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Arlington — Arlington glass artist Cindy Ann Coldiron’s new book, “Flowers In Art: Contemporary International Artist”, is a collection of floral theme artwork from across the globe.
More than 50 well known, established and emerging artists/designers from the U.S., Canada and Ireland and elsewhere are showcased in the book including some local artists from Fairfax and Alexandria.
These local artists include Nadine Beth Schneider of Ashburn, Megan Coyle of Alexandria, Ning Fan of Fairfax and Lubna Zahid of Reston.
Zahid said she was humbled when Coldiron told him that she chose his art work to be in the book. And he was also amazed how her organizational and methodical nature helped to make everything easier.
“I paint flowers in watercolors and with silk dyes on silk. Both of these mediums give me an opportunity to catch a glimpse of their beauty in a delicate and fluid form,” Zahid said.
Schneider also commented on the easiness of submitting her work and the joy of working with Coldiron.
Schneider took some of her inspiration for her “Tree of Life” portrait from a scene in “Cinderella,” her daughter’s wedding bouquet and a tree outside her living room window.
She hopes readers will see what an intimate part flowers have in our everyday lives.
“Some of the most important events in our lives include flowers,” she said.
“Flowers In Art” is divided into two sections. The first section contains the three dimensional work such as glass, ceramic, and wood and the second section contains the two dimensional work like “Pop Art and beautiful paintings.”
“My goal for the book wasn’t just to show pretty images. You know flowers can show so many emotions like sadness or humor,” Coldiron said.
Coldiron’s inspiration for “Flowers In Art” came from her love of gardening which began at the age of 8. A neighbor gave Coldiron her first plant, a tomato plant, and she has been hooked ever since.
“I’ve never met a flower I didn’t like,” she said.
Her favorite flower is the lily. Although she does not have a formal art degree, Coldiron has taken intensive art classes — photography to jewelry making to basket weaving to painting as well — through the Arlington County parks and recreation department. In addition, she has won two grand champion wins for her entries in the both ceramics and glass at the Arlington County Fair.
In addition, she teaches a course called Becoming a Professional Artist for the Arlington County Adult Education Program.
“Flowers In Art” can be purchased at www.schifferbooks.com, amazon.com and local booksellers.