IDOLS OF ART WALK: Berry Fritz

Berry Fritz

• My hometown is Shanklin, Isle of Wight, just off the south coast of England. Since then I have lived in Scotland, Morocco and Canada. Home has been McAllen for the last thirty years.
• My influences are: the 16 and 17th century painters of Spain and the Netherlands.
• I have two upcoming shows: I will be the spotlight artist at the Nuevo Santander Gallery in McAllen for the month of September. My work will also be included in "Black and White," an invitational exhibition at the International Museum of Art and Science in October. Although not exactly a show, I am the subject of a feature article in the September edition of Southwest Art magazine. It is also worth mentioning that I have earned signature membership in Oil Painters of America and am a Fellow of the American Artists' Professional League, headquartered in New York City.
• My website is www.BerryFritz.com

How did your trip to Peru influence your art?

I was inspired by the handsome features of the Andean people as well as the color and decorative intricacies of the traditional hand-woven clothing of the Quechua and Aymara Indians of the Andes.

How do you choose the subjects your paint?

Since my main artistic focus is still life, I have a large collection of bric-a-brac and antiques that I have found in far away places such as China, Bali, Europe and Central America as well as garage and estate sales close to home.

What painting are you most proud of?

"Judith", a figure painting that won Best of Show at the National Oil and Acrylic Painters' annual exhibition some years ago.

Who is your favorite artist?

There are so many! I can't pinpoint just one, but John Singer Sargent springs to mind, as well as Diego Velasquez, Johannes Vermeer and several other 17th century Dutch painters.

How did you come to live in the Valley?

My husband came here to teach in the English Department at UT-Pan American.

What was the most important thing you learned in your training as an artist?

Given my preference for meticulous rendering I would say close observation, both of the subject and the work at hand, being mindful of accurate drawing, composition and color mixing.

What do you feel is happening with the art scene in the Valley?

I think nothing but good is happening with the art scene in the Valley. I am amazed at the explosion of venues and opportunities for artists here compared to just a few years ago. The Art Walks especially have been a great boon for local artists and crafts people.