Temecula artist Shelby Skinner developed an eye for the smallest details of the earth’s most fascinating animals and now residents will have the chance to see them brought to life in Temecula.
Lazy Leopard by Shelby Skinner (Courtesy image)
“My husband and I, through the years, have had a lot of overseas travels and my favorite was on safari. I would take photos of the animals and couldn’t wait to get home to paint them,” Skinner said.
Committing the exotic creatures to the canvas has earned Skinner numerous accolades for their vivid portrayal while on display at galleries and venues in Indio, Indian Wells and locally in Temecula.
“A lot of my paintings look like a photo. I love painting (the animals’) eyes. And I am very into realism, so my work is very detailed,” Skinner said.
A member of the Temecula Valley Art League, Skinner said she has been an artist for nearly 25 years and is inspired by unique landscapes and flowers, as well, fluctuating back and forth between oils and pastels.
For any aspiring artists looking for a guiding hand, Skinner also offers private art classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in a studio inside her home.
Poppies by Shelby Skinner (Courtesy image)
While many of her students are retired residents who have finally found the time to pursue a new hobby, she said that some parents have brought their budding young artists to her for instruction.
Skinner’s work will be on exhibit through Feb. 3 at the Gallery at The Merc in Old Town Temecula.
An artist’s reception is planned at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. The event is free and open to the public.
Skinner said that guests will enjoy an eclectic collection of oil and watercolor pieces that will include landscapes, still lifes and the animals.
Gallery at the Merc is located at 42051 Main Street in Temecula.
To learn more, visit http://www.zhibit.org/shelbysartwork.
To learn more about events at The Merc, visit www.temeculatheater.org.
Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.
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