Diane Olhoeft — Artists Along the Bitterroot

Diane Olhoeft - Watercolor

Artist Statement

As a child in rural Pennsylvania, I grew up watching my mother paint and sketch ideas for clothing she wanted to create. Most of my time was spent outside, building forts, exploring old homesteads and pretending I was a wild horse. My ties to the outdoors remain strong.

Watercolor was a perfect medium as it was light, portable and could go on any adventure. It has really helped me see my surroundings in a more appreciative and detailed way. I love the colors and free flowing way the paint goes on the paper. It seems to be in tune with the unpredictability, adaptability and movement of nature. Silk painting has the free spirit of watercolor with the added advantage that you can wear it and it feels so good.

For 30 years I have loved working as a physical therapist in Missoula, Montana with folks of all ages, helping them do things they never thought they could do again. It has given me an appreciation for movement and anatomical structure which helps me find balance in my paintings. Now I am doing my art in a yurt on a beautiful Corvallis ranch surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains, llamas, horses, cows and of course dogs and cats.