Retirement allows old interest to develop

Artist Mitzi Christensen isn’t a Northwest native. Moving to Cathlamet in 2001 from Hawaii, she said she was drawn to the area after a friend recommended she and her husband explore the area.

Mitzi grew up in a small town in Northern California and has lived in Monterey, Santa Barbara and Oxnard, California before finally moving to Hawaii, where she and her husband lived for 20 years.

Mitzi may be a transplant but her art proves she has the soul of a Wahkiakumite. Her art is all about water, boats and mountains. “I love this area,” she said. “I felt at home the moment I saw the place.”

Mitzi spent her time in Hawaii as an account for an archeologist. “It was a great job,” said Mitzi, "my boss went all over the South Pacific.” She said she found it very interesting as part of the support team dealing with the many digs.

It was after she retired that her old interest in art resurfaced. She had always been interested in art and had dabbled with it from time to time throughout her life but it was only when she moved to Wahkiakum that she got serious.

“I have always wanted to paint,” she said, “and when we moved here I decided to just do it.”

Mitzi said she started attending art shows in Longview and at the coast, which inspired her to take classes and workshops. “I went to a show in Longview and nobody was in the gallery at the time so I met the artist giving the show and she told me I should start again.”

Mitzi said she found an art class and signed up.

“The lady I signed up with gave me a list of supplies and I looked at the price and said, ‘I better get serious.’” she said.

Mitzi said the instructor had each student paint one picture each week for class to critique. She said that criticism was a real motivator

Mitzi said she prefers to paint in acrylics because they create great shades and vibrant colors, perfect for rendering scenic compositions. She also said she finds pen and ink a great medium for rendering shape and detail.

“Its quite satisfying and fun and relaxing. I can even do it while I watch television, its like doodling with a purpose,” she said with a chuckle.

Mitzi says her favorite subjects are boats and waterfront scenes.

“I also love old buildings with character and our beautiful Northwest landscapes,” she said.

Mitzi said she tried to copy different painting techniques and finally decided to work to develop her own style.

“At first it was frustrating because what I saw here," she said pointing to her brain, “didn’t come out here," (pointing to an imaginary canvas).

Today that diligence and whimsical nature has paid off. She has shown her works at Skamokawa’s Redmen Hall to appreciative audiences, and has placed her paintings at the Made in Wahkiakum store on Main Street in Cathlamet.

“I was so surprised,” she said, "I put a few painting in the store and they sold.”