Frankfort Artist's 'Animal Kingdom' Solo Exhibit at Orland Park Library in February

Award-winning Frankfort artist Sandy Newell will present a solo show of her poured paint artwork at the Orland Park Library in February. Titled “Animal Kingdom,” all paintings feature animals, from the forest to the jungle to the “land down under.”

“For me, each animal has a soul, and that is what I try to capture in my animal portraits,” Newell shared.

“One of the paintings in the exhibit is called ‘Toby’s Owl.’ The inspiration for this painting came from being woken up night after night by my dog Toby and an owl who were having a barking-hooting contest. I couldn’t see the owl, but given Toby’s reaction to him, I could just picture the fierce look in his glowing, yellow eyes as he reminded us whose tree and whose yard it really was,” Newell added.

As for her technique, it began as an experiment when Newell poured paint over feathers to see what would happen as she worked on a bird painting.

“To my utter surprise, the bird transformed into ‘Narcissus the Peacock,’ his jaunty personality challenging anyone to deny his radiance. That simple creative endeavor has become my signature style, as I now incorporate the pouring of paint over and under various objects to create unusual textures and patterns,” Newell explained.

A “Meet the Artist” night is scheduled on Friday, February 5, from 7-8PM at the library. All guests attending the Meet and Greet will be entered to win a pack of notecards featuring prints from the show. As a former elementary school art teacher, Newell especially encourages children to come see the exhibit.

“It’s a great way to expose children to original art,” she said. “In addition, the subject matter is appealing to both adults and children.”

The Orland Park Library is located at 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.

To see more of Newell’s artwork please visit www.sandynewelldesign.com or follow her on Facebook at www.faceboook.com/SandyNewellDesign.

Photo Caption: Sandy Newell’s painting, “Toby’s Owl,” will be featured in her solo show entitled “Animal Kingdom” at the Orland Park Library during the month of February.