As art lovers gathered at a reception celebrating the opening of a new gallery and workshop for the Plainfield Art League, artists mused over what it is that drives them to paint.
Their secret pleasures can be hard to put into words, some said.
Robyn Sheldon / Special to The Sun
Others know exactly what drives their desire to create. A blank canvas seems to beg to be transformed with colors and shapes, the artists said.
At the Feb. 22 reception at the new gallery at 24114 W. Chicago St. in downtown Plainfield, Marjorie Schlekeway demonstrated her artistic talents. Using watercolors, she created three different views of the Chicago skyline. Other artists in attendance at the opening understood the drive to put paint on canvas.
Art League member Cheryl Carman said she paints because the activity brings a great sense of satisfaction.
"It makes you feel better about yourself and to be able to express what you are feeling," she said.
Carman, who paints with oils, said she joined the Art League to be with other artists who understand her passion.
"I haven't sold anything yet, but I am looking forward to it," she said.
Stained glass artist John Plucinski Jr. said the Art League's new gallery, with its wide windows, is an excellent place to create and display art.
He said his inspiration for his works comes from just looking around. If an artist doesn't stop to look at the world, they may never truly see what is out there, he said.
"You are more aware of that stuff if you look for it," he said. "It's hard to explain. You see it. You've got an idea, and you are off to the races."
Plucinski also makes decorative stained glass pieces to reflect the designs his wife, Colleen, has developed for the many quilts and comforters she makes. The method is an artistic collaboration that enhances their marriage, she said.
Tina Storey, a homemaker, said she feels blessed to have the time to create works of art.
"I can stay home and paint," she said.
She often gives her graphite drawings and watercolors to family members as birthday gifts.
"The last picture I did I probably spent four hours on," she said. "It was a watercolor of my sister's guinea pigs for her birthday."
Former Bolingbrook teacher Tita Recometa-Brady said painting is her life. She will be exhibiting about 20 paintings at the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C., this spring. She creates large abstract paintings on round canvases, filling them with colorful, swirling shapes.
After retiring from Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook in 2002, she set up a studio in her Joliet home.
"A lot inspires me," she said. "You can't describe the feeling of accomplishment."
Judi Deszed, an illustrator and librarian, uses a rare, old technique of drawing with rods of silver.
"It's kind of what they used before graphite pencils," she said.
Belonging to the Plainfield Art League means she can make all sorts of connections with other artists, she said.
The group offers demonstrations on a regular basis and sponsors special workshops as well. On the walls of the new gallery are dozens of paintings and drawings by Art League members. Included are pieces of art created by students who have won scholarships from the group.
Being a painter and belonging to a league means having friendships with others who understand the burning desire to create art, she said. It means sharing a common goal with others in the pursuit of something noble.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the artists, and the people of Plainfield, to have this type of gallery," she said.
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