"Screech Owl Family" by Cindy Dalton pictured above.
Cindy Dalton is an artist and art teacher residing in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Cindy comes from a long line of artists, and was encouraged by her mother from a young age to build on her own passion for art. She began studying art at Rochester Institute of Technology while in high school, and once she finished high school, began working as an Interpreter for the Deaf with students majoring in art. Her work at the Institute allowed her to also take art classes herself, and through the position she fell in love with learning and teaching art.
After raising her own children, Cindy returned to work teaching art to High School students. “My background and interests help me teach a wide range of 2D and 3D techniques and materials. I taught for 20 years. That meant many years of mounting art and hanging art exhibits. It is important to me to mat, and if possible, frame my student's artwork. I am currently working as an Elementary Art Teacher. I have a passion for sharing how to create art from many types of media.” Cindy enjoys the process of creating art and the rewards that a completed piece produces. “The time I spend painting can be frustrating and take long hours, but I enjoy so much when it all pulls together. When my art can communicate something I strongly believe in or feel, that is when it brings me the most joy. Art can be such a dynamic way to communicate.”
A few of Cindy’s recent projects are a powerful piece on suicide prevention and one on human compassion. Her words on the projects and what they mean to her and those who view them are below:
“Recently I worked on a woodcut ("Reach Out A Hand") project where I used an image of my son. He is in the Army and one of his fellow soldiers had taken his own life. My heart ached, I had to respond with my art. The message was to raise awareness about suicide. Sometimes we miss the signs of someone struggling with how to cope. They need encouragement to seek help. I also created books of art entitled "Hug of Compassion" and another for children "Hugs for You." These books were a result of my own experience when a person (I didn't know) gave me a hug after learning I had breast cancer. I wanted to create some kind of "love gift" for other people with cancer or other life-threatening diseases. The books are a collection of art from artists across the world.”
"Reach Out A Hand" by Cindy Dalton pictured above.
One of Cindy’s favorite pieces is her painting of a Woodcock. “I found this little woodcock in a photo on Instagram. I asked the Photographer (Keith Michael a naturalist and photographer of @newyorkcitywild) if I could use his photo as reference for my painting. He agreed. I love the collaboration with other Artists.” She enjoys painting many different subjects, but gravitates toward animals, people, and nature. “I have tried to find a niche, but I can't stay long with one subject. I like to explore and experiment.”
"Woodcock" by Cindy Dalton pictured above.
It is through her faith that Cindy finds inspiration for her artwork. “Sometimes I will have a verse, or a prayer written under the images of my painting.” For aspiring artists, Cindy offers the advice of, “practice, research, be observant, and remain teachable. Please don't give up, like many fields it takes time and effort, but oh so much joy!”
Cindy found Golden State Art through a friend when she needed a custom cut mat board for her artwork. “I want a professional product to display my work. The products I have purchased have been just exactly what I wanted.”
Cindy’s most recent project, a series of Game Birds, features a woodcock, ring-necked pheasant, ruffled grouse, and a North American turkey. The series can be viewed on her social media platforms below.
Cindy’s Instagram: @cindyc_dalton
Cindy’s Facebook: Hug of Compassion
View More of Cindy's beautiful artwork below.
