Turtle Prints on Exhbit at Gordy's Through January

Watercolorist Brian Gordy has been painting local turtles for several years. What began as a curiosity about the health of Delaware County rivers and wetlands turned into a large body of work documenting the various terrapin communities and their habits, interactions and even estimated ages. From the riverbanks, Gordy was able to determine that not only were the turtle populations healthy, but many of them had survived more turbulent times, as evidenced by their huge sizes. As an artist, he admired the flat and domed shells, the subtle skin colorations and the way light played off the various planes of the prehistoric-looking creatures' backs.

"Turtles hold my attention and are seductive subjects for watercolor paintings. Forced to sit quietly, least they scatter, I've been amazed to see the formations they create. I simply capture moments that have certain elements - a variety of textures, strong lights and darks, interesting foreground/background play and sometimes, a sense of humor, " offers the painter. "Recently I came upon a pair of stacked turtles. Unusual, because they were simply sunning themselves, and stayed stacked while I snapped image after image of them."

Recently recognized as an "Indiana Artisan," Gordy continues to paint the wet world of the turtle and has a new website in the works to share his paintings and giclees with patrons from outside his Muncie studio and combination gallery/frame shop. For local art and turtle appreciators, he will exhibit thirty five different scenes and groupings at Gordy Fine Art and Framing for the holiday season. An opening reception will be held during the monthly First Thursday event, from 5 to 9 PM. Refreshments will be served and public is invited to attend.

Gordy Fine Art and Framing Company is located at 224 East Main Street in downtown Muncie. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday, 9 to 3. The Turtle Exhibit will be held through January 31, 2009. For more information call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.



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