WATERCOLORIST FEATURED AT BAILEY ART GALLERY

(KINGSVILLE, September 27, 1996) - A one-man exhibit of paintings by Canyon Lake watercolor artist Charles W. Keeling will be on display Monday, Sept. 30, to Friday, Oct. 4, in the Bailey Art Gallery at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The event is open to the public at no charge.

The show, titled "A Beginning, The First Eight Years," is Keeling's first one-man exhibit and will be a visual journey through his paintings, from the first full sheet completed under the instruction of his first teacher and mentor to those that capture his fascination with botanicals. Many of Keeling's "adventures" with other subject matter will be displayed as well.

Art Department Chair Dr. Richard Scherpereel describes the subject matter in Keeling's botanical compositions as "flowers that have an evocative sensitivity and adjust to their environment".

Keeling entered the art world after he took a medical retirement from the corporate lifestyle. With encouragement from family and friends, he tried his hand at painting under the guidance of Carol Light, Central Texas watercolorist and teacher. Shortly thereafter, he was invited to exhibit at Fiesta de Colores in Kingsville, a visit that has evolved into an annual tradition.

Especially known for complete reversal of style, Keeling has mastered a non-gender-style of painting, from dainty Victorian compositions of spring flowers to bold and masculine forms of tropicals.

The Bailey Art Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

-TAMUK-
-Mary McAdam