Lorraine Alexander enjoys a reputation as an accomplished oil painter, beloved in her home town of Taos, New Mexico, and considered one of the Southwest's up and coming fine artists.
Several years ago, the classically trained Alexander left her brush behind in the studio, and began painting en plein air with a palette knife. It was a revolutionary move..a transition from the soft curves of the human form to the geometric anatomy of the landscape...and one that did not change just her style, but also freed her from the constraints of rules and imposed methodologies. Today, the self-described colorist paints without boundaries, each stroke of the knife laying down brilliantly unified, variegated layers of richly textured paint that distills the landscape into elemental purity.
Alexander said, "Working with a palette knife may seem more random than brush work, but for me it is not. It's actually a deliberate, intuitive orchestration of carefully selected colors and the textural thickness of my application, designed to blur details so the eye sees nothing but the whole. At the same time, the technique allows me to be in the moment, and lets the paintings happen without restraint. I trust that when I lay my knife on the canvas, I'lll achieve a definition of reality that resonates with the viewer."
Born and raised in New York, Alexander's family heritage includes several acclaimed European artsits who recognized the talent she demonstrated at an early age, and supported her pursuit of fine art. She was one of four students, from the competitive environment of her school, invited to participate in an arts program for gifted students. Alexander graduated from Wesleyan College with a degree in Fine Arts, having received the best paint award at the 1997 student exhibition. She continued studies under several modern masters, including North Carolina's John de la Vega, and renowned Santa Fe artist Tony Ryder.
Alexander's career, before her move to New Mexico included acclaim as both a portrait artist and the owner of an innnovative studio/gallery concept space in Macon, Georgia, where she painted and taught classes. She also donated time working with students in the public school system, providing mentorship and exposure to a studio environment.
Lorraine Alexander has had exhibitions in New York, Macon and Hilton Head, and received the Fine Artist award at the 2001 Macon Cherry Blossom Festival. Her works are represented in private collections throughout the country, including the private collection of the Central Georgia Heart institute.