As she produced commercial art, Strickland painted fine art on the side, a practice she kept up for 24 years, both in Florida, then, after her 1994 move, in Birmingham. After turning 40, Strickland focused more intently on painting. She enrolled at UAB, taking three cobweb-dusting semesters of art with painter Gary Chapman, known for his large figurative pieces. Strickland credits Chapman not only with honing her technique, but helping her find confidence and point of view. Strickland started entering her art in juried exhibitions and galleries across the region. By 2005 she had quit her day job and was painting full-time.
Strickland’s change of course has met with strong critical response. Artist and critic Daniel Maidman sees her work as “loosely recalling” the work of several great artists, including Velasquez, Manet and Ingres.
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