Tuesday, November 22, 2016

This Thanksgiving






Norman Rockwell is well known for his paintings and illustrations of American life. Although somewhat dated and perhaps not representational of the diversity of our nation they carry a message.
And this Thanksgiving it seemed somehow very appropriate to share with you his famous paintings, "The Four Freedoms."
I don't have a lot to say about these because I feel the images speak for themselves, no matter what the year it is and where you may live.  It's enough to look and remember what is most important to us and to be thankful that we can hopefully still have the freedom to live our lives in this country.
This article from the Saturday Evening Post does a good job explaining the background of the creation of these pieces.

Norman Rockwell The Four Freedoms

May you have a blessed and loving Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

Krys

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The Pencil and I

Brandywine River, Chadds Ford, PA Pencil and Charcoal on Paper
Private Collection

I adore color.  Like most artists I am seduced by the red, blues, yellow, heck even the browns and greys get me stimulated.
But to paint one really needs to know how to draw.  I have not had the benefit of formal art training like many of my colleagues so I always feel that I am playing catchup with those who have BFA and MFA degrees.  But I can draw and I began drawing at around 3 years of age.
I entertained myself quite a bit in boring classes through all 12 years of my formal education by constant sketching and doodling in the margins.  I practiced perspective drawing during particularly dull classes of algebra.
I passed all my classes, was awarded academic scholarships, received a college degree and made deans' lists in everything but never formerly studied art.  But I secretly had my own little art education program going on those margins of notes from mind-numbingly boring classes.
To this day I am in awe of what happens when you take a stick with pencil lead in it and a piece of paper, be it a professional grade drawing pad, the back of an envelope or a cocktail napkin.  That, my friend, is the magic of drawing.
For images of my artwork, painting and maybe a drawing or two, visit my website:
Krys Pettit Original Artwork

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

November Exhibit Opens SoBo Gallery, Winter Garden

"Iris Dance"
Krys Pettit
Original Watercolor & Gold Metallic Acrylic on Yupo Paper

My watercolor painting, "Iris Dance" will be on exhibit at the Winter Garden Art Association SoBo Gallery in Historic Winter Garden, Florida beginning Thursday, November 3rd through December 31, 2016.

Come join me if you are in the area this Thursday, November 3rd, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. for the opening reception of "The Gift of Art."
The majority of the artwork is comfortably priced under $200.  This is a great opportunity to visit the gallery and purchase hand crafted, original and excellent artwork as gifts.This event is free and open to all. The exhibition runs the entire months of November & December, 2016.
Here are the particulars and address information-- and I hope you will be able to come to the reception and visit this unique and exceptional Central Florida gallery:

Winter Garden Art Association

SOBO Gallery 
127 South Boyd, Winter Garden, Florida 34787
(407) 347-7996
SoBo Gallery "The Gift of Art"

You'll find other samples of my art work on my website:
http://www.kryspettit.com/