Quickdraw Judge

Lori Putnam

Modern Impressionism stretches the boundaries with artists painting in styles ranging from near realism to almost abstraction. Putnam’s work is closer to the latter.

Recognized for her expressive brushwork, contemporary compositions, and intelligent use of color, Nashville, Tennessee native Lori Putnam paints small to medium-sized works in plein air and creates large paintings in her studio. Having painted and taught in more than 30 different countries (including Ukraine, New Zealand, Guatemala, much of Europe, and the UK), she believes that works created from life help her maintain freshness in her studio paintings.

Lori Putnam (b. 1962) grew up in the Tennessee countryside. With no neighbors for miles, she credits her love of the outdoors and creative spirit to those many hours spent by herself as a young child. Her high school art classes became one of the first places she recognized an aptitude for drawing and the desire to paint. However, it was many years and career choices later that Putnam considered a life as a fine artist.

In 1991, Putnam started and managed a graphic design company. For the next 13 years, she refined her composition and color sense, but a beginning class in 1997 reignited her love of oil painting. By 1999, she was taking weekly lessons. Her early works were more tightly rendered and tonal in style. Painting mainly still life, the artist studied drawing and the techniques of the old masters with bold contrasts, glazing, and little to no apparent brushwork. Those early teachers and mentors taught her foundational principles and skills. But somewhere deep down, she felt a different artist stirring. A pivotal moment came in 2001 when she wandered into the studio of Dawn Whitelaw. Within a year, she rented a studio next to hers, and a lifelong friendship grew. 

By 2005, she was burned out with graphic design. The desire to paint was no longer something she could ignore, and she left her business to have time to dedicate to learning to paint. Studying with Scott L. Christensen in May of that year was one of her most important choices. Along with Quang Ho and Kevin Macpherson, these artists’ friendships and emotional support continue to provide a significant source of encouragement.

Needing time for more intense focus, she and her husband, Mark, sold their home and belongings and traveled to the Italian countryside in 2008 to live for eight months with the sole purpose of self-study and artistic experimentation. The concentrated work accomplished during that period triggered Putnam's artistic growth and resulted in a personal breakthrough.

No stranger to hard work and dedication, Putnam is now recognized as one of the top living artists. Her paintings are highly sought after by collectors. They have been featured in numerous past issues, such as Western Art Collector, American Art Collector Magazine, Plein Air Magazine, Southwest Art, Fine Art Connoisseur, and Art of the West. In addition, she is a member of many respected organizations, including the Salmagundi Club in New York City, the Oil Painters of America, the Portrait Society of America, the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, American Women Artists, and the California Art Club. Her paintings have received top awards in exhibitions associated with these organizations and dozens of invitational events and exhibitions.

Museums, including The Tucson Museum of Art, The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming, The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, Montana, Custom’s House Museum, Clarksville, Tennessee, The High Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, the Irvine Museum in California, and The Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland have sought out Putnam’s works for awards, exhibitions, and permanent collection.  

In 2019, she accepted an appointment as Vice President of Art Ambassador for A Colorful World and travels often to work with children in less advantaged areas. These experiences shed light on her purpose. Putnam says, “It is finally clear why I am here on the Earth. Bringing joy and laughter amidst the most horrific circumstances fills my soul.”

In 2021, Putnam won the $15,000 Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award for the Plein Air Salon Competition. The two paintings that received the awards were chosen from over 12,000 entries.

Signature Member status in the California Art Club, the top tier of CAC Membership, was granted in 2024. These artists are elected to this status by the CAC Board of Directors and a panel of their peers.

In 2025, Putnam was awarded Oil Painters of America Master Signature Member. The highest level of membership, a Master Signature Artist, is conferred by the OPA Board of Directors according to the exceptional merit of work and accomplishment in the field of art. They now have the privilege of using the initials OPAM following their signature.