Dodi Conrad 'paints the town' in Bollinger County

Bollinger County artist Dodi Conrad inside her Marble Hill, Mo., home and studio. (Laura Simon)

Dodi Conrad always loved art, but it wasn't until middle age that she began taking classes.

In fact, she became so accomplished as an artist that the former cosmetologist painted a whole new career for herself. She now has a gallery in her Marble Hill, Mo., home, teaches classes and completes work on commission.

"I'm mainly an oil painter," says Conrad. "I love the feel of oils; they're forgiving. They dry slowly so you can move the paint and do more with them to get the effect that you want. I do some pastels. I do not do watercolors very much, but I would if I had to."

She credits numerous other artists for teaching her everything from color theory and composition to art history and plein-air artwork. When she was 16, she spent time with local artist-sculptor Tom Runnels, whom she says inspired her, gave her insight to the art world and encouraged her to "just keep drawing."

"I said I don't like to draw; I like to paint," Conrad says. "He told me to draw with a paintbrush. I'll never forget him saying that."

About eight years ago, she connected with Billyo O'Donnell, a Missouri artist who completed a plein-air painting in every county of the state.

The paintings were published in a book, "Painting Missouri," along with writing from project partner Karen Glines. Dodi hosted a few workshops with O'Donnell in Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties, and eventually traveled and painted alongside the artist in Italy.

Conrad also traveled to France when her sister, a flight attendant, invited her to join her there for a long weekend.

"I'm not a world traveler," says Conrad -- she told her sister she would only go to France if she could visit Monet's garden. She did visit, and even painted in the gardens that held so much inspiration for Monet and his legion of followers.

"It was like, pinch me, I can't believe I'm here," says Conrad.

More recently, she partnered with local artist Stan Crader on the artwork for two of his books: "The Paperboy" and "The Longest Year."

"I was doing plein-air painting where we live at about the same time he decided to write, but neither of us knew it. I didn't know he was writing a book, and he didn't know I was painting my town," says Conrad. She and Crader had grown up together, and when he learned of her artistic abilities, he approached her about doing his book cover art.

"The cover of a book was quite an honor, especially knowing it was about our town," says Conrad. "It was really special; I really felt honored."

Now, Conrad is working on a few projects of her own. She's completed two calendars -- the first showcasing her floral paintings and the second her Bollinger County artwork -- and her third will feature scenes that give pleasure and comfort, such as the first snow of winter, bread and wine, and pet dogs. She's also a member of the Cat Ranch Art Guild in Marble Hill.

"I think I'm inspired whenever I see beauty," says Conrad. "When I see light hitting an object, that inspires me ... Seeing how the light affects a tree, the side of a house, a vase of flowers -- the way the light hits creates beauty. ... I feel like it's a gift from God. You just can't explain those things."

To see Dodi Conrad's gallery, purchase calendars or learn about upcoming classes, call her at 573-238-3884.