Encountering new opportunities in our young lives often cause a favorite passion to sit in the back of the bus. Some finally toss off their dream as a silly notion while others patiently wait for the right moment to grab their long-awaited passion with gusto. Staci Kaufman falls into the latter category.
Known throughout the educational circles as a school administrator and serving as the Superintendent of Vantage Career Center in Van Wert, Ohio, Staci had always dreamed of having an art studio and building an artwork business from watercolor and acrylic paintings. In 2018, Kaufman retired from the proud role she played in education for her dream of becoming an artist.
“I finally started playing around with my watercolors in 2019, after unwinding for six months. I am still learning as much as I can, mostly on my own, but love taking a painting class whenever I can,” says Staci. “I do love retirement and am enjoying building my painting skills for my small artwork business, Libra Palette. “
Artist Kaufman is currently enrolled in a Watercolor class at the Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert where she soaks up techniques and furthers her learning to improve her skills.
Staci chose the name Libra Palette as a connection to her astrological sign and her love of everything beautiful. With a built-in artistic symmetry and a determination of perfection, she has honed in on creating and marketing a variety of watercolor items.
As member of the Defiance Society of Artists (DSA), Staci is active in the annual hand-painted egg and bake sale, in addition to supporting the growing group. Kaufman’s work was also chosen to compete in her first juried show at the Wassenberg, and her paintings and postcards can be discovered for sale in other local retailers.
Staci’s watercolors deliver a fresh approach to still life that is difficult to pinpoint. The lack of detail with bold contrasting colors is eye-catching, yet calming. Her love of natural beauty is obvious in her landscape scenes.
Defiance County is the perfect backdrop for this emerging new artist. The four seasons create ever changing landscapes and on her future to-do-list is plein air works. When not painting and interacting with other artists, you can find Staci performing in Community Theater, curled up with a book or spending time with family.
More about Staci Kaufman at: www.stacikaufman.com and her Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/librapalette. She can also be spotted at local events, art shows and online art galleries where her business is taking shape in leaps and bounds.
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A portrait of Staci Kaufman-US-Ohio
