Lora Cobden Watercolor Painter

       Growing up in the woods, streams and farmland of PA, I continued my love of the outdoors when I moved to RI in 2001. Always a hunter-gatherer, I find peace and serenity in the nature that I cherish around Ninigret pond where I have crab traps, a small oyster farm and where I harvest clams, mussels and scallops. An additional gift are the berries!

­      In 2005, I was mistakenly gifted a beginner's art set. I live near the Charlestown Community Center and realized they had a painting class there. When I attended, I was thrilled to discover a God-given talent that had lain dormant for 60+ years. They were teaching watercolor, so that is my primary medium but I also dabble in oils. I craft cards using dried flowers and leaves and make Christmas wreaths, trees and ornaments from the shells of the shellfish I've gathered and eaten.

­      The beauty and essence of nature and its cycles of life resonate in my soul. Whether I paint crabs and oysters or shells and flowers, I am living with and in our treasured island home. 'Tis a blessed gift we have been given. We must do everything we can to protect and preserve it.