Lorene Peterson with several of her paintings, including her prizewinning piece, “Kansas Sunset,” far right.
Lorene Peterson has shared a couple of different talents with the Art is Ageless® program during the past 10 years. While she’s been talented at one her entire life, it was the other that forged a bond between Peterson and her late sister, Audrey Pfizenmaier, who passed away in December 2013.
“I’ve always sewed. I made my own clothes growing up, and still do when I can. I’ve even made quilts for all seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and have more on the way. But I didn’t start painting until my 50s,” Peterson said. “My sister was good at painting. I wasn’t a natural, and she sent me to the lady who gave her lessons, Floy Pyle. She said she could teach anyone. I think she may have been a little exasperated with me at first, but that’s how I got started.”
Peterson and Pfizenmaier enjoyed pursuing their passion together and would attend artist retreats at Stockton, Kan., and Halsey, Neb. Peterson became involved with Art is Ageless when her stepmother was living at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor. She has been featured at the Art is Ageless gala in Kansas City, where she was presented with a collage of photos taken of her and her work. She paints mostly scenery and sunsets with watercolor and oil, and is grateful for her husband of 66 years, Delmar, who “puts up with her mess.”
“I figure if I’ve got it laying around, and if someone would enjoy seeing it, I’d be glad to share it with them,” she said.
While Peterson misses her sister and the joy they found in creating artwork together, she remains passionate about encouraging others to pursue the arts.
“It’s a good pastime. I enjoy seeing what turns out and am inspired by many things. My advice to others would be to just give it a try,” she said.
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