My journey began in the ancient, forested mountains of western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Little did my parents know that when they took me to Oconoluftee River for a Sunday afternoon picnic or camping among the bears in Cades Cove they were establishing my career path. I grew up under the shade of great oak, hemlock and maple trees and looking for pink Lady’s Slippers, my mother’s favorite, among the pines.
At 22, I was carrying my only child, Jacob, when I began to paint with watercolor. Being self-taught, I really didn’t know what medium would be my favorite until a friend gave me a set of Prismacolor Pencils. I was mesmerized by all the rich colors and the textures you could achieve by applying layers, blending and burnishing to create new colors. I was able to draw with meticulous detail, rendering the fur of bear cubs and rabbits and the smooth finish of Magnolia leaves. As I gained confidence I found that colored pencils were the perfect medium for illustrating the adornments of the Biltmore House and Gardens.
I am very fortunate and blessed to be celebrating 30 years in business. In 1985 I rented a small space for my gallery on Church Street in Waynesville. Twenty one years ago I purchased a building at 15 North Main Street and now I have three wonderful employees who are my behind the scenes support team.
The drawing “Into the Smokies,” reprinted here, is my 30th Anniversary Commemorative print. I have also completed a new series of four drawings of Cades Cove in the Smokies titled “Something Red.” Also pictured is “The Old Homeplace,” my grandparent’s farm in Candler where I spent a lot of time as a child.
I have gone back to my roots during this 30th year and I found that the things and places that made me happy as a child are the ones that make me happy now.
In my 30 year career, I have been commissioned by the U.S. Forest service, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the magnificent Biltmore Estate. My desire is to, through my work, honor God who has blessed me with a gift. I wish I had written this quote by Mother Teresa, that resonates with me, “I’m just a little pencil in God’s hand.”
TPennington Art Gallery
15 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC
(828) 452-9284, www.tpennington.com