Irma Ward

Artist E-mail: admin@irmaward.com
Artist Phone Number: (817) 874-3032
Website: www.irmaward.com
Medium: Oil painting

"Understanding the technical aspects of painting enables me to appreciate the work of others and to be more creative in my own work. I like choosing a subject to paint -- be it a landscape or still life -- that has an emotional 'catch'. I especially like painting portraits because it gives me a sense of purpose to honor a person in a painting. Color, too, is an important factor in my work. I like subjects with bright colors."

Artist Bio

Now a resident of Arlington, Texas, Irma Ward grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where she learned the value of a strong work ethic in her parents' grocery store. After moving to Texas as a single mom, Irma developed her business career with a major airline while also working on her college education. She completed her bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Texas at Arlington and continued her education, both formally and informally, as she pursued her interest in the arts.

In January, 2000, Irma made an unusual millennium resolution. She decided it was time to reach her lifelong dream of becoming an artist. After several years of self-teaching, she enrolled in oil painting classes at a local college. That was all it took to hook her on oils and convince her that oil painting was the job she would love best. Irma pursued many other art classes and continued to paint while working full time, yet painting on the side was not enough. Irma wanted to reach a higher level in her painting and share her knowledge by teaching others. So Irma retired early from her airline career to paint and study.

Over time, Irma earned certification as a Fine Art Instructor from the Liliedahl School of Traditional Oil Painting and now teaches and paints full time. She is on the Executive Board of the Trinity Arts Guild and is a member of the Portrait Society of America (PSA), Oil Painters of America (OPA), Professional Artists in North Texas (P.A.I.N.T), Texas Artists Coalition (TAC), Irving Art Association (IAA), Grapevine Art Project (GAP), and the Arlington Visual Artists Association (AVAA).

Irma's art has won awards in several juried competitions, including the Mid-Cities Fine Artist Association, the Trinity Arts Guild, and the American Airlines' "On My Own Time" show. She was also juried to show in several other events. Irma's work has also been shown at local galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and other venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

All told, Irma has participated in more than 30 art shows and exhibitions over the past four years.