Finding Solace in the Canvas: Diane Overmyer’s Journey Through Art
Diane Overmyer has always been captivated by the beauty of the world around her. As an artist, she has spent years exploring nature, capturing its essence through plein-air paintings, and even dabbling in sculpture and photography. Today, her relationship with art is even deeper and more personal. She’s no longer focused on filling gallery walls. Instead, she creates art to soothe her spirit and connect more personally with her collectors.
An Early Love for the Outdoors
Diane’s connection with nature dates back to her childhood in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she grew up surrounded by gardens and open fields. Summers were spent exploring her grandfather’s farm, hiking through the woods, and camping with her family. “I’ve always felt at peace in nature. It’s a grounding experience,” she shares. “Even being in the woods alone is calming and can feel very spiritual to me.” These formative years helped sow the seeds for a lifelong passion, leading Diane to embrace plein-air painting, where artists paint directly from life outdoors.
“The plein-air movement originated in France with Impressionist artists like Monet and Van Gogh who would take their easels and paint on location,” explains Diane. “This type of painting has seen a resurgence in the past two decades.” For Diane, it provided the perfect blend of her artistic talents and her love for the natural world. Her paintings often depict scenes of lush gardens, wooded landscapes, and serene riverbanks. Through art, Diane can capture both the scenery and the feelings that the setting evokes.
Art as Therapy
While Diane’s work has been featured in various galleries, her focus has shifted significantly over the past year. Following a surgery that left her with limited mobility and chronic pain, Diane found herself unable to paint as frequently or participateanymore,” and along the coast, but I can’t hike out by myself anymore,” in the same events she once did. “I used to be able to paint in the mountains or along a coastline, but I can no longer hike out by myself”, Diane reflects. With limited mobility, she has had to adjust her approach to life and art.
“I pulled my work out of art galleries and stopped painting for about eight months, Diane explains. “This was partly to help care for my new grandchild, but it also helped not to have to produce several new paintings according to a gallery’s schedule multiple times a year.” When Diane picked up the brush again, her intentions were different. “Art has always been therapeutic for me, even just looking at paintings brings me a sense of peace,” she explains.
This past spring, Diane decided to paint for herself again, setting aside the pressures of gallery expectations and rediscovering the joy of creation. From sketching portraits at a local nursing home to painting the flowers in her garden, Diane finds comfort in the process of creating. “My focus is no longer primarily about making money,” she says. “I’m focused on doing what makes me happy and brings peace to others.”
A New Approach to Creativity
As Diane embraces this new chapter, her artistic practice is beginning to shift. Instead of planning her paintings for upcoming gallery displays, she’s now focused on more personal endeavors. She has sketched residents at her father’s nursing home and given away the portraits as simple acts of kindness. “It’s rewarding to see their reactions,” she says. “My dad loves introducing me as his daughter the artist! Watching me sketch brings him much joy.” Her garden has also become a significant source of inspiration. Since hiking to remote painting locations is no longer feasible, Diane and her husband Tim have expanded their garden at home, planting various perennials, roses, and other flowers. This personal sanctuary now serves as both a muse and a retreat. “I paint what I connect with—my garden, the birds, the butterflies…” she shares. “There’s something about being surrounded by nature that feels like home.”
The Healing Power of Art
Art therapy, a term often used in clinical settings, is something Diane embraced naturally. Through her vibrant oil paintings, quick sketches, and simply spending time in her garden, art continues to be a healing force in her life. “When I’m painting, I’m happy.” she says. “It’s a way to escape the pain and find fulfillment, even if only for a few hours.”
Diane’s decision to shift away from the commercial art scene was not taken lightly. She once juggled multiple gallery commitments, one gallery in Brown County, required switching out paintings every few months. The reality of having to create and transport new art work that frequently, was a real challenge. By focusing on creating art for herself, she has rekindled a sense of freedom that had been lost. “Now my joy comes from being able to interact with my collectors personally and hear their stories of how my work has touched their heart.”
A Legacy of Love and Creativity
Although Diane may not be seeking the spotlight, her influence continues to be felt in the local art community. Her work is deeply rooted in the beauty of nature and resonates with those who value original art. Diane revels in sharing a piece of herself with the world, and she welcomes art lovers to follow her on Facebook and Instagram where most of her new work is shared. You can also learn more about Diane’s artistic journey on her website, www.dianeovermyer.com.
Looking to the future, Diane is not currently planning to return to gallery life. She plans to continue painting what moves her and creating art that brings peace to herself and others, while embracing the freedom to explore her creativity on her own terms.
Written by Eleni Owens | Photos by Gary Riggs Photography