Artist To Unveil Portrait At Exhibit Event

By CHARLENE PAUL

Moapa Valley Progress

Local artist, Tammy Symons will host a ceremonial unveiling of her portrait of Overton resident Sherry Johnson on Saturday, August 25 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Old Logandale School. She will also be showing some of her local western art and will have originals for sale. Refreshments will be served during the open house.

“Sherry was the secretary at Bowler Elementary School for many years,” Tammy said. “She is such a beautiful person.”

After two or three sittings, life happened and Tammy finished the portrait from a photograph. “I’m so glad I got to use the photo,” she explained. “The photographer caught a twinkle in Sherry’s eye that I might not have caught otherwise.”

Art has always been a part of Tammy’s life. “I guess it all started when Mom told us the house was bare,” said Tammy. “She told us we needed some art for the walls.”

That sparked an idea. Tammy got her crayons and went to work drawing Indians, horses, and teepees on the walls. When she couldn’t reach any higher, she got a chair and drew her pictures all the way to the ceiling. “I guess that was my first mural,” she said.

She completed her first portrait at age twelve. It was a pen and ink of Paul McCartney. She followed that up with a pencil of John Lennon. She continued to develop her talent at Utah State University and Weber College and was able to study with renowned portrait artist, Daniel E. Greene. Later, portrait painter, Del Parson told her, “You could make a living painting portraits and horses.”

After attending her church’s self-reliance class, Tammy decided to buckle down and begin promoting her business. “It isn’t easy for an artist to make a living from their art,” Tammy said. “But I am working hard to do just that.” She specializes in realistic art and art that inspires people.

If you are interested in having your portrait done, contact Tammy at 702-397-6301, or visit her website at http://tammy-nielsen-symons.com/galleries. While you are there, take a look at her artwork. The portraits are absolutely breathtaking and the horses and other animals are stunning.