SURFACE TREATMENT: The Magic of Water Color

A meticulously focused artist, Daniel Adams presents some remarkable wildlife images in his recent exhibit, “The Magic of Watercolor,” currently on display in the Quinta Mazatlan art gallery. The show includes paintings of avian life, plant life, and two works depicting equine entities. Although the work addressing horses and trees are charming in their own right, it is the bird paintings that steal this show.

On the wall approaching the gallery, pastel and oil pastel depictions of richly saturated florals suddenly move the viewer into a magnified nature experience. The close up view of Two Yellow Lilies, oil pastel, is a joyous celebration of the flower. The intense red orange background transfigures the space, recalling Gauguin’s use of a similar hue to transport the viewer into an alternate reality. However, this reality might be enjoyed by the hummingbird portrayed just inside the gallery. Back Stroke Hummer shows the bird in a position not usually portrayed in paintings. Vertical position - tail, wings and beak facing forward, this hummer seems to be moving away from the latest sip of nectar.

Adams bird depictions embrace multiple fascinating aspects. Of course, one aspect must be his watercolor technique; it reflects the spirit of life on paper. “I love to watch the colors literally explode on the page, explained Adams. “While watching and controlling the chaos of moving fluid color, I always find that something different happens, and it cannot be exactly duplicated again.” Another captivating aspect of the paintings is that of birds shown in flight; they are presented in more atypical and interesting flight positions than are customarily rendered. Adams captures aerial positions that are both characteristic and expressive of the particular species. Kiskadee is an example of this unique depiction, along with Back Stroke Hummer.

Hummer Face is a remarkable close-up watercolor view of the hummingbird at a hibiscus blossom. The details of head feathers and the configuration of the patterns around the eye and beak is a superb technical and aesthetic exploit. It should come as no surprise that this work recently was awarded the Peoples Choice Award at the “McAllen Arts Council Fine Arts Show.”

Adams has been an artist for most of his adult life. His career has included Heading the Audio/Animatronics Art Department for Walt Disney Productions in Florida, involvement in the motion picture industry, and owning his own art galleries. He has exhibited his work extensively.

“The work that I am doing is from the heart,” states Adams. “If I can open another’s heart and have them feel something positive, my art just might be enduring. I want to create art that people love.”

Nancy Moyer, Professor Emerita of Art at UTPA, is an art critic for the Monitor. She may be reached at nmoyer@rgv.rr.com

“The Magic of Watercolor,” Works by Daniel Adams       

• Where: Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen        
• When: Through June. Hours: Tues-Sat: 8am to 5pm. Open Thurs nights until dark.   Contact: 688-6461
• Admission: Adults $2, seniors and children $1. Free to members and children under five.