Artist Likes to Paint on the Wild Side

Stop by the Life Enrichment Center or the Carrollwood Cultural Center, and one thing is clear: There's a lot of local artistic talent in north Tampa.

We recently talked to Virginia Butler of the North Tampa Arts League about how she got started as an artist and how the public can view her work.

Patch: How did you get started as an artist?

Butler: I’ve always loved to draw, and have been sketching all my life. I received a painting set one Christmas and taught myself how to paint. I’ve taken a few classes, but mostly learned on my own. I read art books, magazines, and visit art museums.

Patch:  Who or what influences you?

Butler:  I have a passion for animals. I volunteer at the zoo, and a lot of my subjects are found there. I love eildlife artists. One of my favorites is John Seery-Lester. I have several of his books. I love realistic art. My inspiration is to be as good as some of these famous artists.

Patch:  What are misconceptions that people have about artists?

Butler: I believe most everyone has some form of artistic ability, maybe not in fine arts but in some other form – teaching, relating to children, cooking, being a good listener etc. They're all forms of art.

Patch: What do you think your artwork says about you?

Butler: I'm a detailed person – it takes me a while to finish a painting. I love to paint each hair or feather and make it look real. I want to paint things that I have a passion for, not necessarily what people want to buy, which is not really being realistic if you are trying to make money.

Patch: How can people view your work?

Butler:  I have some of my art on Fine Art America, also on the North Tampa Arts League's website. I will have paintings in the Black and White show at the Carrolwood Cultural  Center in June.

Editor's note: Each week Carrollwood-Northdale Patch puts the spotlight on an artist from our community. If you have a person you think we should profile, just email editor Camille Spencer.