At home or afar, art is learning

by Elysia Conner
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 5:03 PM MDT

Visit the Galapagos Islands, take in all things Wyoming and view breathtaking western landscapes at the new West Wind Gallery show.

The three display rooms of the gallery will feature the paintings of Beverly Mathisen, Shirin Holla, and Ellen Black through October.

Mathisen’s display will provide a map, a video and photographs from her trip through the Galapagos Islands.

For educational fun for the whole family, she has included these with informational note cards to accompany her art. The islands are famed for their numerous species, many found only in that part of the word.

For Mathisen, who loves to depict animals, it was a great opportunity. Colorful birds and reptiles were a joy for her to see during the journey and inspired many paintings.

With a focus on interesting shapes and darks and lights, the retired dentist sees the world in new ways since having more time to spend painting.

“Painting teaches you to be a keener observer and you really do start paying attention to things you missed before,” she said.

Mathisen also is interested in texture, and even invites visitors to touch her paintings if they wish.

Holla’s explorations of watercolor paint on both paper and canvas have been challenging and rewarding. She often paints landscapes and animals inspired by Wyoming and the sights she sees around her.

The former journalist sometimes finds that painting under pressure leads to creativity.

Watercolor might be the most difficult painting medium, but it also is calming and therapeutic.

Painting allows a person to become more “in tune with the environment,” she said.

Black has had her own show before, while this is the first for Mathisen and Holla.

Black’s inspiration often comes from the hunting and fishing trips she takes with her husband around Wyoming and surrounding states.

The retired teacher is enjoying the extra time for creating western watercolor landscapes.

“I like the fluid spontaneity,” Black said about her favorite medium for expressing herself.

Like all artists, these three have noticed that with time and experience, their styles develop and change as they improve as painters.

Holla is beginning to add more light to her paintings, while Black has added more dark to her typically lighter paintings.

The women admire one another’s work and individual styles, they said. While they all are different, they enjoy learning from another’s point of view.

Besides sharing tips and advice, these painters also share laughs, their lives and friendship.

If you go…

Reception for West Wind Gallery show

Featuring Beverly Mathisen, Shirin Holla and Ellen Black

Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

West Wind gallery is located at 1040 W. 15th St.

The show will be open to the public through October.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 265-2655

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