Her World Is Watercolor

Fresh Meadows resident Diane Lieberman is currently displaying an exhibition of her original watercolors in the Community Church of Douglaston’s Parlor Art Gallery.
Lieberman’s interest in creating things began as a child when she would take part in many different craft activities. She crocheted, knitted and sewed and would make dolls’ dresses. She went on to design her own cartoons and, once in school, began designing stage sets.
While attending the Music and Art High School, Lieberman, who is originally from the Bronx, majored in art. She went on to go to the City College of New York where she majored in advertising design.
After moving into her own house, Lieberman said she put her craft skills to good use creating things for it, such as stained glass windows and lighting fixtures, needlepoint cushions and woven baskets.
“I made everything for the house,” said Lieberman, who also makes jewelry.
Eventually, Lieberman began teaching various kinds of crafts at senior centers and taught workshops through Queens Council on the Arts.
It was some of the other work that Lieberman had done, such as stained glass, that led her to paint watercolors.
“I always found that one thing I did led to another,” she said. “Watercolor was really a nice way for me to express myself more artistically than the crafts.”
When Lieberman became ill in the early ‘90s and was not leaving her home as much, she spent more time painting her watercolor pieces. She said that her main inspiration is nature and that she paints mostly landscapes and floral scenes.
Lieberman also teaches watercolor classes. She had met with someone at the Queens Council on the Arts when they were looking for craft workshop instructors. However, when the interviewer saw the watercolors in her portfolio, they asked Lieberman to teach a class on that instead.
Now, Lieberman teaches classes at the adult program in Great Neck, the Alley Pond Environmental Center and the National Art League. She said that it is very satisfying to see her students discover new talents and take pride in their work.
“I enjoy teaching very much,” Lieberman said. “I believe that I get as much of it as my students get out of me in a different way.”
Along with teaching, Lieberman is still very active in creating her own art works. Currently, her original watercolors can be seen in the Parlor Art Gallery in the Community Church of Douglaston, which is located at 39-50 Douglaston Parkway. It will be on display through January 10. This is the third time that Lieberman has had an exhibition there.
Lieberman has also won many honors for her work from various organizations.
In order to find out more about Lieberman’s work or her classes, call 718-969-1128.