Two years ago, when I created two animal paintings to promote my novel, Jungle Jeopardy, I had no idea those paintings
would lead to a new series of work featuring animals for each letter of the
alphabet. One of those earlier paintings was of Billy, the black jaguar in my book. I called it my Henri Rousseau painting.  |
| "Billy the Jaguar" acrylic painting ©Mary Montague Sikes |
As the alphabet series developed last April, I painted another more traditional jaguar
that is not black. All through April, my fascination with wild animals grew. I borrowed photos
from my daughters who had visited Tasmania last November and used them as
references for paintings of koalas, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, seals, and
more. Since I've never seen a unicorn and needed one for the letter
"u", I used photos I took last year in Avon, Colorado of a wild
horse sculpture to develop my painting of one.
Animal Alphabet, an exhibition of these paintings, will be on view
at Prince George Art & Frame in Williamsburg from November 1 until November
30.
"This show will demonstrate Sikes affections for animals as well as
her discipline in connecting each animal with a letter in the alphabet,"
says Fred Miller, owner of the gallery.
Mary Montague Sikes: Animal Alphabet will open with a reception
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, November 1. Refreshments will be served at the
opening to which the public is invited. I'll be available at the
opening to discuss my work and also will be at the gallery on Saturday,
November 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. demonstrating several of my painting techniques.
Prince George Art & Frame is located at 107 Colony Square
Shopping Center, 1303 Jamestown Road in Williamsburg. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more
information, please call the gallery, 757-229-7644.
8 comments:
That's cool they are on exhibit! That was one of the best A to Z themes I've ever seen.
Thank you, Alex. It was fun. Now, I'm not sure how I did a painting a day, and it was even after baseball season began!
It was a fabulous and exciting project, Monti! I love that you're exhibiting them all. Take lots of snaps of the event. :)
Marian Allen
Fantasies, mysteries, comedies, recipes
How wonderful! Enjoy the reception. Will you be selling or only showing your paintings?
Thanks, Marian. I hope I remember to take photos!
Yes, Diane, this is a commercial gallery. Thanks, I'm looking forward to the reception. Now, I have to go back to wiring paintings!
I loved your A-Z paintings! I'm sure this will be a wonderful event - enjoy!
That's pretty cool! Congratulations.
Hi Monti .. I think it's great that you've added to your delightful menagerie ..
I'm sure you've had a really successful exhibition and the word has got out ..
The A - Z is a great way to build a themed portfolio - congratulations .. cheers Hilary
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