Rekindle that artistic spirit at PAA art show

Now is a great time to rekindle that inner artistic spirit by viewing a wide variety of art produced by some of the finest artists in El Dorado County.

The Placerville Arts Association Fall Member Art Show is running Monday through Friday, Nov. 5 through 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the El Dorado County Government Center, Building B, 360 Fair Lane in Placerville.

There is a reception on Friday afternoon.

The PAA’s award-winning members participate in shows throughout El Dorado County and beyond, show in local galleries and take part in county arts projects.

Each year the PAA supports and encourages young aspiring artists through its scholarship awards program to local high school students.

This year’s fall show judge is Gerald Boyd.

Presently located in Galt, he is a representational artist who works in a variety of media including oil, pastel and watercolor.

“Creating art has been an interest of mine since early childhood. Among my artistic heroes have been early illustrators such as N.C. Wyeth, Norman Rockwell … and so many, many more …,” he said.

Boyd’s experience goes all the way back to being hired as an apprentice pictorial artist just after graduating from high school. Boyd spent five years studying at night with the prominent artist and teacher, Theodore Lukits.

Then, with his family, he moved to Santa Cruz to attend college where he supplemented his income by selling paintings in a local gift shop.

Since 1983, Boyd has demonstrated painting technique, especially portraiture, to art clubs in Northern California. On occasion he has taught drawing and painting classes and workshops.

His considerable experience has put him in demand as a judge/juror for art competitions.

The Best of Show award in the Pastel Society of the West Coasts Pastels USA National Exhibition in 2006 is one of his most prized recognitions.

In 2003, he retired from the outdoor advertising industry to devote more time to his painting.

Boyd has won many honors over the years including “Artist of the Year” (twice) from the Fremont Art Association. He is one of less than 30 artists nationwide to be awarded the prestigious “Distinguished Pastelist” designation by the Pastel Society of the West Coast.

His paintings are in private collections throughout the United States.

The PAA fall show will display diverse two-dimensional works of art from realism to abstract and experimental. Works of art created in watercolor, oil, pastel, charcoal, acrylic, pencil, photography, digital art, and mixed media in categories of seascape, landscape, portrait, still life, animals, miniature and experimental will enhance the walls of this beautiful venue.

Most works of art will be available for sale.

At the close of the show, the winner of the raffle for a donated painting will be announced. Proceeds from the raffle go to PAA’s scholarship fund which supports an annual scholarship for a local graduating senior continuing in art studies.

Even though the membership show is professionally judged, the visiting public is encouraged to choose a favorite piece of art for the People’s Choice Award. The artists treasure this award.

The member artists invite the public to set aside some time during the week of Nov. 5 to 9 to come and enjoy the PAA show and cast a vote.

For more information visit placervillearts.com.