One of my Favorite Artists!

I first saw the paintings of Doug Fryer when I was an undergraduate Art student at BYU. He was getting his MFA, and he came into my class holding a little painting of a figure. My professor held up his painting for the class to see, and I remember being amazed at Fryer's wonderful use of layers and texture. It was such a wonderful little painting--a perfect blend of realism with a splash of the abstract...I've never forgotten it. I went to his Final MFA show, and there was a small painting I had really wanted to buy, but didn't have the courage to ask the price. I thought for sure it would be far outside my meager student's budget. Boy do I wish I had just done it, no matter the cost! I wonder if there are people who feel this passionate about my work. That's an interesting thought.

When I heard Fryer was in the Marshall-LeKAE Gallery in Scottsdale, and that there would be an artist reception for him last night, I just had to drop everything and go! It was delightful to finally shake his hand, and tell him the story of how he once inspired me as a young art student. Truly, I attribute my use of layers and texture today, to those first impressions his work made on me.

After the Gallery Reception, I walked through all the Art Galleries on the main street. White lights sparkled along the streets and wound around the trees. Why can't my little town in Southern Oregon look like this? It looked so magical! Every Thursday night is the Gallery walk, so there were hordes of people milling about, looking at art. I can think of no better way to spend an evening! :)