Colorful Journeys: The Artistic Evolution of Rosemary Dykstra
Rosemary Dykstra’s artistic journey is a compelling story of discovery, perseverance, and bold experimentation—a narrative that reflects her vibrant, evolving body of work. Her adventure with color began in her early years, forming a deep association between hues and happiness that still drives her creative process today. "Certain colors, color combinations, and arrangements of shapes, marks, and lines speak to me and feel scrumptious," she shares, describing her love of color as a feeling of being "so alive.”
Rosemary’s path to becoming a full-time artist wasn’t a straight line. Before retiring, her art was often squeezed between life’s demands, yet her talent was undeniable. She garnered recognition as a finalist in The Artist’s Magazine National Competition in 2014, and her work was accepted into ArtFields 2015. Once she devoted herself fully to painting, her passion bloomed. In 2023, she received an ASC grant to pursue an intensive art workshop—an experience that deepened her practice. The culmination of these efforts led to a major milestone: her selection for the 2025 class of ArtPop.
An influential turning point came when Rosemary challenged herself with a large-scale abstract pastel painting (48" x 72") using an unfamiliar, darker palette. "It was transformative," she reflects. Experimenting with soft pastels on primed canvas forced her to overcome preconceived notions, embrace new color combinations, and refine her technical skills, including researching a more effective fixative. The result? A compositionally revised masterpiece now proudly displayed in a patron’s home. This bold step affirmed her belief in taking risks —a mindset she continues to nurture.
The works of iconic artists have left notable marks on Rosemary’s approach. She is captivated by the rhythmic color harmonies of Stanton Macdonald-Wright’s Synchromism, the spiritual and abstract philosophies of Vassily Kandinsky, and the whimsical, dream-like lines of Joan Miró. Her contemporary heroes include Jane Davies, whose fearless experimentation inspires her, and Brian Rutenberg, celebrated for his lush color blending. If given the chance, Rosemary would love to collaborate with Jane Davies on a mixed-media project or even travel back in time to work alongside Lee Krasner, whose dynamic lines and fearless creativity have always sparked her admiration.
Rosemary’s creative process is often spontaneous. Sometimes, a single color sparks an unplanned journey where lines and shapes evolve intuitively, one mark inspiring the next. Other times, external inspiration—a photograph or another artwork—provides the starting point, though the final outcome remains a surprise. She embraces happy accidents and welcomes unconscious decisions, subscribing to the mantra: “There are no mistakes, only unconscious decisions.” Even after a painting feels complete, she allows it to linger in her studio, open to the possibility of one final touch.
Yet even this joyful creator isn’t immune to creative blocks. When stuck, Rosemary steps away from art for a few days until she feels the pull of the studio again. A simple act of organizing her space or a single mark tends to draw her back into the flow. Her advice? Stay true to your intuition and avoid losing yourself in rigid techniques from art classes.
In terms of tools, Rosemary values technology for practical purposes. Apps that help with scaling, framing, and staging are useful, but she shies away from anything that alters an image to create so-called "instant art." For her, the joy lies in the tactile, organic process of creation.
Looking ahead, Rosemary has ambitious aspirations. She aims to market her vibrant, joy-filled works to commercial spaces where they can uplift and brighten environments. Recognition by esteemed galleries, both domestically and internationally, remains a key goal. Artistically, she seeks to push boundaries with bolder colors and greater looseness, always expanding her comfort zone.
As a member of the Guild for three years, Rosemary cherishes the camaraderie and creative exchange it offers. She delights in learning new techniques, attending monthly presentations, and engaging in coffee meetups where ideas and opportunities abound. "The direction the Guild is going now is wonderful," she notes enthusiastically.
Rosemary Dykstra’s artistic evolution is a testament to her adventurous spirit and unwavering joy in creation. Her story reminds us that art is as much about risktaking as it is about intuition—and that every stroke, mark, and line is a celebration of life’s vibrant possibilities.
Connect with Rosemary Dykstra:
Instagram: @rosydykstraartist
Website: rosemarydykstraartist.com
Email: rosemarydykstra@gmail.com