New Exhibit at the McCord Gallery Demonstrates 'The Process of Painting'

Although the end result is always appreciated, at the McCord Gallery in Palos Park two instructors are helping gallery goers understand what goes into creating a painting even before any oil touches the canvas.

"It's not like making cookies,"said artist Liz Wall. "We hope to show people the entire process and all of the steps of a painting."

Wall and fellow artist Beth Leahy will have many of their paintings on display at the gallery, and to demonstrate "The Process of Painting" they will also have the original images and sketches from which they created their work on display as well.

"The Process of Painting" exhibit began on Sept. 1 and will run through Oct. 15. To celebrate and draw some attention to the gallery, the McCord House held a reception on Saturday evening, Sept. 11, giving art lovers a chance to see the paintings, and meet the artists behind the process.

Both Wall and Leahy were on hand to meet and answer questions from friends, gallery regulars and many visitors who stopped in for the first time.

"This is our first time here and I'm so glad to see such a large turnout," said Palos resident Janet Aguilera. "[Wall and Leahy] are fabulous at what they do and I'm glad they brought some of their art to the suburbs."

Wall, who has been painting for about 20 years and also teaches pastel classes at the McCord Gallery, said she was very pleased with the turnout and looks forward to having the her work on display throughout the month.

"This is just the beginning of the gallery season so tonight is a very good indicator," said Leahy, during the open house. "I hope maybe the gallery inspires some people to think about taking classes but also allows them to appreciate the art in a different way."

Both Wall and Leahy live in the area, but usually display their art in Chicago galleries. They both said they also enjoyed the chance to bring some of their work to the suburbs – as did many local residents.

However, many of Wall's paintings are inspired by the large amount of time she spends in the city, and during the gallery showing, residents will see how a street corner or alleyway becomes art.

"I rarely work from photographs," said Wall. "Generally, I find a scene that inspires me and I create a sketch, which I work from later to make the painting."

Wall said the time the process takes varies from project to project, but usually a few hours are needed for each step.

In addition to bringing attention to local artists and how they work, Aguilera said she was also glad the McCord Gallery got some recognition.

"I think a lot of people don't know what goes on in the house," she said. "There is so much nice and affordable art here. It has the feeling of an art gallery mixed with a historic society."

Gallery hours at the McCord House are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-2p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

More information on the historic McCord House and what it has to offer can be found here.