Hollister’s Bob Wilkinson’s ‘photo-realistic’ work featured at
Mars Hill
Art is black-and-white for Hollister’s Bob Wilkinson, who
selects charcoal as his preferred medium and favors a
”
photo-realism
”
look for his work.
Hollister’s Bob Wilkinson’s ‘photo-realistic’ work featured at Mars Hill
Art is black-and-white for Hollister’s Bob Wilkinson, who selects charcoal as his preferred medium and favors a “photo-realism” look for his work.
“I work in charcoal and pastels, but I think everything starts with black-and white,” he said. “Learning how to shade and get highlights before you get into color is the basis for artwork. I appreciate all forms of art, but I especially like photo-real. I like looking at a picture and seeing what it is.”
Wilkinson, 77, who moved with his wife from Southern California to Hollister nearly four months ago to be closer to their daughter and five grandchildren, will be the featured artist at the Mars Hill Coffeehouse at the corner of Fifth and San Benito streets starting Aug. 1.
His work has a Western theme, including cowboys, horses and Indians; though he has also created pieces featuring seabirds, boats and other animals.
The six-week show will feature approximately 15 original works of art and prints by the self-taught Wilkinson, including a wall each of charcoal, pastels and watercolors. The pieces will be available for purchase for between $175 and $1,100.
Wilkinson became aware that Mars Hill displays local artists’ works after his daughter – whose son works there – told him about it. Wilkinson said he is a regular at Monday evening Bible study at the venue.
A retired school teacher and coach who taught every level “from third grade through continuation high school,” Wilkinson said he loves working with children.
He and his wife have applied to be foster grandparents and he plans to offer free lessons for up to four students – ages 12 and up – on Saturdays at Mars Hill.
“I like to watch a light bulb go on in kids’ eyes” when they grasp a concept, he said. “I don’t believe in failure.”
Wilkinson said he has been dabbling in art “on-and-off; mostly off” for more than 30 years. Now that he is retired, he devotes more time to the hobby.
“I’m teaching art now and that stimulates me to work more on my own art,” he said.
No other local shows of Wilkinson’s art are planned yet, though he said he hopes the Mars Hill show “will lead to something else.” An artist’s reception is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the coffee house.
Asked if he has used any local images in his new artwork, Wilkinson noted that he is not a landscape artist, “and landscapes here are phenomenal.” He does, however, hope to get involved with next year’s San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, perhaps creating works of art featuring rodeo riders.
Local artist Evelyn Pogrowski’s show at Mars Hill ends its run on Friday, July 31, at which time a gallery event will be held from 4-7 p.m. More of Pogrowski’s oil paintings can be viewed at the Running Rooster on San Benito Street and in The Pinnacle’s lobby at 350 Sixth St. Call 726-4004 for more information on her upcoming art classes for boys and girls.
