An adorable pooch named Myah has proven a powerful muse for her devoted owner, Hernando County artist Mary Ellen Banks. Banks has been voted March Artist of the Month for the Nature Coast Art League, honoring her beautiful colored pencil rendering of “Myah!”
During the month of March, “Myah” is being exhibited at the Spring Hill Library, located at 9220 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34608.
“Myah is my four-year-old Mini Schnauzer,” Banks explained. “My medium was Prismacolor pencils.”
One day, while watching her adorable pet enjoy the outdoors through the view afforded by a nearby window, Banks—a resident of Wellington at Seven Hills—felt moved to commit her image to canvas.
“My motivation was her as she lay on my bed, looking out a window, watching birds and critters in our yard. Her curiosity spiked my interest in taking pictures of her on my iPad,” Banks said. “One of these is what I used as a reference photo.”
Banks is a seasoned, well-studied artist who works continuously to perfect her craft. “Approximately in 1980, I started classes in the Detroit area,” she said. “As with most, I started in an adult education class for oil painting. I then moved on to a well-known artist and teacher in Wyandotte, Michigan. Upon moving to Florida, I was introduced to Prismacolor pencils. This led me to take classes at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center.”
Banks loves to create and express her creativity through a variety of artistic media. “It would be difficult to choose my favorite. I enjoy both media,” she said. “If doing a lot of detail, it would be pencils; otherwise, oil paints.”
It was through one of her art classes that Banks first learned about the Nature Coast Art League, whose mission is to promote visual arts and support artists in Hernando County and surrounding areas. “For many years now, I have taken oil painting classes from Brooksville artist and teacher Diane Becker,” she said. “Diane introduced me to the Nature Coast Art League.”
Banks’ Artist of the Month honor marks the latest in a long line of awards and distinctions for this longtime artist. “During my years with the teacher in Michigan, my work was exhibited in her gallery. At one point, I received recognition and was published in our local newspaper,” she said. “Being a resident of Wellington at Seven Hills in Spring Hill, my work is exhibited in their clubhouse. I also have been Artist of the Month in Wellington.”
Aside from her continued work with the Nature Coast Art League, Banks has a definite future goal in mind when it comes to advancing and perfecting her art. “I challenge myself in both mediums and continue to try new ones. I hope to bring a smile to others and inspire other artists,” she said.
Nature Coast Art League last met Monday, March 18, at People Helping People, 1396 Kass Circle, Spring Hill. The guest speaker for this meeting was Patrice Pfeiffer, who delivered the presentation “Mark Making Magic.” The league will next host a workshop to take place Friday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Vintage & New Paper Collage;” members $35; non-members $45. Register and receive a supply list at the meeting, or contact Diane Becker at 352-799-023. The NCAL annual membership costs $40 for a single membership and $50 for a family membership. Mail the check to Nature Coast Art League, P.O. Box 6284, Spring Hill, FL 34611.
