When an artist relocates from her place of birth in Eastern Europe to the cold winds of Chicago, and then on to the sunny warmth of South Florida, it is bound to be reflected in her art. Urszula Dudek’s paintings combine that vast range of experience into cohesive works, and the public will soon be able to view some of her pieces when they will be on display in a show on Florida’s nature at the Pinecrest Gardens Gallery beginning on Feb. 3.
Tropical breezes practically jump from Urszula’s canvases as she captures the color, the feel and the vibrancy that typifies the South Florida landscape that she has come to love. The greens, purples, pinks and blues that she uses convey a sense of vigor and warmth, and her acrylic paintings, generally large and inviting, highlight some very dramatic flora that draws the eye to their inner depths.
Urszula began her career in Poland, and soon after she graduated from the School of Fine Art she was immersed in the world of commercial art and commissions. In 1994 she moved to Chicago, and there the pull of opposing political ideologies found expression in her work as a graphic designer and decorator. Then in 2003, when she came to Miami, she was exposed to a degree of freedom that she had never before witnessed. This inspired her to return to painting after a long absence, and since beginning anew in 2009, she has perfected her craft in a remarkably short period of time.
She was a featured artist at the Bromeliad Society of South Florida show at Fairchild Tropical Garden in 2010 and 2011, she participated in Artists in Bloom at Fairchild as well, she displayed some of her work at Painters’ Passions H Gallery in Miami, at the Ramble at Fairchild in 2010 and 2011, at the Art of Bromeliads 2011 Extravaganza in Daytona Beach, and her dog “Kaiser’s Friend” holds an honored spot in Pinecrest Gardens as part of the smARTy Dogs For Smart Schools program that can be seen throughout Pinecrest.
Dudek’s work has not gone without significant recognition. She was awarded the “Best Artist” at the 2011 Bromeliad Society of South Florida show at Fairchild Tropical Garden, second place at the Bromeliad Society show for her acrylic painting, and Best of Show at the Peabody in Daytona.
In addition, Urszula has donated paintings to the Community Garden Charitable Fund’s silent auction at their annual soiree to benefit Pinecrest Gardens. Her work is on display in private collections in Chicago, Miami, and in Warsaw, Poland, and she is the subject of an article in the International Cryptanthus Society magazine. Two of her paintings also grace Fairchild Gardens’ 2012 calendar.
This talented and dedicated artist is also an important member of the South Florida community. She donates her time to several organizations, and she still finds time to garden in her backyard where she draws inspiration for her painting, pastel and colored pencil work. Lately she has begun to explore new avenues by painting on silk.
Urszula Dudek may be contacted at 305-781-0477 or at www.UrszulaDudekart.mosaicglobe.com. For Gardens Gallery information, call 305-669-6990.
