By Kathy Collins
For Lynn Bliss, a resident of Riverview, creating art has become a way to escape. Bliss, who is a Hillsborough County Court Bailiff with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, took up painting just under one year ago. In that short time, she has become an accomplished and prolific emerging artist.
Bliss’ medium of choice is acrylic paint on canvas.
“I like acrylic because it has dimension. I want people to touch my art,” said Bliss during a recent interview. “Acrylic paint is thick. I can manipulate it and change it.”
Bliss attended a class at Patty Sisco’s Sketch and Sip located in the Winthrop Town Centre in Riverview. This experience let loose a tidal wave of creative and artistic talent in Bliss.
“I come from a family of artists. My uncle Robert Gelinas was an art professor at USF, and my aunt created ad art for Dillard’s,” said Bliss.
Painting for Bliss came at the perfect time in her life.
“It gave me something to do, and I love it. I like to say that art is the only way to run away without leaving home,” said Bliss.
Before now, Bliss never really had the opportunity to paint.
“I had always loved to draw,” Bliss said.
She was given this opportunity and now is busy painting. She has a wide array of subject matter. Recently, she tried her hand at mixed media and is moving into abstracts.
Rex Barbas of Gallery Barbas in Tampa said of Bliss’ work, “Lynn has a good eye for color and design. She is showing an ability and creativity way beyond her short time painting. She has the passion of a true artist.”
Bliss has big plans for the coming year. Recently, Bliss donated a painting of a Basset Hound to the Suncoast Basset Rescue for an upcoming fundraiser. In addition to this, she plans to enter area shows such as the Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show and the Winthrop Art Festival.
Follow her on Pinterest under L Bliss. Contact her at Labliss18@yahoo.com.
