Patrick Sheehan to be featured artist at LAI September Exhibit

[September 09, 2019]   LINCOLN - For their September presentation, Logan County Arts will host a solo exhibition by Chicago area artist Patrick Sheehan. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, September 12 from 5 to 8 pm at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. McLean St, Lincoln.

The event will showcase Sheehan’s works in watercolor. Gallerist Moses Pinkerton notes, “As far as I know, this is the first ever solo exhibit by a watercolor artist in Lincoln. Visitors will have a great chance to see what can be done with this demanding medium. Our local artists, who sometimes work in watercolor, will definitely get some new inspirations.”

Sheehan, a resident of Arlington Heights, is a signature member of the Illinois Watercolor Society and a lifetime member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Citing the styles of Winslow Homer, Charles Reid and Mary Whyte as sources of inspiration, he works in a crisp style very different from the soft impressionist imagery often associated with the medium. The watercolor works in the show, some from private collections but others for sale, include portraiture, landscape, architecture and still life. His work appears regularly in Chicago area galleries.

The artist has studied under several renowned Midwestern artists including Nancy Fortunato and Eileen Jorgensen.  He finds that painting at a community studio alongside other creative artists is inspiring, so he frequently paints at the highly rated Jorgensen Open Studio. “You just can’t beat the comradery of sharing and trading ideas with other artists,” he says. “I love being in that environment and always take away something that I can experiment with and improve my craft.”

After the opening reception, the Sheehan exhibit will be available for viewing until October 5. For an appointment, people may call Pinkerton at 217-651-8355. Also available at the September 12 opening will be information on the October, 2019 exhibit, in which LCA members will show works on a theme of “Shadows and Shades”. Non-members can also show artworks in this exhibit by paying a small display fee. Anyone interested in doing this should contact Pinkerton for more information.

[Pamela Moriearty]