Timing is everything. For Alliance Art Gallery’s December featured artist, Daniel Fishback’s “timing” began in his fifties. He admits, “I was late getting my college degree. It took a lot of time—nine hours a semester.”
One day, with degree finally attained and some idle time on his hands, he decided to try to draw a horse from memory. That is, perhaps, the horse that launched a thousand paintings. Looking back in life, he remembered one kid telling him, “You are knocking it out of the court.” Even family memories surfaced. His older sister, who became a fabric artist, one day drew a picture of their grandma. He, only about 7 years old, drew a drawing of her drawing. The family said his rendition looked more like her.
At any rate, fast forward a few decades, and Daniel today is a full-time artist, teacher, and facilitator at the St. Louis Heartland Art Club. His path? A passionate interest in learning from other artists. The initial foray into art began with a television program about watercolors. He bought a book, paint set, brushes, and off he went … for three years. Then he switched to oil.
“I especially like plein air,” he admits. Why be alone in your studio when you can paint with new-found and rekindled old-friend relationships. One year, he remembers, “A couple of friends of mine suggested we do plein air … in February … in Wisconsin.” So the intrepid Daniel showed up. They did not. Equipped with battery-operated hand warmers and sock warmers, he explored the northern winter landscape.
Today, he enjoys acrylics. “It’s a fun medium. I’ve painted with Michael McClure, an amazing teacher.” He sees himself moving into a more vibrant impressionistic style.
“I study a lot. It’s real important to keep learning. I’ve had some great teachers.” Today, occasionally teaching a class himself, he realizes he has come a long way from drawing a horse.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 4 until 7:00. This coincides with Historic Downtown Hannibal's Living Windows Celebration.
