Winter Garden Magazine October 2016 | Page 32

Spotlight Artist I am the fortunate daughter of William and LaDonna Hanscom, who raised me and my five siblings all over the world.  We lived in Saipan, Pakistan, and for many years in Thailand. I graduated from the International School of Bangkok, and return to my home state Minnesota to attend Winona State University. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art, and began my teaching career.  I am a painter, a Teacher, an Illustrator, and art is my passion. My environment is my favorite subject, no matter where I am or what the circumstances may be, I collect my ideas for the next painting. Memories of my travels in Thailand moved me to paint, Merchants of the Floating Market, showing the Man and Woman selling coconuts from their small Khlong boats. This inspired a small series of coconut paintings. I feel that I am constantly emerging into new compositions that illustrate a variety of painting mediums, and techniques. An example would be drawing with ink into my water colors, discovering new shapes and creating more texture in the painting.  Painting brings me so much joy, and I love sharing it. Mikki Maurer