Today we’d like to introduce you to Cydette Vikander
Hi Cydette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At a very young age I was destined to be an artist. My father was a Make-up Artist in Hollywood and my maternal Grandmother was initially a singer and actress on Broadway in San Francisco and then Hollywood. She took up oil painting in her later years after her glorious career, and took lessons with some of the well known California painters .
I always drew or painted as a youngster and teenager and finally went to study painting and art history in Paris, France at Paris American Academy. Then came back after a semester of art and went an additional semester at Otis Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles. That was enough inspiration for me to move into realizing that I wanted to pursue, Fine Art.
I was married soon after school and managed 3 children and a move to Bozeman, Montana. There I excelled in Pastel Painting and eventually opened my own Gallery; and was also represented by several other galleries in the Rocky Mountain Region.
In 2004 I was divorced and moved to Laguna Beach. I was given an opportunity to manage my cousins beach cottages and resume a living where I changed painting with pastels to oil painting. I have continued to paint almost daily and study En Plein Air and imaginative Contemporary Landscape. Here in Laguna Beach I have enjoyed much success and friendships with some of the finest painters in the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles we go through in a lifetime. For me it was mostly personal. Making a living as an artist is tricky. And raising a family on top of dealing with finances and relationship can beat you up. But I persevered through and continued with failures and success to arrive today with great joy and continued inspiration.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Art has been my main passion my whole life. I have tried all kinds of mediums and styles and considered oil painting as my brand for now. The difference that is seen in my work comes from my color sense and the variety of styles I imagine and work towards to make into a successful work of art. I have the ability to do very Traditional work as in Plein Air, (painting from Life) to designing landscapes with a more unique edgy expression; all the way to Abstract.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In the past, submitting your work through competitions and exhibitions was a way to develop art relationships. Today, there are numerous organizations that you can join and participate in. Go online and ask Google to find local Exhibition opportunities.
I am a member of Laguna Plein Air Painter’s Association, LPAPA
2023-2024 EXHIBITIONS
Dana Point Sister City International and cultural exchange, Cloisters at St. Francis, Sorrento, Italy
Dana Point Fine Art Association, Festival of Whales Art Art Exhibition
DPFAA Spring Art Show 2024, Dana Point Harbor
PRESENTLY, my work can be seen at the SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL, Laguna Beach, CA, the festival runs Daily 11am-8pm , Address- 935 Laguna Canyon Road
Coming September:
Maritime Festival DPFAA 2024, Sep. 7-8th, Dana Point Harbor
and DPFAA Fall Arts Show 2024, Oct. 12-13th, Dana Point Harbor
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cydettestudio.com
- Instagram: Cydette Vikander
- Facebook: Cydette Studio
Image Credits
All mine, Cydette Vikander
