In October, Loretta Sorensen’s artwork will be exhibited at Mount Marty University’s Bede Art Gallery.
Sorensen’s art gives her direction and peace in the midst of life’s storms.
“It was July 4, 2019 when my husband Alan and I had to cancel our plans to attend our church’s evening picnic,” Sorensen said. “He was in the second year of his recovery from colon cancer. His treatment included radiation, chemotherapy and two surgeries. He was improving, but progress was slow and we were often home for a week at a time. For a few weeks he left home for nothing.”
Faced with her disappointment, Sorensen knew she had to make a choice.
“I could wallow in self-pity all night or find something constructive to do,” she said. “During Alan’s illness, many people prayed for us. Knowing this helped me continue to turn to God for peace and guidance. I believe God spoke to my heart that night and told me not to fret about what I missed but to try to see the opportunities the situation offers.”
Sorensen had considered painting for several months before embarking on her first project. Painting three pictures in oil was one of the assignments she completed as part of her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003 from Mount Marty University. While she was enjoying the experience at the time, she had no desire to continue painting.
“I was shopping at the Dollar Store when I saw they had small canvases and bottles of paint for $1 each,” she said. “That was about all I wanted to invest before deciding if I had the ability to paint a picture.”
Some of Sorensen’s family possess dexterous artistic talents. An older sister can draw almost anything she sees, and a nephew is adept at painting lifelike portraits. Sorensen knew she wasn’t gifted with those skills.
“I found a painting of a horse’s head on Pinterest,” she said. “I knew I could never create the design without help. The graphics software I use to publish books allows me to create an image that fits on my canvas so I can print it out and trace the outline of the image.”
Sorensen uses the printed image to determine the size of image detail and the digital image to determine which colors to use. She spent almost five hours on this first piece and was amazed at what she had achieved when it was finished.
“Now that I’ve developed my skills, I see things in that first painting that I could have done differently,” Sorensen said. “But it hangs on my wall as a reminder that when things go wrong, God can use the situation for good if I’m willing to work with Him.”
As she continued to work on her art, Sorensen was surprised to receive requests to paint specific art images. The first request for a barn and floral landscape on a 20×30 canvas prompted her to delve into a new direction in her art.
“It was a friend who asked me to paint the picture,” Sorensen said. “I had no idea what I was doing, but I was willing to take a risk. I used the same approach when creating the barn, printing out an image I had adjusted in graphics software. I slipped through the process and did one thing at a time as I figured out how to go about it. The picture turned out great and I’ve already done more.”
Sorensen also designed and painted a 12×16 abstract floral tapestry for a friend and has other similar projects on her list.
“On the side, I learned how to decoupage on canvas,” she said. “I found some vintage images online and designed some of my own. I have sold many of them, but we also have a few hanging in our house.”
Sorensen’s work reflects a sense of rural life and the serenity often found in the countryside. Growing up in eastern South Dakota and living outside the confines of a city has given her a solid background in all things country, which she thoroughly enjoys.
“Alan and I both grew up around horses and have had horses since we got married 52 years ago,” she said. “So of course I paint some horses.”
Many people in the countryside appreciate the old barns that are slowly fading. Other themes include deer, sunflowers, abstract flowers, roosters, butterflies, etc.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how different colors work together,” Sorensen said. “I’m just starting to take multiple pictures and create my own paintings by mixing what I like about each one.”
Sorensen said that learning how different colors work is key to creating a successful painting. In the spring of 2022, she branched out into watercolor, which looks very different on canvas than acrylic paint.
“Sometimes when I start a painting I have an idea in my head, but as I work I imagine something I like better and the end result is very different from the original plan,” she said.
“I enjoy painting because it’s a challenge that keeps me busy,” she adds. “It’s also very satisfying to create something that someone else appreciates. When my work inspires others to recall their own fond memories, brightens their day, or fulfills a desire for a specific type of image on their wall, I’m delighted.”
Alan is fine.
“We are not confined to the home as we have been in the past. He almost didn’t survive, so every day is a gift,” she said.
Sorensen will present her Artist’s Talk at Bede Art Galley. The date is yet to be announced and published on their website.
For more information, to order or to find out more about Sorensen, her family and her work, visit: www.lorettasorensen.com