Getting back to nature

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Artists from the Weatherford Art Association got back to nature by participating in ‘Paint Out’ Thursday morning. BRIAN SMITH/DEMOCRAT PHOTO

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November 13, 2012

Getting back to nature

Brian Smith Weatherford Democrat The Weatherford Democrat Tue Nov 13, 2012, 08:19 AM CST

WEATHERFORD — Art takes many forms.

Many believe it is always done in some studio or indoor area. A group of Weatherford Art Association members are trying to dispel that notion in the truest form by getting back to nature.

The offshoot of the WAA is called “Paint Out,” which is exactly what the group does every Thursday morning at outdoor venues throughout the area to express themselves through painting.

Association Treasurer Rosalie Kobetich said the group started a couple months back. She gave credit to Benbrook artist and WAA member Carrol Richardson, who would paint on Fridays at Fort Worth’s Botanical Gardens, for coming up with the idea of outdoor painting. Kobetich said the group, which fluctuates between four and five painters each week, has been all over Parker County, including Chandor Gardens, Holland Lake Park, Slip Down Mountain in Poolville and others.

Thursday, Kobetich, Richardson, Judy Draper and Jerry Shidal were found at the former railroad depot behind Dillard’s Seeds trying to find some inspiration. On a gorgeous but breezy day the group spent some time analyzing the best angles and where to set up shop. The ladies had wanted to paint the front of the building but decided to move around to the back, closer to where they were parked.

Each brought their own supplies, some stood while others prefer to sit. Most used watercolors while others preferred oil painting.

Draper, from Poolville, said she paints pretty much every morning before going on to work and considers it a release.

“It’s just fun and it beats taking tranquilizers,” Draper joked. “When you’re done you can have something to put on the wall.”

All four admitted having issues with the weather at times but contended it was all part of the interest in the art. Draper said the group has been pelted by rain and even had their paintings blown over but still enjoy what they are doing.

There’s plenty of good natured banter among the group while the brushes are engaged. Kobetich said the group usually starts around 10 a.m., takes a break for lunch and works again until around 2 p.m. or so each Thursday. Any painters wanting to take part or find out more information can contact Kobetich at rozcoloredglasses@yahoo.com. Anyone wishing to find out more about the association can visit weatherfordart.com, call 817-599-3278 or go by the office at 119 Palo Pinto St. to fill out an application.