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IsAbel Beaudoin
Door County Art League Master Artist 2000/01
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- Tabletop Art (in various media)
- Painting (oil pastel, acrylic, watercolor)
- Printmaking (collagraph, screen, block,
mono)
- Woodcarving
- Metal Tooling
- Batik Painting and Batik Fabric
- Fabric Painting, Appliqué, Weaving
- Papermaking & Cast Paper
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IsAbel Beaudoin Door County Master Artist
A lifetime of personalized abstract expression
IsAbel began drawing animals on the family’s farm in Stephenson, Michigan at age five and continues to this
day, more than 70 years later. While her parents had prescribed a career in history, the rebellious IsAbel
transferred into the fine arts program at the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee) to obtain a B.S. in Art. She
was discouraged from a full-time arts career by her family who, in the early 1940’s, thought a more
acceptable position for a woman was to teach art to support her private aspirations (in this case, making art).
IsAbel taught art in the public school system for thirty-four years to students from ages five to fifteen; she
trained art teachers; she taught adult classes. And all the while, she regretted investing so much of her work-
life in teaching, wishing instead to “do her own thing.” Being a teacher did have its advantages – extended
summer breaks. Every summer she traveled to a country and absorbed its culture: screen-printing at the
University of Hawaii; watercolor at the University of Bangor in Wales; art history in Japan; lacquer and batik
in Mexico, to name a few. She joined other art groups in Ecuador, India and Nepal. IsAbel independently
studied in Greece, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Russia, Norway, Ireland, Germany and major cities including
Rome, Paris, and New York. She stayed a month or more at each location, absorbing much and imagining
more. A world of art was brought to many students. For herself, a lifetime of ideas fueled her passion.
A prolific artist, she has a vast (2D, 3D and fabric) portfolio, even after a lifetime of sales. IsAbel prefers to
simultaneously work on several pieces. Not one medium, not one technique, not one motif expresses her
adventurous, creative, curious nature. After mastering one genre, she moves on to another. “I find
inspiration in everything,” she says. Confidently, this very shy person boasts, “I can do it all.” And she very
much ascribes to the creed “originality above all else.”
IsAbel has received recognition and awards. While validation from peers is gratifying, IsAbel makes art that
pleases herself (often forgetting meals or sleep in the process). Putting aside commercialism and self-
promotion, her primary motivation has always been self-expression. Commissions are many and the client
who gives her “artistic license” best understands her nature. Acquisitions have been made by academic
institutions (St. Norbert College), corporations (Green Bay Packaging), museums (West Bend Gallery,
Neville Public Museum, Miller Art Center) and private collectors. Exhibits and competitions have taken
IsAbel’s artwork throughout her native Wisconsin and the Midwest. Her first international recognition was
in 1977 at the Art of the Americas International held in Denver, CO.
To the casual observer, one might think IsAbel’s artwork is somewhat naïve; another might apply the term
outsider art. She continues to enjoy the essence of life and freedom of expression, leaving definitions for
others to ponder. Inspiration is derived from travel, nature, other artists, literature, or history. The product
is all her own. IsAbel offers no categorization. She encourages you to see what you will, think what you
might.
Some small number of artworks can be viewed on-line at www.GalleryIsabel.com. There is much art to be
viewed at other fine galleries in the region (the website will tell you where). For inquiries regarding purchase
or to view other art, please call 920.868.2522 to speak with IsAbel’s agent, Lucy Roske.
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