studying the figure and began developing her oil painting technique.  A one-woman show in Fort Lauderdale in 1993 started her Florida exposure.  Randy's art has been accepted in many exhibitions and galleries and has won a number of awards for her work.   Her commissioned work includes murals and paintings in private homes and businesses.

Randy and her husband moved to North Carolina in 2004 and are thrilled to be a part of a thriving art and fine craft community.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I paint on wood with oils and acrylic.  I first sketch with paint on wood primed with a base coat paint and gesso.  Although there are times I use a clear base coat so I can let the grain of the wood peek through the painting.  I sand between each coat to get a smooth hard surface.  When I feel comfortable with the sketch I introduce some basic colors working out the values then I explore!  With each work I find my way with color and line, balancing what I know with the excitement of finding something new; a new combination of color or a new way of looking at the many facets of a scene and the person I am painting.

Observing and drawing is the basis for all of my work.  In that way I can capture the gesture and expression of a person.  Sketch books and tablets are filled with drawings for the next paintings.  After years of drawing from life there are times I hold a glimpse of a person in memory until I can get to the pencil and paper.  I love the immediacy of drawing from life, especially when people are not aware; in a park, at an art show or right in my own home.  Of course there are many times I ask someone to pose.  I am always surprised how willing people are to sit still for me.  When the drawing hits the wood and I start to paint, the ordinary begins to express the spiritual.

My continuing evolution in the art I produce brings me increased enlightenment and peace.  The whole process never ceases to amaze me!