Although primarily a watercolor artist, I also work in acrylics and photography.  When painting, a favorite working method is to choose a palette and then observe the effects of watercolors flowing together and creating accidental or abstract shapes, from which I search for "found images" and develop them into a composition.  An expansion of that technique is to paint plein air in sub-zero temperatures, allowing the weather to affect pigment, creating unusual textures and edges that are incorporated into paintings.   Photographs are often created in a related manner.  I begin with my own photographs or photographs of my watercolors and digitally manipulate them until I can see an image to be developed into the final composition.  I have found this to be a magical process with endless possibilities.

I studied art at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and Morris where I earned a B.A. degree in studio arts, art history and sociology.  I taught high school art and adult art education for several years and then worked outside the visual arts for several more.  Now retired, I am anjoying a renewed interest in the arts.  Past and current art affiliations include the Minnesota Watercolor Society, Stillwater Art Guild, Northstar Watermedia Society, Hallberg Center for the Arts, Cambridge Center for the Arts, Pine City Arts Center and the Old School Art Center in Sandstone. 

Visit my website at claudiahanson.art