Florine Duffield is an artist whose work transcends traditional portraiture, blending the intimacy of oil painting with the storytelling power of photography. Her art is more than visual—it is emotional, spiritual, and deeply human. For Florine, every canvas begins not with a sketch, but with a question: What is your message for the world?
A Lifelong Devotion to Art
Florine’s journey into the world of art began as early as the second grade. A natural-born creative, she found herself drawn to portraiture from a young age. Whether painting people, pets, or animals, her mission has remained consistent over the years: to make her subjects feel celebrated, seen, and understood. It is not just the finished piece that matters to Florine—it’s the experience of being truly recognized.
This pursuit of emotional truth through art has guided Florine across multiple mediums. Her background in both photography and oil painting allows her to explore light, texture, and personality with nuance and depth. “The most important legacy one can leave,” she says, “is how we make others feel.”
The Marriage of Photography and Painting
What sets Florine apart is the duality of her creative training. Her expertise in photography enhances her painterly instincts, allowing her to capture not only likeness but essence. Working from cherished photographs—sometimes of loved ones who have passed—Florine translates memory into something tangible and enduring.
For those without a reference photo, Florine offers photography sessions that are as personal as the portraits themselves. These sessions are not stiff or overly staged; rather, they are opportunities to capture someone’s spirit in a natural and engaging way. It is through this personal interaction that she begins to form the emotional foundation of her painted work.
Honoring Every Subject’s Story
Each painting Florine creates is a quiet conversation between the subject and the viewer. Her portraits are not simply about appearances—they are reflections of character, energy, and legacy. Whether the subject is a beloved grandmother or a faithful pet, the goal is the same: to immortalize a connection that words alone cannot express.
Florine often asks her clients to consider what message they want to leave behind. This introspective approach creates a deeper bond between artist and subject, and it informs every brushstroke. Her oil paintings are not just representations; they are personal time capsules filled with love, memory, and meaning.
A Teaching Artist with a Passion for Empowerment
Florine’s commitment to art extends beyond her studio. In Arizona, she teaches workshops that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity. For her, teaching is not just about technique—it’s about transformation. She believes that creativity is a pathway to confidence, healing, and self-discovery.
Her students leave with more than just paintings—they leave with a renewed sense of themselves. Florine’s workshops emphasize authenticity and self-expression, helping participants to see both themselves and the world in a more beautiful light.
An Artist with a Heart for Connection
After decades immersed in the creative world, Florine’s passion remains vibrant. She continues to create with the same curiosity and heart that first drew her to art as a child. Her portraits celebrate the now, honor what once was, and build emotional bridges that endure.
“I strive to spread wisdom, encouragement, and positivity through every brushstroke and captured moment,” Florine shares. It is this sense of purpose that breathes life into each of her pieces.
Artwork in Focus: A Journey Through Memory
In one of her recent oil portraits, Florine turns the lens on herself, using a photograph taken at age 20—a time she describes as “beautifully uncomplicated.” The piece is more than a self-portrait; it’s a nostalgic reflection on youth, simplicity, and nature’s quiet magic.
With a deep and enduring connection to the natural world, Florine uses this artwork to evoke the overlooked beauty in everyday life. “This piece gives me a feeling of joy and nostalgia,” she says. “It reminds me of the beauty that surrounds us, often unnoticed.”
The painting invites viewers to pause, reflect, and embrace the small wonders that flutter by. It’s not only a celebration of her own story but also an invitation for others to find and honor theirs.
Turning Story into Timeless Art
Florine Duffield believes that everyone has a story worth telling—and preserving. Through her thoughtful, heartfelt portraits, she offers a unique opportunity for people to see themselves and their loved ones in a new light.
Whether you’re commissioning a portrait of a family member, a pet, or even yourself, Florine brings a depth of emotion and artistry that ensures the result is more than just a likeness—it’s a legacy.
