Exhibits

Jan Heaton Watercolors

June 1 through August 18

Third-generation artist Jan Heaton provides a journey into calmness with her latest abstract exhibit, “Quiet,” at the McDermott Learning Center this summer. She uses the translucent capabilities of watercolors, repetitive patterns of movement found in nature, and layering techniques as her tools. Soothing blues, yellows and other colors abound in the artwork based on the six months of research Heaton did on environmental factors that influence a person’s health and well-being. Born in Michigan, she is a faculty member of the Austin Museum of Art School, and a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society. Heaton has exhibited locally at Wally Workman Gallery and in galleries in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Atlanta and Johnson City. Her watercolors are also in private collections in London, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and elsewhere.

Shou Ping Paper Sculptures

March 9 through May 27

Shou Ping creates beautiful watercolors in her own right, but her real specialty is what she calls "paper sculpture." With a pair of scissors, she expresses herself and transforms an ordinary painting into a 3-dimensional work of art filled with wildflowers, butterflies and other realistic subjects. Shou Ping has been invited to give demonstrations to dozens of art groups, schools and organizations in Texas. She has participated in more than 50 art shows over the past decade and has received numerous awards. In addition to being written about in numerous magazines, she has appeared on "San Antonio Living" and has been showcased on the popular TV series, "Texas Country Reporter." Come see her latest show in the McDermott Learning Center through late May.

Texas Majesty

March 9 through May 27

San Marcos resident Denise Counley has spent more than 20 years in plein air, forging her own style of watercolor paintings. She relies on a primary palette of reds, yellows and blues composed with energetic brushstrokes to transform the nature she spends time in into shimmering color and strong composition. A UT graduate who was born and raised in South Texas, Counley’s training includes a bachelor’s of fine arts from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. From her mother and grandmother, Counley inherited a love of drawing and painting. Her inspirations include the impressionist painters and Winslow Homer. Counley’s work reflects her deeply felt response to nature. She creates and interweaves natures textures into a vibrant tapestry. Counley has extended nature’s vocabulary into a means of expression clearly her own, and continues to grow and define her own style of painting and her perceptive use of color over time.

La Paso Kinetic Sculptures

March 9 through May 27

Accomplished sculptor Jim La Paso brings six of his giant works to grace the Wildflower Center grounds this spring. Come see his wind-driven sculptures of wildflowers and other nature subjects. The whimsical creations will be made from polished stainless steel, and will be placed throughout the gardens. La Paso has taught the art of creating kinetic sculptures to art teachers at the McNay Fine Art Museum in San Antonio. He has commissioned works or has held exhibits in Santa Fe, Houston, Los Angeles and elsewhere nationally. La Paso is also represented at the internationally famous Benini Studio & Sculpture Ranch outside Johnson City. In Austin, he has 12 pieces at the Domain and a 20-foot music sculpture on 3rd Street. Meet this engaging artist Sunday, March 10, at the Artists & Artisans Festival, when he’ll speak to visitors at The Store from 1 to 4 p.m.