The artist matures

Owens named Best in Show at art event

Friday, May 22, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by SARA K. TAYLOR Friends Josephine Williams, left, Adah Morgan and Mary Ann Cobb, all of Indian Head, look at the art featured at the Richard R. Clark Senior Center during the 18th annual senior citizens art show. Morgan won third place in the seascape division. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story Click here to enlarge this photo Birds and Blooms by Mary Kercher Click here to enlarge this photo Christmas beauty by Carol Corbett Click here to enlarge this photo Palm tree by Penelope Gold

Nancy Owens is a late bloomer. She never really considered herself an artist. She would make dolls and stuff like that, but actually painting, she just didn't think she would develop an interest.

That changed about nine years ago after seeing a painting in a craft store. Learning that the store held classes for beginners she signed up.

"I had never held a paintbrush before," said Owens, a La Plata resident.

"I took the class and never looked back. I have taken many, many classes in acrylics, oils, pen and ink with oil rouging and watercolors."

On May 13, her painting "Warm from the Oven" won best in show during the 18th annual senior citizens fine arts awards show held at Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata.

It isn't the first time Owens work has found an approving audience.

In 2004, she painted an ornament for the White House Christmas tree, in 2006, she painted a book-shaped ornament for the Library of Congress Christmas tree.

She also paints just about any surface — from basket lids to tables and trays.

But she prefers to paint on canvas.

While the more than 170 pieces were displayed at the Clark center, entries came in from all of the county's other centers — Waldorf, Indian Head and Nanjemoy.

Adah Morgan of Indian Head entered a painting of a Cabo San Lucas, Mexico spot that she said was inspired by a vacation photograph — she took third place in the seascapes

Jan Norton of White Plains, who took first place in seascapes and second in still life said she started painting after she could devote more time to the craft.

"I loved it," she said. "I took some classes and now I'm teaching. It's a love."

Dolores Hazel, one of Owens' best friends, tagged along for support.

Despite knowing of Owens' painting prowess, Hazel said she was "shocked" when she saw the entry that would take best in show.

But Hazel admired all the art from the jewelry to the photography, from still life to portraits, landscapes to sewing that was on display.

"I love it all," she said. "There's a lot of talent in this place."

staylor@somdnews.com.

and the winners are ...

The winners of the 18th annual senior citizens fine arts awards are listed below.

Seascapes

Third place: Adah Morgan

Second place: Jan Norton

First place: Mary Crothers

Best in category: Doris Frere

Wildlife

Third place: Dorothy Crown

Second place: Virginia DeBolt

First place: Sandy Rohde

Best in category: Carol Facey

Portraits

Third place: Barbara Murray

Second place: Theresa

Barnett

First place: Barbara Murray

Best in category.: Jane Bush

Landscapes

Third place: Henry Foster

Second place: .Mary Kercher

First place: Nancy Owens

Best in category: Mary

Jenkins

Still life

Third place: .Dorothy Crown

Second place: Doris Frere

First place:Jan Norton

Best in category: Nancy Owens

Abstract

Third place: Mary Crothers

Second place: Helen Winkler

First place: .Ann Maggi

Best in category: Rosebud Archer

Needle arts

Third place: Linda Rollins

Second place: Helen Reick

Third place: Harryette Hower

Best in category: Doreen

Corrado

Sewing

Third place: Vivian Lucas

Second place: Vivian Lucas

First place: .Dee Watson

Best in category: Lona Boggs

Photography

Third place: Bill Cassidy

Second place: Bill Cassidy

First place: Suzzanne

Cassidy

Best in category: Suzzanne Cassidy

Jewelry

Third place: Mary Kercher

Second place: Suzzanne

Cassidy

First place: Suzzane Cassidy

Best in category: Mary Kercher

Decorative arts

Third place: Arlene Benson

Second place: Ida Finch

First place: Doris Frere

Best in category: Bill Cassidy

Best in Show...

Warm From the Oven by: Nancy Owens