Click the box to open memories.
| THE ART: ITS ORIGINS The New York Subway was my first museum. The images above the seats were advertisements, but as a child I did not understand that they were selling anything. To me, they were simply pictures to look at.
I was absorbed by the bold color, compositions, figures, and fragments of a story that I did not fully comprehend. I simply knew they fascinated me.
Long before I had words for abstraction, I had learned that an image did not have to be recognizable to captivate me.
New York Harbor was an experience of atmosphere. Light shimmered and broke across the dark water while distant sounds drifted through the night. Nothing felt close or insistent. Movement, sound, darkness, and quiet seemed to exist together.
I also remember my mother’s beautiful dark purple and blue beads on her coat pockets. I would run my tiny fingers across them, strumming the beads and always recalling the Harbor Lights.
Those memories have been deeply embedded in me.
Summers on my grandparents’ dairy farm were filled with grasshoppers, fireflies, chickens, wild berries, and the astonishing size of the docile cows.
To a child, none of it felt like work. It was discovery, play, and the wonder of living things.
That early immersion stayed with me and became one of the roots of the biomorphic forms that now appear in my work.
The contrast between New York’s glowing harbor and the quiet farm where I spent my summers shaped a duality that still appears in my work.
My paintings move between energy and stillness, whimsy and realism, color and shadow, discipline and surprise. I allow each piece to unfold naturally, revealing forms and meanings that may be subliminal, emerging before I am even fully aware of them.
What I am coming to understand about myself is that I painted these works through my own inner lens. They hold my visions, my dreams, and my messages. They are personal, purposeful, meaningful, and thoughtful.
This is not art made to satisfy a broad commercial market. It is niche art. Some people may pass by it. Others may stop because they recognize something they cannot immediately explain. I do not need everyone to respond. I need the people who feel that recognition, who want to understand it, embrace it, and perhaps live with it.
These atmospheric presentations are an introduction to my work.
The paintings themselves remain unchanged and are experienced in full in Walk the Exhibition.
| THE ARTIST 
Dragonflies would circle my legs as I entered the studio, as though urging me inside to paint the worlds they inhabited. That feeling has stayed with me. When I am outside, among plants, insects, birds, and all the life around me, I often whisper,
“I see you” 
When it came time to choose a career, pursuing art was discouraged, so I followed a different path. I entered politics and business. I later earned an MBA and held a key position at General Electric.
After leaving the business world, I returned fully to painting. For decades, I have lived and worked in coastal Florida, surrounded by the natural forms, light, and color that continue to inspire me.
I have studied with respected artists and instructors in Naples, Santa Fe, Franklin, North Carolina, Miami, and Washington, D.C.
My work balances artistic freedom with technical discipline. I create paintings that invite viewers to look closely, discover hidden forms, and find their own meaning.
Kathy Spalding
(1952–2014)
Kathy Spalding was an internationally renowned sculptor and nature artist based in Naples, Florida, known for work rooted in organic form and the natural world.
Kathy and I were knitted together by a childlike obsession with all things nature. My long, rich visits were spent absorbing her paintings while she studied my pieces of art. She was generous with her knowledge and relentless in guiding my exploration of how light transforms shape and tone. With an object in one hand and the hard click of a flashlight in the other, she reinforced the magic of light and shadow.
Reynier Llanes
Reynier Llanes is a Cuban-born painter based in Miami and represented by the Harmon-Meek Gallery in Naples, Florida. He has shown in Dubai, and his work is in the permanent collections of over 30 museums and institutions.
I have worked with Lois for many years, and our friendship led me to take her on as my sole private student. I introduced her to areas she had not worked in before, including the movement of water, and she mastered them quickly. She is eager to learn and works extremely hard. She takes her work seriously and passionately.
Marco Bronzini
Marco Bronzini is a French-born artist and author educated at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, with work in major museums including the Paul Mellon Collection.
Most of my instruction happens in the classroom, but I take a few students privately, and they are advanced artists. Lois has mastered many techniques. But we began by eliminating bad habits, and she proved to be a quick and eager learner. Her strength is abstraction. She has a keen eye for color and shape and brings them together into compelling work.
Selected solo exhibitions include Out of the Ordinary—Into the Fray, Norris Center, Naples, Florida; Mysteries of Nature, Naples Depot Museum; and Nature Smatchure at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers.
