Painted Reflections - by Two Artists

Painted Reflections – by Two Artists

Diane Matz and Kathie Troshynski

To quote Georgia O’Keefe, beloved artist of the southwest,” to see takes time’! These two artists have spent their creative lives interpreting color, pattern and subjects finding their own version of ‘seeing’. In this exhibit you will find how two experienced painters balance their emotional connection with the craft, enthusiasm with skill – as well as the agony of frustration with the ecstasy of what worked for them!

DIANE MATZ: With a background in art and psychology, Matz says, “My artwork uses watercolor, mixed water media and collage to communicate reflections of the inner spirit, influenced by color, texture and nature.” She began with a love of watercolor, later venturing into acrylic and collage, she explored layering, stamps, stencils and hand painted, stamped papers too. “My work asks one to look closer, to speak from one spirit to another.”

As an award recipient of the Michigan Watercolor Society’s 2024 Exhibition, her painting was chosen to travel around the state for the next year. Diane has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, minoring in art from Michigan State University. This lead to a Masters of Education with Art Therapy certification from Wayne State. Study includes Experimental Watermedia with Laura Host at BBAC for 8 years. Diane has been juried into shows, including the Michigan Watercolor Society, the Livonia Fine Arts Exhibition, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association student shows, and Lawrence Street Gallery. She is currently a member of the Lawrence Street Gallery.

KATHIE TROSHYNSKI: The creative background of this artist has been painted with a wide brush – a career marked by advertising, exhibiting, volunteering and teaching. Early on Troshynski organized juried shows in Troy, art competitions for Troy Daze and displayed her work through art organizations and was president of the Troy Arts Commission. Recently she has taught in Lake Orion and at the OPC in Rochester. Exhibiting includes Birmingham Society of Women Painters, BBAC, U of M, Birmingham’s Our Town, Janice Charach Gallery, and the Northville Art House.

Schooling included a BA in Humanities with many art classes at colleges and with nationally recognized artists including Rita Kirkman, Margaret Dyer and Kim English.

“I paint from my love of people and nature”, says Troshynski. “I love the human figure and like to explore abstract ways to express landscapes or enhance a portrait”. Acrylic, multi-media exploration and especially pastels are her tools to make art. Lately she has painted one-of-a-kind t-shirts and jackets for craft shows and is beginning to show them on Etsy.

Below are samples of Kathie Troshynski and Diane Matz’s artwork to be seen at the gallery or through our website and social media.

Shop Diane's work HERE

Shop Kathie's work HERE