LOCAL ART FOR THE NEW LAKE HOME

Local Art

for the new lake home

STORY BY LONNA UPTON

Sailboats are one of Alexander City artist Annie Bartol's favorite subjects

Jim Denney frequently paints from his own breathtaking photography

A passionate community of local artists and artisans celebrate life in the Lake Martin area through their art. Nourished by beautiful surroundings and supported by residents and visitors who love the arts, these artists have a home in Tallapoosa County, where people flock to gatherings, galleries and online venues to support them. Among the most popular local artists at Lake Martin are Annie Bartol, Jim Denney, Lila Graves, Catie Radney and Tara Wilson.

Annie Bartol worked as a corporate graphic artist early in her career but began her art business in 2015. She said her clients recognize her work by the happy, bright colors she uses, as they seem to draw people in.

“Painting is my therapy and how I articulate my feelings. It brings positivity into my life and is a way to purge feelings – both good and bad. I have found sanity in painting,” Bartol said.

She is inspired by feelings, and she always has

Amusic in her ear when she paints. The music brings back memories that affect her paintings. “My dad taught me to paint sailboats, and they are my most common request. They are my go-to, and I’ve never even been on one. I’m very blessed to be able to do what I love, so if I can bring a smile to someone’s face, I’ve done my job,” she said. Bartol’s work can be seen on Facebook and Instagram @colormeannieart. Call 850-296-4767. Jim Denney is an Alexander City native who spent the first part of his career as a graphic artist. Now, he spends his time in a world of photography and fine art, with freelance graphic design on the side. “I am inspired by the natural world, by wildlife and nature, and I do my paintings from my photographs. Sometimes, I go out to find specific things, and sometimes I just take a hike to see what I can find. I am also inspired by travel, specifically Key West and New Orleans have been inspirational to my

work. I like visiting someplace different,” Denney said.

About 50 percent of Denney’s work is photography, and 50 percent is painting, though he enjoys being able to go back and forth on any given days. Visit jimdenneyart.com.

Lila Graves has been a professional artist for 36 years. She finds great inspiration in all things Lake Martin, as well as travel, experiencing people and just daily life.

“Painting is a visual vocabulary. It is how I process life and my state of well-being and how I am honest with myself. It is also a conversation between me and God. Whatever is inside of me goes on the canvas,” Graves said.

Graves said she loves being around people, and she wants people to feel they have access to her works. So wants them to experience her art.

“I am never not inspired. I always have something to paint. I just want people who see my art to have a positive and uplifting experience,” she said.

Graves said she is beginning her next journey in art now that she is an empty nester. Contact her through lilagraves.com or Lila Graves on Facebook and Instagram.

Catie Radney is a self-taught abstract artist who still spends time reading, researching and attending workshops to fuel her passion. She loves to learn new things and finds travel to be her biggest inspiration.

“I love going to countries where I do not speak the language. The sound of the voices are music; their gestures are a dance; the signs I can’t read are art. You can really get a feel for the people when you don’t speak the language,” Radney said.

Radney has a working studio in Alexander City and enjoys having people come to visit (Interested visitors can request a time to visit through her website). She is a self-described workaholic who said the freedom in painting is magical.

“I trust the painting process. I see stories in what I paint, and they are real. They are everyone’s stories, gen-

Lila Graves paints to express positive, uplifting experiences

Tara Wilson began to paint four years ago and last year was named 2021 Tallapoosa County Artist of the Year

Catie Radney finds inspiration in traveling to countries where she does not speak the language

erational stories, the universe’s story. Painting for me is spiritual and meditative,” she said.

See Radney’s work at catieradney.com and visit her @catieradneyart on Instragram.

Beginning just four years ago, Tara Wilson is a newcomer to the world of art. She is self-taught and definitely sees a difference in her work from four years ago to now. In fact, she was named the 2021 Tallapoosa County Artist of the Year.

“I never knew I had any art talent. Four years ago, I decided to paint angels for my mother-in-law, and I found my purpose. I think God gave me the talent when I needed it, in His time, and now I can’t wait to get up every day and paint for someone or myself,” Wilson said.

Wilson has never taken a lesson, but she has done research on the jargon of the art world and how to create certain looks. She enjoys working with different artistic media, such as crushed glass, which she has used to create fish and crabs on canvas boards.

“I paint whatever hits me every day. Most of my paintings are neutral, muted tones, so my steady clients say my work is peaceful. My most requested items are landscapes of the lake and oars, but I’ll try anything,” she said.

Wilson’s art can be found on Instagram and Facebook at Tara Wilson Art and at Tara Wilson Art Shop on Etsy.

Local art can be seen and purchased at summer showcases in the Lake Martin area. Everything’s Art in the Park will be held at Pennington Park in Dadeville on May 14. Check out Art on the Lake May 28 and 29 and Arti Gras July 2 and 3, both held at Russell Crossroads to find the works of these and many more Lake Martin area artists to add color, style, tone and conversation to homes on and off the lake.