ROCK SPRINGS – Exploring different brush strokes, different methods of holding the brush and the cultural difference of viewing art were some of the goals of Angie Bennett’s recent art class.
The class, who focused on Chinese brush painting, has their work on display at the Sweetwater County Library, 300 N. 1st East in Green River. While working on their artwork, the class studied the four seasons and included symbols of the seasons in their work:
Bamboo – symbol for summer. Its characteristic is stateliness.
Orchid – symbol for spring. Its characteristic is gracefulness.
Plum Blossom – symbol for winter. Its characteristic is endurance.
Chrysanthemum – symbol for fall. Its characteristic is independence.
The class also included the peony, a symbol for congratulations. Six students have their artwork on display this month.
Judy Graham’s piece, “The Wood,” is on display. Graham defines her creativity as “color, light, form, impression.”
“After retirement it was time to become a painter and maybe an artist,” Graham said. “I chose watercolor because I thought it would be easy. It’s not, but color, water, light, form impression becomes incredibly fascinating with watercolors.”
Nancy Van Vleet has five pieces in the exhibit: “Appalachian Afternoon,” “Plum Blossoms,” “Pink Peonies,” “Summertime,” and “Yellow Rose.”
“This is my introduction to watercolor, and I was so inspired by pieces Angie had for us,” Van Vleet said. “I have painted with oils and have always wanted to try watercolors. Such a different technique and I’m looking so forward to learning all I can.”
Deon Quitberg’s pieces “Wild Orchid,” “Winter Song,” and “Plum Blossom Medley” are a part of the group’s exhibit. Quitberg has created artwork on a variety of subjects in oil, pen and ink, watercolor and other media. Her favorite subject matter includes “the wide open spaces of Wyoming.”
Connie Conrad had six pieces on display in the exhibit: “Spring,” “Fall,” “Peonies,” “Mums,” “Blowing Bamboo,” and “Plum Blossoms.” “This was my first watercoloring attempt and I love it,” Conrad said. “Everyone was so creative and such inspiration for me.”
“I’m continuing growing,” said Sandra Banks. “By taking classes I keep my growth fresh.” Banks’ pieces “Into the Woods” and “Plum Blossom” are in the show.
Cathy Denman said her experience learning Chinese brush painting has been “just wonderful.” “I really need to do this more,” Denman said. “This method is totally new to me. I’ve not ever painted flowers before. I’ve been quite surprised at my work.”
The public is invited to drop by Sweetwater County Library to see the Chinese Brush Painting Class Exhibit. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The Sweetwater County Library System welcomes artists to apply to display their own creative work in the White Mountain Library in Rock Springs or the Sweetwater County Library in Green River. For more information, contact Debora Soule at 362-6212.
