By Mars Thomlin

She is shy and reluctant to discuss her latest paintings, which is surprising because her paintings make such a bold statement. Diane Blouin is Somerville born and bred. She has spent her entire life painting. She has been a member of the prestigious Copley Society of Artists for more than 30 years. She spent 50 years working in the financial industry on State Street in Boston and has now retired to paint full time.

Blouin has gone from classical portraits in oil to her recent explosion in Expressionism working in acrylics and resins. The results have been stunning. You can view her work at Connolly, Wedgewood and Crane Insurance, 19 College Ave., next to the Davis Sq. T stop.