Charles Hubbard kicks off the new year for the city of Enumclaw’s Gallery 2012.
The Enumclaw artist has opened “Reflections on Nature: Pastel Drawings” at Enumclaw City Hall. The exhibit continues during regular business hours through Feb. 1.
According to Gary LaTurner, city of Enumclaw cultural programs manager, Hubbard has taken a life-long interest in drawing to new levels with his realistic, pastel-drawn images of nature. Hubbard uses a realistic style to express his thoughtful images on display.
“Like many artists, my artistic quest got off to a late start,” Hubbard said in an artist’s statement released through the city. “Although I’ve been interested in drawing as long as I can remember, it wasn’t until after I retired from a 23-year US Navy career that I had the opportunity to make art a major part of my life.”
Hubbard, who earned a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design, experimented with various art forms and media before finding his niche. His sister introduced him to pastels.
“I knew very quickly that this was what I wanted to do,” he said. “For me, pastels are ideal because they allow me to make mistakes, which I frequently do, and still go back and make corrections without having to redo the entire piece.”
Hubbard said once he found his medium, he started creating a variety of subject matter pieces like landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits..
“I have enjoyed them all for different reasons,” he said. “I have recently been drawn to creating works of wildlife. I think this is because I feel very strongly about preserving our natural resources and protecting endangered species. I believe this is the path my art has chosen for me at this point in my life.
“Above all, I believe my art to be a journey. I don’t know where it will lead, but I intend to enjoy the ride. Hopefully, along the way, my creations will bring others some degree of joy or inspire in them a desire to see the beauty in the world.”
City Hall’s exhibition space, 1339 Griffin Ave., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. City Hall is closed on national holidays. The gallery is closed to the public Tuesdays for municipal court proceedings. For information, call Enumclaw Cultural Programs office at 360-802-0239.
