Today, Bledsoe sells her work through word of mouth and through Etsy, an online store. She has sold paintings to customers from Maine to New Mexico, and even in Australia. Prominent photographers from around the globe contact her and ask her to create a painting based on their photos.
“ It’ s really neat to think of my work being in all of these places,” she said.
She also still does commercial work, including the Brown County Winery bottle labels, the Indianapolis Fire Department Logo, and drawings for the National Institute of Fitness and Sports. Her paintings are hanging in Brown County schools, the Brown County government buildings, and numerous local businesses.
Sherry Poore Roberson displays Bledsoe’ s work in her two Nashville stores, J Bob’ s and Main Street Images.
“ Diane’ s art is exceptional. She is truly gifted and talented,” Roberson said.“ She has done many pieces for us and our stores in Nashville. We value her as an artist and a great friend.”
“ Eagle Landing.”
“ Bean Blossom Covered Bridge.”
“ Wagler Farm.”
Bledsoe recently learned a new medium. While browsing the website Pinterest one day, Bledsoe stumbled across a figure of a chicken made from a gourd.
“ I thought to myself,‘ That’ s really boring. I can definitely do better,’” she said.
With the help of a little clay and just the right paint, Bledsoe transforms simple gourds into chickens, whales, and flamingos. She can make just about anything out of a gourd now.
“ People love them. They are sold before I even start them,” Bledsoe said.
The most recent project involves creating a personal oasis for herself. A place she can go to relax with her dog Dee and her cats Louis and Max. She has painted the room to feel as though she is at the ocean. She reupholstered a large, old arm chair with painters canvas and painted the sand and sea on the seat and a pelican perched on a dock post on the back.
“ One of my friends always asks me where I come up with these ideas,” Bledsoe said.“ And I always say,‘ It has to be a God thing.’”•
July / August 2016 • Our Brown County 27