by Alex Kent
A Los Angeles native, Lois Olsen grew up in Santa Monica, learning early that she was interested in the arts. Her parents could see it, too, and made it their mission to cultivate her passion and talent. They went to museums and galleries throughout LA to view art, and made art materials available in abundance, from elementary school on. Her college years were spent at UCLA getting her credentials in teaching and drama. When she married Neil Olsen, a graduate of Loyola Law School, they moved to a home with a view on Via Solano in Valmonte, and had four kids. Why did they choose PV? You guessed it – they love the trees.
Lois taught art, theater, English and drama at schools in Torrance, Palos Verdes and Peninsula High Schools. She taught acting with the Peninsula Children’s Theatre and children’s painting classes at the Art Center on top of the Hill. Becoming involved with Las Candelistas charity group rekindled Lois’ love of the visual arts. She helped them with their crafts and skits, and made many of the posters for their “Walk on the Wild Side” event, which used to take place in Portuguese Bend, though now is held at Rolling Hills City Hall. This led to her drawing illustrations and that in turn brought her full circle, back to her painting.
Reuniting with the painter in her, Lois has become more serious about her own artwork. She went through a pastel and water colour phase, working with live models and created stunning images of costumed figures and portraits – remnants of her theatre years. She branched out into oils and acrylics, experimenting with scenery and abstracts. “I love painting abstracts – it’s so freeing.” That freedom translates as a ‘magic touch’ in her wistful, yet realistic paintings and pastels, reminiscent of the pre-impressionists of Degas and Cezanne.
On the first Sunday of each month Lois gets together with 
Her home life is just as vibrant as her artwork; Her husband Neil, never having known his grandparents, wanted his grandkids to know them, and he came up with an idea: when a grandchild turns ten year old, Lois and Neil take them to someplace in the United States. When they turn thirteen, they get to go to Europe. You can well imagine how tight this extended family has become with such open-minded and generous grandparents!
Lois has expanded into various areas of the arts; she is a member of 
the Pastel Society of Southern California, a member of the South Bay Watercolor Society, and a member of the Paletteers, one of the 7 artists groups that are involved with the Palos Verdes Art Center, and is also a member of TAS - The Artists Studio art gallery located at the Art Center. A second outlet called “The Village” is located on Deep Valley Drive and Dry Bank, off of Silver Spur. There, Lois is part of the co-operative of artists that helps staff and keep the gallery open daily from 10:00 – 5:00 pm daily.
The Artist’s Studio are the ones responsible for the Artist’s Studio Tour in Palos Verdes once a year, where for only $20.00 one can see 10 studios and enjoy a movable feast with a bite to eat at each site on both Saturday and Sunday on the weekend of September 10th and 11th.
If you are an artist interested in becoming involved with the Artist’s Studio Gallery, Lois suggests getting an application from either of the galleries. “They jury three to four times a year.” You can call the Studio at 310.265.2592, or the Art Center at 310.541.2479.
“I’m happiest when I’m painting or sculpting, for the sheer pleasure of creating”, Lois beams. Maybe you will be, too.
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