Artist of the Month Judy Caruthers
Jill Gianino
Our Artist of the Month for May 2016 is Judy Caruthers. Judy is a relative newcomer to PebbleCreek but she’s lost no time in fully embracing the PebbleCreek lifestyle. In addition to taking piano lessons, Judy is a member of the Art Club, the Wine Club, the Pottery and Sculpture Club and the Bocce Ball Club.
Judy lived most recently in Gig Harbor, Washington before moving to PebbleCreek. She has an eclectic art background as evidenced by her many arts and crafts activities. She has thrown pots, sewn cross stitch, knitted, woven baskets and worked in silver and in driftwood in addition to working in watercolor and taking painting classes.
Judy took watercolor classes with three watercolor teachers while in Washington and successfully applies what they have taught her. “I never felt I was born with any artistic talent,” Judy said, “and what I’ve produced is the result of what I’ve learned; I’m stubborn enough to keep trying.” Although I feel much the same about myself, it’s hard to believe there is no talent when you view some of Judy’s watercolors. She certainly comes across as a talented and accomplished watercolorist.
Since retiring and moving to PebbleCreek, Judy says she has “become an arts and crafts addict.” She has taken several art classes at PebbleCreek including mediums such as pastels, acrylics, gourds and abstracts. Judy paints her abstracts in watercolor; a real challenge as most abstract painters work in acrylic or oil.
Judy is impressed with the caliber of the teachers she’s had in the past and at PebbleCreek. She especially appreciates the encouragement provided by fellow students which she feels “makes for a fun learning experience.” She also adds “a big thank you to my supportive hubby, Pete.”
Judy encourages anyone who wishes they could do something artistic to take a class in any of the many mediums offered at the Art Center (paint, pen and ink, wood, fabric, glass or clay).
Judy is often at the Art Center either for open studio or taking classes. Please stop by to see her art in the display window at the Art Center and at the Eagle’s Nest and Tuscany Falls kiosks. Our heartfelt congrats to Judy on this well-deserved distinction.