'Insatiable desire' energizes Lynne Hardwick's paintings

As I passed Lynne Hardwick's booth at the Piccolo Spoleto Juried Outdoor Show, I was greeted with colorful, abstract pieces layered with texture. Hardwick calls herself an experimental artist, constantly evolving her work with new mediums, papers and techniques.

Working in watercolor, acrylic, oil and ink, she has been a professional painter for the past 37 years, earning accolades at the Adirondack National Watercolor Show this year and in 2009 and receiving the Cutting Edge Award from the International Society of Experimental Artists, to name two of the multiple awards she has received. Some of Hardwick's pieces have up to 70 layers of transparent paint; she incorporate collage and bold textures to create intricate designs that are unusual and thought-provoking. Hardwick studies seven weeks each year in master and independent painting classes; her love of travel has taken her all over the world and has inspired her painting career.

"My art is an intuitive, personal journey based on my life experiences. My insatiable desire to meet the world's people, visit their countries, embrace their cultures, art, antiquities, spirituality and beliefs, have fueled my passion to share these adventures through my art. I am humbled and honored knowing that what comes from my heart and soul has touched a strong enough bond and response to inspire people to collect my pieces. I am living my dream, and it is overwhelming and wonderful," Hardwick said.

Hardwick is part owner of Lowcountry Artist Ltd., which features local artists who have received national and international awards. Later this year, Hardwick is traveling to Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand to draw, paint and be inspired.

Website: www.LynneHardwick.com.

Contact Info: lynne@lynnehardwick.com.

Birth date and place: May 8, Oneonta, N.Y.

Residence: Summerville, 14 years.

Family: Husband of 40 years, Tony; son, Chris; daughter-in-law, Nancy, grandchildren, Katelyn and Drew; daughter, Hillary; rescue dog, Valentine; studio cats, PiCatsso and Shambles.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of South Florida; Katharine Gibbs School, New York.

Influences: A lifetime of world travel to fuel my imagination; years of wandering through museums and galleries; literature; art history classes; art books; theater and dance; and studying with some of the world's best instructors for more than 37 years.

Price Range: $400-$6,000.

Where is your artwork featured locally?: Lowcountry Artists Ltd., 148 East Bay St.; Wild Goose Gallery, Goose Creek.

What book are you reading now?: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson.