Who brings art with a French flair to Nederland? Who has taught French in Nederland schools, but emphasizes Colorado wildlife in her paintings? Whose life is in Nederland, but calls her studio and gallery the Atelier, the French word for that hybrid?
Why Laurence Delaunay, of course, whose Laurence Delaunay ART @ Lolo’s Atelier is celebrating its second anniversary this month!
Lolo (Laurence Delaunay Masters in private life; she’s married to community activist Dallas Masters) has been painting her whole life, she says, but became more serious about her art over the last 20 years. She had her first art show in France in 2005, and her first in Colorado in 2006.
After splitting her time between teaching French and painting, she decided in 2021 to focus on her art. At about the same time the space on First Street in Ned became available, and she opened her Atelier.
A true convert to the Colorado lifestyle, Delaunay explains to The Mountain-Ear that “I paint Colorado wildlife and landscapes but also do some more abstract pieces which are my favorite to do. Bears, elk, bison, bulls, and hummingbirds are my favorite animals to paint.” She is not exclusive, though: “People also commission me to paint special subjects.”
“My work,” she adds, “showcases the natural beauty of Colorado through my French eyes, on large canvasses. I paint in my own loose/impressionist style using bold colors, paintbrush and knife strokes with acrylic paint, paste and ink.”
With her Nederland location, she has many clients from Boulder and elsewhere in Colorado, but, she notes, “The atelier being on First Street, a lot of people from out of state discover my work, and of course the online platforms allow me to be seen internationally as well. I ship paintings all over the US and even in other countries.”
Speaking of her unique multicultural identity, Delaunay tells us that “I also paint in France during the summers when I visit my family. I have plans to show my art there as well: all of this is so exciting! I feel really blessed!”
A few other local artists also show their work at the Atelier “and occasionally help me open when I am out of town.” Now, with the second anniversary of the Atelier at hand, she announces that “the gallery studio will welcome a new artist each month. What better way to share the space, promote local artists and gather with Art Lovers at the beginning of each month for a First Friday Art Reception!”
The first of these was held on March 1, featuring Judi Anderson. Artists who will be featured in future months include Brent Bishop, Jan Bannister, Helene Moullee, and Rachel LeGall (a French artist “who will create amazing hats”).
Delaunay’s newest venture involves partnering with Elephant Revival, showing her art on their next concert posters and merchandise. No wonder Delaunay declares “I feel like I have the best job ever! Let me rephrase that: It is the best job in the world and I wouldn't change a thing!”
You will find Laurence Delaunay ART @ Lolo’s Atelier at 25 East First Street, Nederland; phone 720-514-9460. Her email is laurence@laurencedelaunayART.com and her wonderful website is LaurenceDelaunayART.com.
