May Art Show

Here is the flyer for The Firehouse, advertising for May's art show line-up. The Firehouse is a refurbished firehouse that was used over 100 years ago. The pottery studio is actually located in the old county jail!

There are two galleries in the Firehouse, the main gallery will host the Del Rio Council for the Arts annual judged art show, and the smaller gallery will host the art of Paula Reynolds: ME!

My show is entitled "Freedom to Soar", based on the robin painting I completed for my Parent Trapped blog. There is a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes represented in my show. I'm excited for the opening tomorrow night!

Here's the bio I gave them for the show:

Outsider Art; an Ecclectic Mix by Paula Reynolds

There are many artists who have studied their craft for years, perfecting techniques and applications with the aide of art instructors. Some go to art school, some study art at college, while others take private art lessons either in person, and now more frequently, online.

And then there is the “other” type of artist. The artist who never studied art, technique, or application. The artist who picked up a brush, pencil, or sculpting tool, and discovered a love, a desire to make something beautiful, creative, inspiring. These types of artists are called “outsiders” because of their lack of traditional and structured art instruction.

As for me, I started painting in my early 20's while finishing my undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. One day, out of the blue, I decided to paint some butterflies onto the walls of my apartment. After completing these first attempts at painting, I was thrilled with the process, the relaxation, and the results. It was too late to take formal art classes at school, so I began learning and practicing art technique on my own. I won't tell you how long it's been, but here I am, still painting!

I enjoy painting still lifes, landscapes, and sky scenes, along with other eclectic subjects, using acrylic, watercolor, or gouche paints. My style is mostly realistic, though I have branched out to try the “other” type of art: abstract. I have sold paintings for the past three years through my website, recommendations, and commission. I am very excited to have my art on display at The Firehouse for my very first public showing.

Whether from a studied artist or an “outsider”, art has the ability to calm, excite, remind, and stir the emotions of the viewer. With this in mind, I continue to practice and perfect my humble version of “outsider” art, for the enjoyment of future clients, but mostly for myself.

“There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the passion of life.” - Federico Fellini

Look for art by Paula Reynolds on a wall near you!

On the first Friday of every month, The Firehouse participates in the First Friday Artwalk where art patrons can see the new openings at the Firehouse, Casa de la Cultura (a local Mexican heritage arts center), and the Lee-Bunch Gallery (a private art gallery). All three venues are within walking distance, so for two hours art lovers can walk from gallery to gallery and see all of the new art.

Man, are there some fine artists in this area! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one inspired by the beauty of this dry, bright, brown landscape!

I'll post pictures of the opening next week so you all can see me shaking hands with people I don't know and trying to explain my art to them. I've never had to do that before. I am not versed in what I'll call "art speak"; I don't know about technique, colors, styles, or art periods. I just know what I like, what inspires me, and on what I'll spend my time painting. And I couldn't tell you how those things come out of my mind, through my hand, and onto a canvas. They just do.

And I am thankful.

I'm ready for this showing as it's been in my mind for 8 months or so. I'm excited for this next step.

And I'm already planning my next show. I have a theme in mind already and a half dozen paintings stirring around in the depths of my imagination. I'll give you a hint: They will be more divinely inspired, and a few will feature The Rock. (And I don't mean Dwain Johnson.)

Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. - John 21:7


Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive of my art in the past. This online art community is so inspiring and supportive. It's hard to imagine it! But again, my thanks go out to all of my art friends. Art is more fun when enjoyed together!

See you next week! Wish me luck!