YAA Spotlight Show Features the Paintings of Bernadette Solano, Nov 25 – Dec 8
Local artist Bernadette Solano will present a showcase of her watercolors at the Yaquina Art Association from November 25 to December 8. She is drawn to birds and outdoor scenes which often appear in her work.
Solano began her watercolor study in earnest two years ago here in Newport. However, her interest began decades ago with an elective art class while in college. Like many others, the demands of her research in special education and a career in curriculum development curtailed her ability to pursue her art interest. She moved from England to Oregon, married, raised a family, and had a full career. Only in recent years and moving toward retirement has Solano renewed her art interest.
While a full-time caregiver for her husband, Solano discovered the weekly watercolor open studios offered by the Yaquina Art Association. Joining with others each week gave her much-needed respite. Solano says, “Like birdwatching, watercolor painting is absorbing. My career involved careful attention to detail, and I enjoy the challenge of close observation, bringing a greater appreciation of the natural world.” As such, birds and landscapes are often featured in her paintings.
Solano is largely self-taught but gives credit to the ongoing encouragement she has received from other YAA class participants. She developed basic skills from demonstrations she found in books. More recently she has enjoyed taking online classes to improve her technique. She will often be available in the gallery to further explain her process and talk with visitors.
