Art is subconsiously sad in Avon

AVON, Colorado — When Avon resident Amy Heeter looked at the seven paintings she'll be exhibiting at Loaded Joe's this month she was struck by a theme she hadn't known was there.

“I kind of have a mood going on — it's a little bit depressing. Kind of quiet and peaceful,” Heeter said during an interview this week. “But that was a subconsious thing — I didn't realize it until I saw all of the pieces together.”

Heeter is exhibiting her oil paintings for the first time at Loaded Joe's in Avon this month along with her roommate and friend, Amanda Mageras. The two women have set up a third bedroom in their apartment to serve as a studio.

Loaded Joe's is hosting an artist reception for Heeter and Mageras in Avon Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

The artist: “I have always enjoyed creating artwork. College was beginning of my painting career. I enjoy painting because it brings me satisfaction; I feel like I accomplished something.”

The medium: Heeter works primarily with oil paint. “It's so flexible. You can make mistakes and cover it up, it's not as precise. I have always been into drawing, but painting just seemed to come naturally when I started using oils.”

The process: “I usually paint from photographs or images. I guess I just pick those out randomly. I have a big drawer of pictures that I will hopefulluy paint some day.”

The style: “I enjoy doing realistic paintings of images that are simple yet have good composition and depth. Some are more detailed, while others are more unfinished looking (you can still see the brush strokes).”

The inspiration: “Having a show to prepare for is good motivation.”