I have chosen to work independently, outside the traditional gallery structure. I invite you to join the banner below,
“Between the Seen and the Imagined”.
| Virtual Exhibition “This gallery presents a curated portion of my work. To view additional paintings, visit Become a Collector.”
“This gallery presents a curated portion of my work. To view additional paintings, visit Become a Collector.”
| Art Lore ··· Join In! 
| COLLECTORS & Encounters “I first met Lois when I performed for Opera Naples. I immediately appreciated her understanding of the discipline required.
Her depth of understanding of the dedication and mastery involved in all fine arts is evident in her own work as a painter. I have the pleasure of displaying one of her paintings in a prominent place in my beautiful multi-level home on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, and I treasure it deeply.”
“My husband Klaus and I had the opportunity to visit Lois’ studio in Florida. I was immediately taken by one particular painting. It now hangs proudly in our living room, where it continues to bring us great joy.
Our garden is in view of Fredensborg Palace, one of the Danish royal family’s residences. The painting lives with us in that setting, along with other works by Lois that we continue to enjoy.”
“Lois has learned a lot about technique. The content is loaded with overt anxiety, something that the world is brimming over with these days. The brushwork is intense and complex. It reminds me that no matter what our circumstances, there is still order in the universe. I like it because it doesn’t try to aggrandize God with clichés. It also doesn’t try to do that with fear. So the painting has a certain amount of credibility from both a Christian and non-Christian point of view.
So, good for her. High-altitude art is not for the masses, and this is not a high-altitude painting. Nor should it be. If one wishes to communicate with people, paint from your gut or your heart, with an eye open for both criticism and appreciation.”
"I left the studio with an understanding of abstract art I hadn’t had before.
I have always gravitated toward art that gives me something recognizable to hold onto. Abstract art often felt less satisfying because I wanted to understand what I was seeing. This visit changed that perspective. I spent more time with each painting and began to realize that the absence of an obvious answer is exactly the point.
The longer I looked, the more the paintings seemed to change, almost like a kaleidoscope. In one painting, a sandy texture appeared in the clouds rather than on the ground. What should have been down was up. That unexpected reversal made me look again.
I realized I didn’t have to understand a painting. It could mean something different to me every time I looked at it."
“Lois Selfon’s work invites viewers into a deeper conversation with nature. There is a sensitivity in her compositions and a willingness to explore both beauty and decay that makes her work compelling. Her paintings encourage careful observation and reward those who take the time to truly look. That is why I chose to curate and exhibit her work.”
“Working with Lois has been a truly meaningful creative experience. Her work possesses a rare and captivating quality, biomorphic, deeply expressive, and almost otherworldly. There is an unmistakable sense of movement and emotion within her forms, as though each piece carries its own language.
Over the course of many hours together, I had the privilege of listening to Lois speak about the thoughts, emotions, memories, and ideas behind her work. Our conversations were not simply about creating a website; they were about carefully understanding an artist’s vision and finding a way to translate something deeply personal and visual into a digital space without losing its soul.”
| Become A Collector The original painting will be available for purchase, or the artwork may be acquired on museum-grade fine-art paper and aluminum as part of a certified limited edition of only 10 total, regardless of material or size. Each piece will be signed and numbered by the artist and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Our online collection will soon be available for purchase.
We look forward to welcoming you as a collector.
| Studio Notes 
Friends of Rookery Bay Art Gallery
Lois Selfon’s work reflects her experiences on the Rookery Bay estuaries and along the shoreline. Some works hold the essence of her visits; others are shaped by the images, colors, and emotions she carried away.
Her paintings are sublimated onto museum-quality aluminum, a process that enhances the optical
depth, color, and luminosity of the work.
All proceeds will be donated to FORB to support their continued efforts.
Opening Reception:
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Thursday, February 4, 2027.
Exhibition:
February 2 – April 28, 2027.
My introduction to Naples, Florida, where I have lived for more than thirty years, came through the estuaries of Rookery Bay.
Its waterways, mangroves, and marine life revealed a natural world unlike any I had known.
After leaving Washington, D.C., I was fortunate to become part of this magic.
Later, I served on the Executive Board of Directors of Friends of Rookery Bay. Time spent in the Bay inspired some of my work.
| Contact Whether you’re interested in a painting, have any questions about my work, or would like to discuss an exhibition or commission,
please use the form below.
