Parks Gettys – Fins!
October 2 - November 23
Third Floor West Gallery
This exhibition round includes works provided by Parks Gettys which will be on view in the Third Floor West Gallery from October 2 – November 23 2024. Lowe Mill A&E invites patrons and art lovers to join us for Open Studio Night, a building-wide experience when our over 150 studios will be open to the public. The evening also includes receptions for all seven of our gallery spaces. This series gives the public a chance to meet and interact with visiting artists and discuss their work as it is on display and available for purchase. Come out, enjoy a pleasant evening, and maybe you’ll find that special piece of art that speaks to you! The Open Studio Night reception is Saturday, November 23 from 5-7 pm.
From the artist:
My name is Parks Gettys and I have loved the ocean as far back as I can remember! As a kid, my family would snorkel the jetties of the Florida panhandle, go shrimping in the bay, and deep sea fish off the various wrecks in the Gulf. I was enamored with sharks and octopuses, and would draw them over and over. As I grew older, I received my SCUBA license and had the opportunity to dive all over the Gulf of Mexico. Being in the water was truly amazing and felt like being in a different world. It is a place where all my worries melt away and I am always eager to dive back in.
Over the years, my art has gone in many directions. I dabbled in 3D modeling, portraits, 3D printing, animation, and charcoal drawings. However, I found myself always coming back to the ocean. I love showing and telling people about all the different fish in the sea and the various varieties. So naturally, I began creating art based around sea creatures.
During the last year, I have focused on painting a variety of colorful fish for the Fins! Series and tried to add some personality into every one. Each fish is created using high-quality gouache and ink. My artistic process begins with an initial sketch in graphite, followed by an ink outline. Next I apply layers of gouache paint depending on the fish’s color, light direction, and any translucency of the fins. The layers of gouache are blended together to provide a smooth transition between colors, and the last step is re-outlining the fish in black ink and applying cross-hatch shading. Once the shading is applied the painting is complete!
I hope you find these paintings entertaining and spark your own interest in the ocean! It is a truly incredible part of nature and everyone should see the creatures it contains. Please do you part to keep it vibrant and clean!!
To find the the gallery in Lowe Mill A&E, click MORE INFO below (Tickets are NOT required.)