Clayton artist captures first-place ribbon in Paint the Town competition

Submitted by TOWN OF CLAYTON

CLAYTON — Local artist Val Taylor has won first place in this year's Clayton Visual Arts Paint the Town competition. The winning piece, titled “Clayton Painter,” is now on display at Town Hall.

Annually, Clayton Visual Arts holds the Paint the Town Competition and Exhibition, highlighting the creative works of numerous local artists. This year's collection featured a diverse range of pieces that beautifully captured the essence of Clayton's people, places and things.

Taylor’s piece showcases the sculpture “Process” by Christian Happel, a part of the 2022-2023 sculpture trail, from a unique perspective. Unlike past winners who have typically focused on landscapes, Taylor chose to feature a subject in her work.

“I chose to look at the sculpture from a unique angle. I went behind the canvas and captured a unique dimension, which I really enjoyed drawing,” said Taylor.

Taylor's preferred style is photorealism, and she utilized colored pencils and pastel chalk to create a portrait of “Clayton Painter.” Her artwork is often mistaken for a photograph due to her attention to detail.

“I have created art all my life and I have dabbled in every medium there is. I discovered colored pencil during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was in my house a lot, and I just absolutely fell for it. I love working in detail, and the colored pencil works well with that,” said Taylor.

Taylor describes herself as a creator at heart. “It is a bad day if I get through the day, and I haven't had a pencil in my hand. It's just who I am,” she said.

For Taylor, the true value of her artwork lies in the joy it brings to others. She hopes that those who view her creations experience the same level of pleasure that she derives from making them. For Taylor, the opportunity to showcase her work and have it appreciated by others is priceless.

“Clayton Painter” is currently on display at Clayton Town Hall located at 111 E. Second St. This display, which also showcases previous Paint the Town first-place winners, is open to the public from Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.