FORT DAVIS –– Two Fort Davis artists are featured in an upcoming show, “Catching the Light,” which runs April 17 through June 3 at CatchLight Art Gallery in Alpine. Tim Roberts and Diane Tod South teamed up for the show, which includes oil and watercolor paintings as well as a scratchboard and mixed-media art. The public is invited to an artists’ reception Friday, April 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at Catchlight Gallery at 117 W. Holland Ave. in Alpine.
Roberts spent a number of years traveling the country as an archeologist before settling in Fort Davis in 2000. “There is one rule of thumb that governs my work as an artist –– it has to be something that I genuinely want to do, something that will maintain my interest from beginning to end,” he said. “I look to a variety of inspirations, styles and media to transform my creative thoughts into something tangible.”
“If I am successful in my efforts, then the creative process is not only a positive, relaxing experience for myself, but I think it also results in a better quality of art that can be appreciated by others,” added Roberts.
Roberts is well-known for his scratchboard art, which he began doing in 2008. He is a member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists and his award-winning work has been shown in various local, regional and international exhibitions.
Scratchboard involves the meticulous use of abrasive tools to “scratch away” a surface layer of black to expose a layer of white underneath. By varying the amount of surface layer that has been scratched away or left, the artist reveals –– almost magically –– an image.
South worked as a journalist in print and television for many years. She later earned her master’s in business and did research for a mutual-fund investment company on the East Coast before moving to Fort Davis in 2004.
“I have always been interested in art and have had the good fortune to visit great museums in Paris, London and New York while working as a journalist,” she said. “I always thought one day I might have the opportunity to pursue art. This is the moment. After years of writing, now I am channeling my creative energy into painting. I am grateful to have the support of the other artists at CatchLight Art Gallery in Alpine.”
“Tim and I are both exhibiting landscape paintings in this show, which is entitled ‘Catching the Light.’ The dramatic and ever-changing beauty of the West Texas landscape is captured in our new work.”
