Artist exhibits wildlife portraits at Gallery 200
Artist Paul Nemejc's introduction to the medium of gouache painting while learning design, illustration and airbrushing techniques has led to an award-winning style of vibrant and detailed wildlife portraiture.
His exhibit, “Wildlife and Pet Portraits,” will be on display throughout the month of February as featured artist at Gallery 200, 200 Main St. in West Chicago.
From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, a free opening reception at the Gallery will include light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist. Regular gallery hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contact Gallery 200 at (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org for more information.
Modern software programs have all but eliminated the need for hand design production and photographic retouching artists, skills learned by Nemejc in college, where he was first introduced to gouache paint. Gouache is a water-based paint which differs from watercolor in that the particles are larger, making gouache heavier, more opaque and with greater reflective qualities.
“Although it resembles watercolor, it takes on different forms, is easier to blend and the colors are workable even after they dry. Gouache is the medium I am most comfortable with,” Nemejc said.
When evaluating the final settings for his paintings, Nemejc places the animals in a scene or perspective which invites the viewer into the painting. His unique approach gives a fantasy-like quality to the image. An example of this approach was used on a recent Christmas card where he portrayed his dog, Ginger, peering through two Lionel train sets under the tree.
Although birds and dogs are his favorite, Nemejc is also available for commissioned portraits of people or family pets. “It is rewarding to see the joy a completed piece of art brings to each client. Testimonials like, ‘We will cherish this portrait forever' fuel the love I have for my craft,” Nemejc said.
Nemejc graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor of art in drawing and graphic design. He began his career as a graphic designer for a design studio/printing company. His combined skills in graphic design and printing led to a 15-year career with Alberto Culver, designing packaging for hair care, food products, household goods and annual reports. He later worked with Wilton Industries, designing seasonal and wedding product packaging. Currently, he freelances full-time, helping companies of all sizes with their graphic/package design needs while also illustrating, showing and selling wildlife and pet portrait art.
An award-winning artist, Nemejc continues to enter duck stamp competitions nationally, and his works were a favorite during the 2010 Fine Arts Fiesta held during West Chicago's Railroad Days.
Winning first place for the People's Choice Awards in the Fine Art category, was his piece “Spring Encounter”. Second place went to his painting, entitled “Garden Guest,” which features a vibrant yellow finch perched atop a purple coneflower. Organizers of West Chicago's Blooming Fest were so taken with the “Garden Guest” illustration they sought and received Nemejc's permission to use it as the official 2011 West Chicago Blooming Fest image, representing the art of the garden.
Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, and is one more reason West Chicago was named an Illinois Arts Friendly Community in 2007. For more information, including a complete list of current art classes, call (630) 293-9550 or visit www.gallery200.org.