A latecomer to the world of art, I am doing all I can, after a career in engineering, to make up for lost time.
Unlike many who began painting at an early age, I discovered my art talent toward the end of my other career. On finding this talent, I realized I really needed to focus, to become the best I could be after a delayed start. In addition to painting whenever I can, I often take workshops with nationally known artists and experiment with various materials and techniques to establish my artistic identity.
Primarily a landscape painter, my recent focus has been on atmospheric paintings including the capture of subdued, serene scenes set in mist or fog.
Pouring watercolors onto paper and allowing them to randomly flow over the surface creates the impression of fine mist in my paintings.
A water spray bottle replaces brushes in the process, although 3 and 4 inch brushes are sometimes used. I find the watercolor medium lends itself nicely to creating paintings which depict water in its various forms. Even so, I find much satisfaction working with pastel and pencil as well.
For the month of June I will be the featured artist at the Asheville Gallery of Art. On display will be some pencil drawings, my atmospheric landscapes with watercolor and pastel on paper along with some experimental watercolors on birch panel and canvas. The show is titled “Recent Works.”
I try to share the beauty of a particular place or moment in a way that will transport viewers to that spot so they can experience much the same sights or feelings that moved me to stop and take it in.
The public is invited to the opening reception on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. where you can see my work as well as the works of the other 27 gallery artists. Asheville Gallery of Art is located at 16 College Street, across from Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville.
In July I will have an exhibit at Carolina Village in Hendersonville. That will be followed by participation in the free, self-guided Open Studio Tour of Henderson County, September 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where my home studio can be visited for demonstration and viewing.
Al Junek
A native of Texas, Junek began painting in 1989 after formal training at the Baton Rouge Fine Arts Academy. He has continued his studies in workshops taught by nationally known artists.
His works hang in numerous private and corporate collections as well as in museums. Junek resides in Hendersonville, having moved to the area in 2000 after retiring from a career in engineering.
The artist is fascinated by light and its resulting values, which are captured in many of his works. Junek attributes his affinity for painting atmospheric effects to having lived in coastal areas over the years and now living in the Blue Ridge.
If You Go: Recent Works by Al Junek on display June 1-30, 2015. Opening reception, Friday, June 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street in downtown Asheville. www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com
Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street, downtown Asheville, across from Pritchard Park. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5:30; Sun 1-4.
(828) 251-5796, www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com