By Patricia Schallert –
Lorna Amundson is a passionate plein air artist who captures the beauty of nature through vibrant paintings and greeting cards. Plein air painting, a style involving outdoor work to capture natural scenes and light directly from the environment, fosters spontaneity and connection. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the outdoors, Lorna translates her observations onto canvas or paper, breathing life into landscapes with every brushstroke.
Lorna’s background in biology has significantly influenced her artistic practice. Years spent studying animals and plants, both in the lab and in the field, have enriched her understanding of the ecosystems that inspire her work. This unique fusion of scientific knowledge and artistic talent creates a bridge between science and creativity.
A Journey of Resilience
Lorna’s life journey has been marked by extraordinary resilience. After fleeing China as a refugee following the Communist revolution, she resettled with her family in Hong Kong. There, her childhood was shaped by hardship, and her education was disrupted between the ages of 11 and 16.
With support from her British teachers at her final secondary school, Lorna persevered and earned acceptance to Park College in Missouri at just 16 years old. This critical move was driven by a legal requirement to reside in the United States for five consecutive years before turning 21 to secure her citizenship.
Lorna began her professional career as a biologist and later transitioned to leadership roles in health care. However, her passion for art was reignited in her fifties during annual vacations to Yosemite National Park, where the breathtaking landscapes and local art classes inspired her to paint more seriously.
Embracing the Artist Within
Although Lorna has no formal art training, she learned from various artists over the years. After retiring in 2005, she studied briefly with the late Sally Miller, who introduced her to the technique of “transparent watercolor.” In 2017, she began attending weekly lessons with artist Joe Cibere, further broadening her skills.
Today, Lorna’s work centers on themes of nature—skies, water, meadows, mountains—as well as boats, cars, birds, dogs, and people. Her preferred medium remains transparent watercolor, and she often describes creating art as a form of meditation, deeply influenced by her background in botany, zoology, and literature.
She believes that each painting should tell a story, inviting viewers to engage and interpret the narrative in their own way.
Teaching, Challenges, and Perseverance
Always a team player, Lorna enjoys teaching adults, aiming to make her classes both entertaining and instructional. She considers her art “living,” viewing each piece as a canvas for personal expression, even finding joy— albeit some challenge—in designing her greeting cards.
Despite challenges related to worsening eyesight and the early stages of dementia, Lorna remains committed to her craft. Although she experiences moments of distraction and panic, she says she has not lost herself in the process of creating.
Preferring to focus on one task at a time, Lorna typically schedules just one activity per day, often staffing the gallery on Tuesdays. Recently, she completed three paintings in a week, feeling that her skills remain as strong as when she was a teenager.
Nature, Memory, and a Lasting Legacy
Nature has always captivated Lorna. While she once relied on plein air painting, she now often draws from memory and experiences, including reflections on California wildfires. At 87, she paints primarily from her desk, explaining, “If you’ve painted plein air enough, you can create scenes from your imagination.”
Her latest favorite subject is the Matilija poppy, a native flower known for its large, crepe-paper-like white blossoms with bright yellow centers. Lorna approaches this subject in the style of abstract realism, capturing the essence of the flower without replicating every detail.
Photo courtesy of Patricia Schallert
Lorna’s artwork is available at several locations, including Harbor Village Gallery and Gifts at Ventura Harbor, the Studio Gallery, and the Maritime Museum at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Her greeting cards are also sold at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, featuring over 100 designs, although not all locations carry the full collection.
While she doesn’t have a personal website, many of her works can be viewed on her Facebook page under her name. She is happy to be contacted by email at lohmay@verizon.net or by phone at 805-485-6595.
