Lu Haskew

It's Not Easy Being Green, 20x16" oil on board

2003

Lula Mae Haskew ​February 7, 1921 – November 24, 2009. Born near the Potawatomi Lands of her Native American Grandmother in Oklahoma. Upon retirement from a 33-year teaching career, Lu rented a studio in Loveland and began concentrating on her oil and watercolor painting. Learning from artists she had followed and admired throughout the years her painting became a full time career. She studied with renowned painters Richard Schmid, Clyde Aspevig, Joyce Pike, and others at the Scottsdale Art School and the Loveland Academy of Fine Arts. She also had a passion for floral still-life subjects and used material from her own beautifully landscaped garden to create stunning settings. Fruit and vessels compliment her many still life paintings. Lu considered it a must to work from live models once or twice a week, and she thoroughly enjoyed portrait work; and landscapes round out an extensive portfolio. Her devotion to painting kept her busy attending numerous painters’ workshops each year, she also taught painting at a community art league as well as the Loveland Academy of Fine Art. and vigorously painting in her studio at least 4 days a week well into her late 80's. Lu’s paintings are a featured in many private and corporate collections including Albertson’s Corporation (Formerly American Stores, Inc.), Home State Bank, The Ball Jar Company, Chris & Jack Harris, Linda & Victor Lund, Don Marr, Gertrud Fischer, & Jerry Mcmorris. ARTIST'S STATEMENT: "Life is good to me. Being able to go to my studio five days weekly and paint for several hours, living in a supportive community, having family and friends who encourage me--all have contributed to helping me become an artist. Being fortunate to study with some of the artists I admire has kept me painting from the garden, people and my favorite things. With the support of galleries, teaching and doing demos, how could I do anything else? My goal is to try to be the best I can be by always being a student, looking for new ideas and stretching my horizons." -Lu Haskew