Life in rural western Indiana provides artist Christel Gutelius with an endless choice of subject matter.
The newest Athens Art Gallery member is a retired x-ray tech who lives in Mecca with her husband Tom, two dogs Leo and Lacy, farm cat Dominik, and their various chickens and ducks. She paints in oils and acrylics and loves the challenge of capturing variations of light and the seasons of nature.
“I may find interest in an animal, a big view or a small, secluded spot,” Gutelius said. “I know it when I see it. Then I ask myself, what is it that touches me here, and I attempt to paint it.
“The process of painting constantly teaches me something about myself, as I reflect not only on the painting process itself, but also on what insight nature may be giving me in the meanwhile, such as the determination of a tree, the openness of a field, or the boldness of an owl. Thus, the name I chose for my show is, ‘Lessons from Nature.’”
Gutelius also is a member of the Wabash Valley Art Guild and River City Art Association.
Her acrylic painting, “Meditation,” won Most Popular art piece at the recent Covered Bridge Art Gallery’s Abstract April Show, and “Heavenward,” an oil painting, was awarded first place in the painting division of the Wabash Valley’s Spring Show in May of this year.
Some of her accomplishments include being named as one of the 2018 Hoosier Women Artists by the Indiana Arts Commission, winning Best of Show at a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Event and receiving the Andy Warhol Award at a Danville, Indiana Plein Air Event.
Lessons From Nature will be at Athens Arts Gallery from Wednesday through July 17. The public is invited to meet the artist and view her latest works at the open reception 6-8 p.m. June 11.
Athens Arts Gallery, 113 N. Washington St. is open by appointment or 1:30-5 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
