Barstow's Featured Artist: Dianne Chagnon

Barstow’s is a small family owned business and we are committed to supporting other local farmers, local crafters, and local artists. Our walls are reserved for the art of local painters, sketchers, and photographers – giving us a beautiful and unique perspective on the area that we live and love. Visit us to enjoy lunch, soak in the rural views, and view the local art of your creative neighbors!

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About the Artist

Dianne Chagnon is a lifelong resident of South Hadley who is relatively new to to the world of painting on canvas. A forced early retirement due to Covid and the need to care for an elderly parent provided the free time needed to explore the world of painting on canvas. She had dabbled in acrylic painting folk art in the 80’s , ( think Welcome Geese signs and watermelon wedges ). After attending one of the painting webinars on Facebook that had a style that appealed to her, she signed up for a series of classes and her journey began.

“ I don’t have any in depth commentary to offer about how or why I paint. It’s a new passion. I wake up wanting to paint. I love the color and texture. I love the endless possibilities. I look at everything around me as a potential future subject. I ponder the complexity of color. I love the moment when the scene I’m painting becomes what it is meant to be. I love that it makes me and others happy. I look at my paintings and am still surprised that I am the artist!

Dianne has been painting for just over 2 years and this will be her third public showing of her work to date. She is inspired by the beauty of the world around her and enjoys painting flowers, meadows and forests , but really anything can inspire her to pick up her pallet knives ( her primary painting tools) and sometimes brushes, and begin painting. She describes her style of painting as contemporary, impressionistic, textured acrylic painting. It is vibrant and meant to be touched as well as viewed. Many of the paintings have hidden surprises waiting to be discovered.

“ I am grateful to Barstows for supporting local artists and allowing us the opportunity to display our art. I hope that you enjoy looking at my paintings and that they bring some joy into your day! “