2026 Lois Selfon Art®. All Rights Reserved.
20 responses
From the maintenance department at LselfonArt, I want to say how proud I am of Lois’ cumulative effort. Watching it grow over the years doesn’t have the...From the maintenance department at LselfonArt, I want to say how proud I am of Lois’ cumulative effort. Watching it grow over the years doesn’t have the same impact as seeing her art curated and presented in such a wonderful fashion. And the background on Lois and the art makes it even more interesting and exciting. Congratulations on your work and this showcase for it.Read more
Lois is clearly passionate about her art and creativity flows all around her…congratulations Lois on this website and so enjoyed the virtual gallery tour and learning about...Lois is clearly passionate about her art and creativity flows all around her…congratulations Lois on this website and so enjoyed the virtual gallery tour and learning about what inspires you!Read more
Lois! Congratulations on your website opening! It’s beautiful! I love what you’d said about the dragonflies/nature encouraging you to paint.
That is so you! Love it!
“One may have a blazing hearth in one’s soul yet no one comes to sit by it. Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney,...“One may have a blazing hearth in one’s soul yet no one comes to sit by it.
Passers-by see only a wisp of smoke from the chimney, and continue on their way.” Vincent van Gogh
Your soul has been opened through your art Lois …. and now no more passers-by. A freeing, a soaring … this is you.
Congratulations on this extraordinary view into your work …and soul…Read more
Lois takes us into an exploration of her soul and her innate curiosity as she paints her imagination for us to enjoy. The work blends movement with...Lois takes us into an exploration of her soul and her innate curiosity as she paints her imagination for us to enjoy. The work blends movement with stillness, boldness with gentle spirit, and a range of dynamism through color and shape. Matured and reasoned yet still becoming. A bit like life itself.Read more
Stunning. Having the artist herself tell us about her thoughts in first-person is almost like getting a personal tour with her in the room. It is mesmerizing...Stunning. Having the artist herself tell us about her thoughts in first-person is almost like getting a personal tour with her in the room.
It is mesmerizing to stand in front of the work while Lois is delivering personal background information in the style of a great narration. Do we find out more about the artist or about ourselves during this journey? Both.Read more
From realism to abstract, Lois’s art reflects decades of passion, tutelage and perfecting her technique. The virtual gallery walk through is a wonderful journey. The narration takes...From realism to abstract, Lois’s art reflects decades of passion, tutelage and perfecting her technique. The virtual gallery walk through is a wonderful journey. The narration takes you through the artist’s inspiration, and themes of nature and spiritualism helping the viewer to find a deeper understanding of the art within themselves. Congratulations!!Read more
What a wonderful way to start my day with an inspirational visit to Lois’ gallery and to hear from her about each of her works. Listening to...What a wonderful way to start my day with an inspirational visit to Lois’ gallery and to hear from her about each of her works. Listening to Lois eloquently share with us her inspiration for many of her works along with the background behind them enriches the experience and her art. We are blessed to have her and her art in our lives.
Bravo!Read more
What Lois has made here is worth attention beyond the paintings themselves, which are reason alone. Pairing the works with her own account of them turns an...What Lois has made here is worth attention beyond the paintings themselves, which are reason alone. Pairing the works with her own account of them turns an exhibition into not only a conversation, but one rooted in imagination, and that kind of invitation to come closer through curiosity is a real gift. Congratulations and thank you, Lois—this is a wonderful experience for our arts community and we are so fortunate to have you creating in it. —Elysia Dawn, CEO, United Arts CollierRead more
I have had the good fortune to spend many hours together with Lois in her studio. Watching these many images evolve and come alive has been a...I have had the good fortune to spend many hours together with Lois in her studio. Watching these many images evolve and come alive has been a special pleasure. Seeing “The Outsider” progress from a blank canvas to its full finish! Stepping close at each visit of the “Luminaria” to take in the poetic brushstrokes! I am always amazed that Lois does not repeat herself.
