Kathie Chicoine

I’m from Cleveland, Ohio originally, but moved to the Chicago area 40 years ago when my husband ‘s job was re-located to the NW suburbs. I worked as a nurse manager on Alzheimer/Dementia units for over 20 years, and loved it. When I retired several years ago, my husband bought me a digital camera as a Christmas present….and the adventure began.

I’ve always been interested in art and especially inspired by color, texture, and shapes. That’s why I love taking photographs of nature – especially flowers. I’m often in the forest preserves and parks surrounding Chicago and at the botanic gardens clicking away. I started taking photos of nature primarily, but in the past couple of years, I’ve become fascinated with creating totally new images through the technique of editing my original photographs. I frequently start by layering several of them. Then I experiment with various editing tools, filters and textures, until I create an image that is most appealing to me. Sometimes I simply use a filter and texture to give the photograph a softer look – sometimes giving it the look of an oil painting. There are several photo editors that I enjoy experimenting with; my current favorites are Zoner, Gimp and Paint.Net. I use an inexpensive Canon point and shoot camera for the majority of my photographs.

A new interest involves creating, fun, joyful images directly from the computer. My digital art frequently has a whimsical, childlike quality to it. There’s a loose, free feel to the images because I use my non-dominant hand when painting them. I’m a self-taught artist; constantly looking for new ways to express my creativity.  I’ve discovered through my photography that creating art brings me joy and I’m truly blessed to be able to do what I love.