"Double Visions" takes over FMAAA July exhibit

Posted Thursday, July 4, 2019 7:00 pm

BY BRIAN RIGGS
Fort Madison Area Arts Association

FORT MADISON - July celebrates with a reception for dueling artists Jamie Green and Larry Siwek, watercolor painters from Quincy, Illinois.The DoubleVision feature blasts away on July 5^thwith a rockets red glare from 5:00-7:00pm at FMAAA gallery 825 Avenue G.Always free and open to the public.Axalta Coating Systems is the sponsor for the exhibition.

Larry and Jamie became friends in 2013 when attending a life drawing session in Quincy, IL.Painting together bonded their friendship while the two began attending Plein Air Paint Outs.These outdoor paint competitions gave them opportunities to meet and paint alongside some very talented, professional artists.

At top, Larry Siwek's interpretation of the same home as the watercolor below by Jamie Green. The two artists will be featured in a "Double Vision" exhibit in July at the Fort Madison Area Arts Association. The exhibit kicks off Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the art center. Courtesy images from FMAAA

The idea for DoubleVision came to being a few years ago at FMAAA when Jamie was having a feature exhibition at the gallery.When hearing how these guys were traveling to differing states in an RV to compete for cash prizes, it dawned on this writer that there was a unique opportunity for a thematic show to be had.

As Jamie and Larry selected their dates and places for plein air events, they could begin collecting a show that had the same subject matter, yet with their individual style and personality ebbed into each painting.Larry and Jamie made that idea into a reality quicker than expected.On top of that figured maybe 15 DoubleVision determined selected scenes.But no they come in with a monster show with 30 differing paintings with the DoubleVision standard.Consider it your patriotic duty to take in this feature!

Jamie points out, “The show not only gives the viewer two different interpretations of each subject, you can witness the growth of two artists.If you look at the paintings, you may also get a glimpse of friends becoming brothers.As iron sharpens iron, so one many sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17.”Jamie studied art at Culver-Stockton College and is a founding member of Sandpiper Plein Air Resistance Painters.

Larry received his BA from Western Illinois University in art education.He also owned Gem City Sign Shop in Quincy for many years.These painters are talented and devoted documenters of image wherever they may roam.View their travels at FMAAA gallery 825 Avenue G.With new hours of Tuesday & Thursday 12-7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Visit us anytime at our ever expanding website at www.fmaaa.com