Artist Profile: Florie Baumann

Florie Baumann grew up in Chicago. She began life in the art world late, but she had no lack of passion. Baumann credits her success with dedication and persistence.

Although she is known as a plein air oil painter, it was not her first medium. Baumann began working with watercolor in the 1980s with Marianne Brown. She joined California Watercolor Association and received her signature membership within seven years.

Eventually, Buamann began to fous on abstract landscapes in acrylic and collage. By 2003, she had begun studying oil plein air painting with Benicia artist Pam Glover. “I found I loved this medium and painting outside,” says Baumann. “I try to paint scenes which might disappear through development or decrepitude, to preserve the essence of what existed.” Baumann takes inspiration from scenes that incite a special “light, mood or sheer beauty.” Baumann admits, “I really like plein air painting because of the immediacy.” She paints outdoors at least once a week.

Baumann took inspiration from her fellow artists and instructors: Pam Glover, , , Robert Chapla and Terry St. John. “The Society of Six group have had great influence on my painting.”

Despite her love of plein air, Baumann is also a studio painter. She is influenced by the Northern romantic tradition demonstrated by Robert Rosenblum. “I have been stunned and captivated by the stark, beautiful landscapes of two painters, Gerhard Richter and April Gornik," she says.

“There are so many works by artists whom I admire, from my many visits to the Art Institute in Chicago growing up,” says Baumann. “I still consult the masters to understand ways to solve problems with my paintings.”

As an active member of the local art community, Baumann belongs to the Alamo-Danville Artists' Society (Blackhawk Gallery), Benicia Plein Air Group (Da Group), , California Art Club and Valley Art Gallery. As a member of , Baumann will be participating in this month's annual .