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Painter Lita Gatlin Featured at Blowing Rock Frameworks til July 30, Reception July 23

Lita Gatlin
Lita Gatlin

By Adrienne Fouts

Paintings by Lita Gatlin

Artist Lita Gatlin’s work, featuring beautiful scenes of locations around the High Country, will be on display at Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery from July 18-30, with an artist reception on July 23.

Gatlin, originally from southern Georgia, has been represented by Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery for a decade; in that time, the gallery has sold more of her paintings than any other artist they represent. Her paintings of mountain and nature scenes especially resonate with residents of the High Country.

“Lita’s an avid runner and hiker and takes her camera everywhere she goes,” said gallery owner Tim Miller. “I would say she’s hiked almost every trail there is in Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties.”

When Gatlin sees a place that she thinks would make a good painting, Miller said, she takes several photos and brings them back to her rented studio, where she can spend between 35-50 hours a week painting.

Miller describes Gatlin’s style as a cross between realism and impressionism. Her medium is oil, and she always paints real places, from barns and cow pastures in Valle Crucis to views of Grandfather Mountain.

“We just had a customer looking at one of her pieces, and she said it was the prettiest painting she’s seen in the area,” Miller said. “Her subject matter fits the High Country to a tee.”

This will be Gatlin’s sixth one-person show with BRFG, and every show has been a tremendous success, Miller said. Visitors to the gallery will see scenes that she has never painted before; she constantly pushes herself to new places and new hikes for inspiration.

An artist reception will take place at the gallery July 23 from 5-8 p.m. The public is invited to view Gatlin’s work and meet the creator, and she is happy to talk about her art with those who are curious.

“She’s prolific,” Miller said. “She takes her art career very seriously; but, unlike some artists, Lita is really down-to-earth.”

Blowing Rock Frameworks and Gallery was established in 1994 with the goal of bringing the finest art in the Southeast to Blowing Rock. Twenty-five of the most accomplished artists in the region are now featured at the gallery.

For more information about the gallery and Lita Gatlin’s show, visit www.blowingrockgalleries.com or call 828-295-0041.