Each new image is unique and enchanting.Read more
Lois has a remarkable talent for transforming the beauty of nature into stunning works of art. Her vibrant color palette and thoughtful compositions create pieces that are...Lois has a remarkable talent for transforming the beauty of nature into stunning works of art. Her vibrant color palette and thoughtful compositions create pieces that are both uplifting and engaging. Each painting seems to celebrate the richness of the natural world while conveying warmth, creativity, and joy. Her artwork is a delight to experience and a testament to her artistic gift.Read more
Lois, after knowing you as such a wonderful champion of public art and our environment, it is wonderful to see you sharing your own creativity through your...Lois, after knowing you as such a wonderful champion of public art and our environment, it is wonderful to see you sharing your own creativity through your paintings. I really enjoyed the exhibition and the range of your work. The brighter colors in Saharan Wake and Luminaria are energizing, while the darker tones of The Universe and A Vision create an entirely different mood and draw you in. Congratulations on this beautiful collection and on this exciting chapter in your own artistic journey. Your website is brilliant too, but the real beauty is in the art you’ve created.Read more
While many of the Artworks evoke movement and transformation, I am particularly drawn to the “The Outsider”. Despite the rain, it feels as if time has stopped....While many of the Artworks evoke movement and transformation, I am particularly drawn to the “The Outsider”. Despite the rain, it feels as if time has stopped. The contrast between the backdrop of nature’s chaos, the time of day, and the shadow cast onto the stark interior evokes a moody ambiance. The stillness, also seen in “Modern Family” conjures a feeling of surrealism, reminiscent of a Dali painting.Read more
At the intersection of art and science exciting interpretations happen and Lois’ works are a classic important example. Between darkness and light has captured in an extraordinary...At the intersection of art and science exciting interpretations happen and Lois’ works are a classic important example. Between darkness and light has captured in an extraordinary way how living things react to the change in their environment caused by an eclipse. I too fell quiet while under the influence of your amazing skill. One more observation. I have seen many sunset paintings, but it takes a special creative talent to include a boat wake. Thank you for sharing your work.Read more
I have the rare privilege of seeing many of Lois’ works “under construction”. I am familiar with a progression and evolution not experienced by most viewing this...I have the rare privilege of seeing many of Lois’ works “under construction”. I am familiar with a progression and evolution not experienced by most viewing this exhibit.
Deep Time is s compelling piece. I view it like music, if it doesn’t take me some where, I’m not interested. This composition is fascinating.Read more
Looking at Shapes of Silence, I thought of Eric Clapton’s line about “deafening the silence.” The absence of sound can feel more powerful than noise. This painting...Looking at Shapes of Silence, I thought of Eric Clapton’s line about “deafening the silence.” The absence of sound can feel more powerful than noise.
This painting makes me feel that.Read more
The word “abstract” is a word that is overused in the art world today. Let’s start by saying that there are good abstract artists and there are...The word “abstract” is a word that is overused in the art world today. Let’s start by saying that there are good abstract artists and there are people who called themselves abstract painters, unfortunately they lack a main ingredient – talent! The two categories are separated by a very wide divide. Lois Selfon belongs to the first category. She is gifted and has used her gift and imagination to create some wonderful works of art.Read more
I enjoyed visiting your website and listening to the audio of your virtual exhibition. The title and description of your work, Shapes of Silence, made me think...I enjoyed visiting your website and listening to the audio of your virtual exhibition.
The title and description of your work, Shapes of Silence, made me think of a principle I understood a few years ago when I formulated the following question while pondering life and music: “How important is silence compared to sound?”
The answer is that they are equally important because, without either, no rhythmic structures are possible.
The same principle also applies to life and living.
Great work, Lois!Read more
I’ve studied this painting, DEEP TIME. What interests me is that it isn’t simply abstract. It feels biological. The forms suggest bones and ancient structures. Perhaps there’s...I’ve studied this painting, DEEP TIME. What interests me is that it isn’t simply abstract. It feels biological. The forms suggest bones and ancient structures. Perhaps there’s a tension between a world pregnant with nature’s ongoing reproduction and the cameo at its center suggesting an ending. It seems to capture the endless cycle of life and death, including that of the world itself.Read more
I love the presentation of pieces through the virtual gallery and the audio explanation by the artist. The entire collection demonstrates a masterful use of vibrant colors....I love the presentation of pieces through the virtual gallery and the audio explanation by the artist. The entire collection demonstrates a masterful use of vibrant colors. I especially enjoyed Hunnicutt Sprites and would not be surprised to see such a scene in Fakahatchee Strand or Big Cypress Preserve. Gathering Sky captures that gray day that miraculously ends with a beautiful sunset – something hoped but never taken for granted.Read more