Library Features Artist Atwater

Canton Public Library welcomes Carlene Dingman Atwater as Guest Artist for the month of April. All are welcome to attend a reception on Thursday, April 3 from 5:30 to 7:00 at the library, located at 403 Lewis Street in Canton. A gallery talk will begin at 6:15. Refreshments will be provided by the Canton Area Arts Council.
Carlene Dingman Atwater was raised on a farm near West Point, Iowa. She has been drawing animals and people since she was old enough to hold a pencil.The art of Wendell Mohr inspired her to pursue watercolor, which evolved to also include pastel, acrylic and oil painting.
With the encouragement of Ruth Newberry, Fort Madison Area Arts Council’s art center founding member, Carlene painted plein air (outdoor painting) at the first Garden tour. She has since participated in plein air competitions in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. Enjoying the camaraderie of the artists and the challenge of painting the changing light, Carlene finds plein air painting a way to capture authentic light and how it affects colors.
In 2011 she started a blog with a goal to post a new painting every day for a year. She completed over 200 paintings the first year (mostly 6x6). “The discipline of painting (mostly) every day improved my technique and pushed me to try new subjects.”
Her last exhibit at the FMAAA was the “52 Faces of Volunteerism.” The exhibit was a tribute to the local non-profits and the volunteers that keep them going.
“I believe that a passion for learning is critical; with every painting you discover something new about color, composition and design. The challenge to create unexpected and original art fuels the imagination. I never tire of the creative process and am always excited to start working on a new project. The process of learning and evolving is empowering.”
The Canton Public Library is located at 403 Lewis St. in Canton, MO and is open Tuesday through Friday 9 AM - 6 PM and Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM. Visit the library at www.cantonmopubliclibrary.org, on Facebook at Your Canton Public Library, or call 573-288-5279.