Lydia Bee
Inspiration
The inspiration for my artwork comes from one of our family dogs; Chuck the pug. Coco the chocolate lab and Buttercup the yellow dog are also very much a part of my work. 
I have called Northern California home my whole life. Art has always been an important focus in my life. Luckily, my husband of 34 years, Ron, has always encouraged me to create my art and express myself even with the endless messes and piles around the house.
While raising three daughters I created whimsical whirly gigs out of wood, made dolls and stuffed animals, and dabbled in tole painting. I Graduated from Chico State University with a degree in Art with a concentration in Art History. I am mostly a self-taught artist, with added help and support from some really great artsy friends.
A Rewarding Teaching Career
My 18-year teaching career started in 1991and exposed me to many different techniques and media. It is exciting to create artwork that allows me to use all of these skills. At Junction Middle School in Palo Cedro, I taught 6th -8th grades for 8 years. I was also on the development team and taught for 6 years in the award winning visual and performing arts charter school, Redding School of the Arts. My dream was to be a high school art teacher because my high school art teacher had such a positive effect on my life. I am passionate about Art and Music in the schools and have been involved in and taught workshops with the Northern California Arts Project and the California Art Education Association. I have taught teachers how to integrate the arts into their curriculum through San Diego State University extention classes.
I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Art 1 at Shasta and Enterprise High Schools in Redding and Art 1 through AP (advanced placement) art at Central Valley High in Shasta Lake City.
About My Work
I semi-retired from teaching in 2007 and have been busy building a studio and making my own art work. During my college years I learned to love acrylic paints. I loved how fast it dried and that you could achieve both washes or heavy, bold layers with it. I am also inspired by mixed media; funky papers, bits of torn fabrics, and photos. I’m having a blast creating mixed media personalized pet portraits.
Some of my pieces can be seen in the September/October issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors, an altered arts magazine.
10% of all commissioned sales are donated to Another Chance, Animal Welfare League in Palo Cedro.
