Heather Coen

Artist Statement

"Having been born with a paint brush in my hand, my mother survived and passed on many of her artistic skills to me. Apprenticed to three master artists over a six year period, I launched with advantages. I soon became the President of a local art organization and learned the inner workings of shows, exhibits and keeping a herd of cats going in somewhat the same direction. I was the prize coordinator for the Women Artists of the West 50th Jubilee Show which happened to coincide with the outbreak of COVID. The organization could not hold the National Show and everything had to be coordinated and shipped. It took weeks.....Overcoming adversity is a part of every artist's life. I've found that persistence, ethics and just plain being stubborn helps. I have drawers full with awards and ribbons. I became a Master Signature member of Paint America after winning a number of competitions through their venues. It took me eight years to accumulate enough points. I also have my Signature designation with Plein Air Artists Colorado and Pastel Society of Colorado. My work has been published and featured in every major Art Magazine. Moving to from the mountains of Colorado to the hot, dry desert in Arizona, I found that plein air work helped tremendously in changing my palette and way of thinking. It was not an easy transition. Having taken a hiatus overcoming the loss of lifelong husband combined with and a personal tragedy; I am moving forward with my art and beginning a new chapter in my life.