Garth Williams is 74 years old and began plein air painting just seven years ago. He shared some of his story in the shade of his canopy while creating artwork. This was along the entrance road to USFS Bass Creek Recreational Area (Stevensville, MT) at the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains.
Garth is successful; he has his work distributed between nine art galleries. He uses oils as a medium. If I remember him correctly it takes up to 24 hours to become tacky. A little online research revealed that drying depends on thickness of oil applied and whether the oils have been thinned. The beauty of slow drying allows changes to be made to the picture over days.
I didn’t ask Garth if wildlife landscapes were his only theme when painting. His current effort featured Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) a common tree here in western Montana. He did indicate that he did healthy sales from his painting efforts and not just profiting from an abundance of fresh air and sunshine.
Art Marketing website has a post “In Praise of Older Artists: Why We Should Support Older Artists”. Main message: “There is no expiration date on creativity or the work of older artists.” That’s right seniors there is no time like the present to engage your inner artist. The Dana Gallery (Missoula, MT) is hosting PAINT IT! an annual plein air event hosted since 2003. Activities occur June 12-15 check their webpage for details for public participation and displayed artwork. Garth will have his work for viewing at this gallery. Get outside and enjoy our beautiful planet by viewing or painting 🙂
