Penny Otwell

June 2006 - CRITTERS

We are now showing a new grouping of animal paintings by Penny Otwell, specifically chickens and coyotes.  "Coyote Family", pictured here, features a father coyote preparing to reprimand his wayward son for an undisclosed transgression.  Momma coyote (on his left) gently suggests that he be lenient on the inexperienced pup.  Teenage coyote (on his right) gloats over his younger brother's predicament, knowing full well that he, himself, is responsible for the infraction.

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          Painting is visual storytelling for artist Penny Otwell.  As a careful observer of form, light, and mood, she interprets these elements based on what she is trying to say to the viewer, at the same time keeping her sense of humor close at hand. Otwell observes the way light hits at a certain time of day, the mood of a place or animal, or the graceful shape of a tree trunk against a far-away mountain, then renders these forms in a style meant to delight or amuse. While largely self-taught, she has taken workshops from contemporary artists Ken Auster, Peggy Kroll-Roberts, Brian Blood and others, and through their expertise has learned to honor her own unique style.

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The artist states;   “I am happiest when I’m outdoors, and plein air painting allows me to combine my love of nature and art.  The seasonal changes found year-round here in the Sierra Nevada keep my ideas fresh and interesting.  I paint Yosemite (my home of 40 years), the foothills, the Great Central Valley, the eastern Sierra and throughout California.  I also paint animals and still life pieces in my studio.  The language of painting is a life-long study for me.

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My Mother was a painter so it all seems to come naturally to me.  The beauty of landscape, the stance and attitude of an animal or the human figure, and the way light affects all of these continues to inspire me.  I’m having a great ride!”