The Bowen Center for the Arts will be hosting an art exhibit by Nona H. Stephens of Gainesville, “Reflections of Georgia,” through April 18.
An artist since she was 6 years old, Stephens has made a career out of art since she won first prize for girls in a hometown Christmas coloring contest.
Marcia Chelf, director of the arts center, commented on the talent of Stephens, saying the artist’s work makes the viewer wish they were in the scene with her.
“Her paintings show an intensely creative artist who allows us to view Georgia landscapes that lead the viewer deeper and deeper into the scene,” said Chelf.
“You will feel right at home as you browse the gallery, recognizing many of her landscapes.”
An admitted traditionalist, Stephens prefers to work in oils. She strives to capture a special light effect of the moment or the serenity of a landscape. She enjoys spending time, sitting quietly and absorbing the way a scene “feels on your skin.”
Stephens’ philosophy of life is: “There isn’t enough time in a lifetime to learn all that I want to learn, and I will always be a student of nature, light and the artists before me. My reference for the scenes I paint is why I long to try to capture the essence of the moment on canvas, and make that moment a journal and record of my existence; but more importantly, to give voice in some small way to help protect the beauty of this earth we live in.”
Complimenting her exhibit, Stephens will be teaching “Painting Small Landscapes Gems” at the center April 3-4.
The focus of the workshop is to paint small landscapes in the studio using the same principles that would be applied to larger works. The class is open to all artists or art enthusiasts, beginner to intermediate.
The cost for the workshop is $40 for art center members, $50 for non members.
For more information about the exhibit or to register for the class, call the arts center at (706) 216-2787.
For more information about the artist, visit www.nonastephens.com.
E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.