From historic storefronts and idyllic park scenes to classic cars and breathtaking views, artists demonstrated their talents on canvas throughout the week of April 6.
Susan Mericle of Granite Shoals was among 80 artists who participated in the art festival, which featured a Pop-Up Gallery April 10-12 at Lakeside Pavilion in Marble Falls.
“I love seeing the artists do their work. We’ve got good vibes,” Mericle said. “When I see it, I’m inspired to do it myself.”
Mericle, who displays her art at Buchanan Art Gallery, accepted the “challenge” of not only participating in the main event competition over several days but the Quick Draw competition April 12. Quick Draw requires artists to create a piece in 90 minutes.
Mericle set up her easel in front of the “cartoon house” on the upper shoreline of Backbone Creek at Lakeside Park.
“I need to stretch my skills. That gesture drawing is where I get the life in my paintings,” she said. “I love the Hill Country. I love the landscape.
“This one that I chose has this lovely cartoon, but against such a classical park background. It’s a nice dichotomy of a lot of different things together.” The artists, who came from all over the region, painted “plein air” style on easels set up on sidewalks and right-of-ways as well as outdoor venues, using oils, pastels and watercolors to create their pieces.
Painter Debra Latham of Spicewood has been a competing artist for 16 years at the festival.
“I’ve painted just about everything on Main Street,” she said as she prepared for the April 12 Quick Draw competition.
Each year, she looks forward to the open air aspect of the event.
“Getting outdoors and being amongst other artists – everyone travels, so it’s nice getting to see old friends,” Latham said. “It brings culture, the arts. There’s an alternative.
“Getting away from the computer screens. There’s an alternative to sitting in your house,” Latham added. “As an artist, the chance to create and enjoy the surroundings keeps her coming back each year.
“It just gives inner peace. God gave me this talent. I’m a believer in doing what he blessed me with.”
All artists’ work were on display and for sale at the Pop-Up Gallery at the pavilion.
Other highlights of the festival included an Artist’s Lounge VIP reception on Friday and Family Art Day on Saturday. Family Art Day coaxed a number of children to learn from artists and create color pieces of their own.
Mericle said, “Children naturally want to participate. It just affirms what they’re already good at. That it’s a valuable thing.”
