The inspiration for a Bellefontaine Examiner reporter’s painting for the Logan County Art League’s “Not So Bad Art by Good People” came quicker than the strike of a kung fu master.
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Bellefontaine Examiner reporter Reuben Mees works on a sketch during a work session at the Gallery at the Holland Theatre for the Logan County Art League’s “Not So Bad Art by Good People” fundraiser. (PHOTO | LOGAN COUNTY ART LEAGUE)
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“I was toying with the idea of taking an artistic photograph, but it seemed like that was sort of taking the easy route out as I take photos every day for my job,” Reuben Mees said of his decision to find a subject for his art project.
“Then I considered drawing a panel of black-and-white editorial cartoons, which is still in my line of work, but not something I dabble in very often. I tinkered around with a couple of pencil drawings but then decided something reflecting a political opinion might not be the best received,” he said.
“So I put my thinking cap aside and clicked on my DVR, which of late has been filled with 1970s kung fu movies recorded on Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network. The pick of the night — Runme Shaw’s Shaolin Mantis.”
Thus was born his idea to paint the acrylic painting Praying Mantis Style.
“As I watched the kung fu master mimicking the intricate movements of a tiny insect, I kept picturing the mantis on my canvas. The vibrant yellow-green of the bug and its eerily human-like postures just called to me.”
Other than through the Bellefontaine school system, Mr. Mees said he has no formal art training.
“The extent of my knowledge of colors includes a basic introduction to watercolors in Wanda Stahler’s middle school art class and some work with colored pencils and pastels under the tutelage of Holly Ruggles in high school,” he said. “But despite this, I wanted to work outside my comfort zone and try to capture this bug in all its colorful glory.
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“What materialized on the canvas from the advice of Art League members Annie King and Woody Amidon during open painting hours at the Gallery and a Sunday afternoon with my local painter friend Devin Lyons, surprised me.”
He encouraged others to support the voting that begins this week.
“I’m truly glad I agreed when Mr. Amidon asked if I would be willing to participate in this project. Sometimes it can be easy for non-artists to take something like a local art league for granted, but it adds a dimension of culture to our city that is invaluable,” Mr. Mees said. “I encourage my fellow Logan County residents to support this inaugural event, and if it proves to become an annual event, I urge others to take part. It is well worth the time and effort.”
The completed artwork of the 15 participating artists will be on display at the Gallery at the Holland and from Jan. 21 to Feb. 12 the public is invited to view the work and vote for the best (or worst) artwork. Voting is $1 per vote and there are no restrictions on the number of times a person can vote.
The art will be auctioned at a Feb. 12 dinner at the Holland Theatre and the winner will be announced and receive a trophy. Tickets for the 6 p.m. dinner are $25 each. Those who wish to attend the auction or bid on artworks are not required to attend the dinner.
Sponsors include Mary Rutan Hospital, Peoples Savings and Loan Company, Josip and Tonia Terebuh, Jerry and Joanne Ritter, Zimmerman Realty and Alan Galvez Insurance. To become a sponsor or for more information on the event contact art league president Karen Feltham at (937) 468-2874.
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