Lori Sonnier

Art has been a part of my life since I was a child. My mother was an artist, and I grew up playing with her art supplies, painting and drawing, and visiting art museums.

In college, I studied biology and public policy at Pomona College (B.A.). I also received a master’s degree from Duke University (M.E.M) in environmental management with a specialization in resource ecology.

In the 1990s, I had two opportunities to study in Germany on Fulbright Scholarships. During my time overseas, I nurtured my interest in art. One highlight was that I traveled to Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, France. I also took a plein air painting workshop and visited museums in France and Germany to see master works in person.

For 9 years, I worked in corporate environmental management. This was an exciting opportunity, as I was able to work on a series of environmental goals including waste reduction, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and green supplier guidelines. While working, I took art classes through UCLA Extension at night. I studied color theory, perspective drawing and design at UCLA.

In 2006, my family and I moved to Austin, Texas. I began taking painting classes in Austin through The Art School at The Contemporary Austin. (Laguna Gloria). I also did painting workshops in Santa Fe, New Mexico with Albert Handle and Lee Rommel. I work primarily in water-mixable oils and am a member of the Creative Arts Society in Austin as well as Plein Air Austin.

Artist Statement:

I am an artist living in Austin, Texas. There is so much beauty in nature, and I seek to reflect the beauty of the natural environment through my work. I am also inspired by color and how the colors of the environment change with the seasons.

The natural environment is a continual source of inspiration to me, changing with the light, the seasons, and over years of time. I paint many landscapes. I enjoy experiencing them, observing them, and recreating them on canvas. I hope that my paintings bring joy to people, and that they help people appreciate the beauty that is around us in the world.

Collecting art is about finding pieces that connect with you. If you spend time looking at art, you will find some paintings evoke a positive feeling in you. Others don’t. I find that paintings can be a way of remembering a place that is special in your life. They can also depict a place you would like to go or that you just find beautiful.