Artist's work, workshop show beauty, magic of museums

Peggy MacNamara's large-scale watercolors are really something to see.

On exhibition at the Lake County Discovery Museum now through March 30, MacNamara's stunning, life-size paintings of swans, zebras, cicadas and other creatures showcase the artist's skill in observation and attention to detail.

MacNamara has been artist-in-residence at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History for more than 20 years.

The artifacts, birds, mammals and insects of the museum's vast collection are the subject of much of her work. Besides drawing from preserved life at the Field Museum, McNamara draws from views through a microscope, and open-air at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Last weekend, MacNamara gave a watercolor workshop at the Lake County Discovery Museum, which was filled to capacity with students eager to sit at the elbow of such a master.

As I watched MacNamara demonstrate her really quite amazing skill, I was reminded of a charming story about her work at the Field Museum.

At the Field, MacNamara works in the public galleries, surrounded by visitors. She doesn't mind; she says it doesn't put her off her work at all. She likes the hustle and bustle of the hundreds of visitors passing by and watching her work.

Once, a little girl stayed by her side for an unusual length of time, watching patiently as the image appeared as if by magic under MacNamara's hand. After a time, the girl quietly said, "I wish I were you."

"I wish I were you." How often have many of us thought that, when we see the work of a highly skilled practitioner, such as an artist of MacNamara's stature? I wish I were you. I wish I could do that. I wish I had that ability; that magic.

I think that's one of the great things about museums, especially those that exhibit art. Museums bring us in immediate contact with beauty and the magic of human skill.

Most of us do not have Peggy MacNamara's talent, but we can appreciate what she creates. And by going to museums, we can intentionally put ourselves in the path of art, of beauty and of magic.

For information about the Lake County Discovery Museum, and to download coupons for admission, visit lakecountydiscoverymuseum.org or call (847) 968-3400 seven days a week.