Communicating Emotion through Art

"No matter how I feel, I use a lot of bright colors," says outdoor painter Connie Swenson. She describes her paintings as "emotional interpretations of nature." Viewing those displayed throughout her Charter House apartment is like strolling along a splendid nature trail. She began painting as a child and credits her mother for inspiring her. "I can see Mother and my brothers and sisters sitting around our kitchen table. She would draw, then it would be our turn to copy." Her mother taught her well, for it helped Connie win a scholarship to the Minneapolis School of Art and Design that "gave her a bit of speed" as she pursued her artistic career.

And what a career it has been. She has numerous art affiliations, has had many solo exhibits, participated in several group shows, and received countless awards. Her works appear in corporate and private collections and are on display locally at Mayo Clinic, Methodist Hospital and in Charter House. Her husband Wendell, now deceased, and their three sons Norman, David, and Stephen, have encouraged her throughout her career.

Connie moved to Charter House last year and immediately converted a bedroom into her art studio. "I paint every day" she says, "and I am never going to retire." Watercolor is her favorite medium, but she is also skilled with acrylic and oil. Several years ago she began working with clay as a sculptor, and she also has become an accomplished poet. Her advice to aspiring artists is, "Just keep it up; keep your nose to the grindstone!" And her definition of a good painting is, "One that I look at a year later and still like!"