Fellowship of Christians in Portraiture

Ann writes: "In the balance of family life and profession, family comes first. It wasn't until the children were in school full time that I returned to a love of painting people that eventually developed into a career in portraiture. My time of teaching, followed by full time motherhood proved to be valuable background for becoming a children's portrait painter.

"Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, I have a BA from Houghton College in western New York State (Class of '67). Over the course of some thirty-three years of marriage I have lived in Iran, Michigan, Colorado, and North Carolina. From 1986 to 2001 I enjoyed a studio at Artspace — a community of working studios and galleries open to the public in historic City Market in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. From 1980 to the present, I have also maintained a private studio in my home.

"In my "silver years" I happily count myself as Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, artist, gardener, and dog lover."

Selected professional highlights include:

o Signature membership in The Pastel Society of America

o Memberships in the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, Degas Pastel Society, Artspace Artists Association, American Society of Portrait Artists, The American Society of Classical Realism, Christians in the Visual Arts, and the Fellowship of Christians in Portraiture.

o Commissioned and non-commissioned paintings in corporate and private collections nationwide including: IBM, RJR Nabisco, Nations Bank, Wake Medical Center, General Electric Mortgage Insurance, NC League of Savings Institutions, and North Carolina State University.

o Artwork published in the 1996 and 1998 editions of The Best of Pastel, Rockport Publications; and the 1996 edition of The Best of Oil, Rockport Publications.

o Artists with whom I have studied: Mary Trafelet, Marjorie Ortlip Stockin, Greg Kreutz, Daniel E. Greene, David A. Leffel, Dee Toscano.

Ann Boyer LePere
Emerald Isle, NC 28594

ann@annboyerlepere.com
www.annboyerlepere.com

Personal Testimonies by Fellowship Members

God's Measure of Success
By Ann Boyer LePere

Children on the Beach
By Ann Boyer LePere

The value of my being isn't found in position,
possessions, or accomplishments.
*
My true identity is found in Jesus Christ -
not in my marriage, children, nationality,
gender, vocation, calling or passion - even art.
*
My current and ultimate security rests in God.
*
God's measure of success generally isn't the same as mine.
*
In honoring commitments made, family
must come before art.

These are my core beliefs.
From time to time God tests them
to see if I'm serious.
With His help, I am.

-- Ann Boyer LePere

orn and raised in Detroit, Michigan, I couldn't remember a time when I didn't draw - especially faces. I was definitely hardwired VISUAL. I received a BA from Houghton College in 1967, studying with Marjorie Ortlip Stockin, but not majoring in art. Marriage and a year as an Air Force wife teaching in the American School in Teheran, Iran, preceded stateside civilian life and motherhood. Two sons, many house pets and assorted livestock accompanied thirteen years in Arvada, Colorado.

Full time mothering easily accommodated an eventual return to part time art studies. Discovering the works of Francis Schaeffer and H.R. Rookmaaker was a revelation. Although a believer since the age of eleven (when I accepted Christ as my Savior) and active church involvement, I never knew how significant it was to be made in the image of the Artist. It always seemed that the only value of an artist who is a Christian, was to give chalk talks or illustrate sunday school material. (Vital ministries, but not mine.) Reading Schaeffer was like a light bulb coming on! Ahah! I mattered to God-as an artist-even if I didn't paint religious subject matter. Painting God's creation, especially people, celebrates His holy artistry.

Pastel Portrait
By Ann Boyer LePere

A life long love of pastel began with visual inspiration from exposure to the marvelous Denver area pastel painters - Doug Dawson, Dee Toscano and Ramon Kelley. Who knew you could do all that with pastel ?! Moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1983 was timely. The American South, where portraiture is an established tradition, was God's perfect provision for a willing "face painter." Opportunity for workshops with Daniel Greene, Greg Kreutz and David Leffel brought growth in skills. Through exhibition experiences, artist organizations and community contacts, I began receiving numerous portrait commissions. My greatest artistic development came from thirteen fulfilling years as a tenant artist at Artspace. This renovated historic building houses several galleries and over twenty working studios, all open to the public. Having a professional location in which to meet clients was a valuable asset. Interaction with the public and close proximity to other artists made for a stimulating setting.

A recent move to coastal North Carolina has required some adjustment to maintain a client base but the surroundings can't be beat! My web site now serves as both virtual portfolio and gallery. In addition to portrait commissions, I continue to work on a series of mixed media pieces concerning cultural issues, especially those affecting children. To paint the portraits of happy, safe, loved children makes me acutely aware of the little ones in America who are neither happy, safe nor loved. I am moved to express my concern through art and from my worldview as a Christian in hopes it may make a difference.

To me art is about truth, goodness and beauty. My practice of art should involve concept, execution with excellence, integrity, dedication and passion. For me the exercise of my talent should glorify God, enrich the Church and engage the culture.

Ann Boyer LePere, PSA
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
November 2001

Oil Portrait
By Ann Boyer LePere