Lucy Strupp, Denver, Colorado
Plein Air Artist and Graphic Designer

I strive to help people to see, as I see and experience the beauty around us through my paintings. Painting in Plein Air allows me to observe deeply not only the incredible hues, light, shadows, and shapes of the world around us, but also textures, sounds, feelings and even deep-rooted memories. I want people to have an emotional response to my paintings.

“En Plein Air” in French means to “paint in the open air.” Painting outdoors and on location allows an artist to directly observe the effects of atmosphere, light and color.

I was influenced by light, color, and atmosphere early in my life as I grew up, lived and worked above my family-owned bakery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I always had a passion for deep observation, whether it was in the warm atmospheric environment of the bakery or in the outdoors.

My father influenced my creative side by training me in the art of baking, cake decorating, and bakery management, but he also taught me the importance of being a vital part of the neighborhood and community through his volunteerism.

I became a professional graphic designer after I earned a degree in commercial art at Milwaukee Area Technical College. I studied Fine Art with a focus on oil painting at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and  Colorado University – Denver. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The Women’s College of the University of Denver.

I traveled frequently for my consulting work in marketing to all parts of the mid-west, heartland, and even north to Alaska. My travels in marketing increased my desire to paint the areas I visited, and I grew anxious to paint more than I could while I was working.

Throughout the years, my career in graphic design, marketing, and business kept me busy, but it also left me little time for painting. Over the years I incorporated my love of creativity into business strategies as well as graphic design. Now, I am fully focused on bringing together my love of the outdoors, art, and travel through Plein Air painting.

Education:
University of Denver – The Women’s College – Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – 1997
Attended Colorado University at Denver – Fine Arts 1990-1991
Attended University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee – Fine Arts with a Minor in Painting 1972 – 1975
Milwaukee Area Technical College – Associate Degree in Commercial Art – 1972

Membership & Participation:
American Impressionist Society
Oil Painters of America
Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC)

Participated in the Annual Plein Air Artists, Shows, Events & Conventions:

Upcoming Events:

2024 – Georgetown Plein Air Event – Georgetown Heritage Center
July 26 – 27, 2024

Past Events:
2023 – Georgetown Plein Air Event – Georgetown, CO –  Georgetown Heritage Center
2023 – Plein Air Conference – Denver, CO

2022 – Georgetown Plein Air Event – Georgetown, CO
2022 – PAAC 25th Annual National Show – Nov. 10 – Dec. 31 – Mary Williams Fine Arts  – Boulder, CO

2021 – Arts Week Golden – Golden, CO
2021 – Paint Cedarburg Plein Air Event – Cedarburg, WI
2021 – Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC) – “Safer Outside-Hope Springs Eternal” Show

2019 – Fall Color Week Plein Air Adventure – Ghost Ranch, NM
2019 – Plein Air Art Festival – Loveland, CO
2019 – Foothills Art Center – Golden Festival of Art – Golden

2018 – Littleton Plein Air Festival – Littleton, CO
2018 – Plein Air Conference – Santa Fe, NM

2017 – Littleton Plein Air Festival
2017 – Plein Air Conference – San Diego, CA

2016 – Littleton Plein Air Festival
2016 – Plein Air Conference – Tucson, AZ

2015 – Plein Air Conference – Monterey, CA
2013 – Plein Air Conference – Monterey, CA
2012 – Plein Air Conference – Las Vegas, NV

Honors:
2021 – Two paintings accepted into the 2021 Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC) – “Safer Outside-Hope Springs Eternal” Show
2021 – “Best Overall Plein Air” for her painting “Just Golden”
2019 – Golden Festival of Art – Honorable Mention for her painting ” 12th Avenue Blues”
2018 – Two paintings accepted at the juried “35th Annual All Colorado Art Show” held at The Depot Gallery – Littleton, Colorado. Paintings selected: “In Georgia’s Shadow” and “Deep Woods, Warm Path”
2017 – Littleton Plein Air Festival – Honorable Mention for her painting “Hudson Gardens – Busy Bees”
2016 – Littleton Plein Air Festival – Honorable Mention for her painting “Busy Corner”