Dianne Hickerson's second act People who study such things say that folks who purposefully start second careers most often choose a creative path, something they long to do, a talent or interest that was not, or could not be expressed while working for a living or taking care of family. Dianne Hickerson, award-winning local watercolorist, is as good an example of this phenomena as any. She first took up her brush only a few years before her 1996 retirement after 32 years teaching third grade in Brockport schools. Only then did she discover a talent, and began to yearn for the time to express it. The spark that ignited her passion for watercolor came while attending summer teacher-training seminars at the Aesthetic Education Institute. The AEI builds partnerships between teachers and artists to place art at the center of learning, fostering curiosity, creative problem solving, cooperation and independence, and a life-long love of learning and the arts. At the AEI seminars Hickerson dabbled a bit, experimenting with painting and discovered a fascination with watercolors. So, with her three children grown, family responsibility at a minimum, she reckoned it was time to forge a new path, develop new skills and fulfill a new-found urge to create. Given she had no previous training or experience as a visual artist, her early success is astounding. She was determined, as she is with other aspects of her life, to do the very best she could. Still, with only minimal instruction in classes taught by local artists, Hickerson quickly developed a unique style using vibrant colors and bold designs. Her paintings pack in a lot of visual excitement, frequently incorporating reflections in glass, crystal and silver. It's a style that's easily recognizable, and a technique unique to her. Recognition of her talent and style came quickly, one of her first awards came from Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, a national exhibition held in Buffalo in 2003. Since then her paintings have received numerous awards include inclusion in, the exceptional American Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibit. Out of a thousand nationwide entries, her painting, "Fiesta," was one of 40 chosen to travel the United States. More recently, her painting "47th and Broadway" has been selected for inclusion in the upcoming book Splash 9, published by North Light Books. The book is a collection of America's best contemporary watercolors. She is not a prolific painter. She estimates all together she's painted a few hundred water colors, only some of which are 'keepers.' The others reside in a special drawer, martyrs to the cause of fine art. But she notices that as she continues to paint fewer attempts are cast away. Now she estimates one out of three paintings gets finished and saved. The design of one of her paintings begins with a detailed drawing. Not until she is satisfied with the drawing does she even begin to paint. Most paintings take a month or more, sometimes even longer if the design is complicated or other activities intervene. In winter, Hickerson likes to ski and often travels to ski resorts out west, and she also has an interest in training her new 'therapy dog' Mickey - an eight-month old Goldendoodle - a cross between a Golden Retriever and standard Poodle. Hickerson's paintings can be seen around the Brockport area, hanging in offices and other public places. One was recently donated as a prize for a local charity. She does not accept commissions saying her paintings are ideas and expressions that come from within and cannot be 'created' on order. As a result, the walls of her home are covered with handsomely framed paintings. Hickerson is a native of Brockport. Her family, the Dobsons, stretch way back in local history. Dobson's Drug Store on Main Street was run by her father and grandfather for decades until it closed in the 1960s. Dianne says she was never unhappy being a third grade teacher. She loved teaching and loved her students. But, neither has she any regrets about making the switch to a second career practicing her art. Note: To have a look at some of Dianne's paintings visit http://www.diannehickerson.com/ The Century Club of Rochester will present an exhibition and sale of paintings by Dianne Hickerson and Webster artist Marlyn M. Belle-Isle from September 27 through October 28. About 30 original and reproduction watercolors will be on display at the Victorian mansion, 566 East Avenue, Rochester. The exhibit will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday each week by appointment. Phone (585) 266-2910 or (585) 271-7533. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the Aesthetic Education Institute: http://www.aei-rochester.org/ |
