Friends of the Monroeville Public Library will host award-winning fine artist and graphic designer Joe Winkler June 27-29 at the library’s Gallery Space.
The exhibit,“Oil Paintings and Other Delights,” will feature Winkler’s original works, most of which are his take on still life subjects.
Winkler often acquires the subjects for his paintings from shops and yard sales and said he enjoys producing artistic pieces from everyday objects and scenes.
“I do still life, and I have lots of paintings. I pick up pieces, mostly ordinary things,” Winkler said, adding that with still life, he can better control the lighting. “I have a bank of photos just waiting on my hard drive.”
While oil paint is Winker’s medium of choice – “oil is my passion” – he also works in charcoal, graphite and pastels. Winkler’s expertise as a graphic designer has informed his fine art with an eye for strong composition, engaging lighting and attention to detail. His methods are grounded in the principles of good design, accurate drawing and the ability to render form convincingly.
“When I look at a painting, the last thing I’m interested in is what it’s trying to say. The artist can say any number of things, which the viewer may or may not get,” Winkler said. “I’m more interested in the lighting, the composition, paint edges, where your eye goes. I love composition.”
The South Hills resident holds a two-year degree in visual art and design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s in graphic design from Point Park University. Although Winkler initially wanted to become a commercial illustrator, he chose to focus on graphic design as a career.
While working at ad agencies and design firms, Winkler continued to refine his talent. Early in his career, four of his landscape paintings were chosen for exhibit at John Stobart’s Three Rivers Gallery in Downtown Pittsburgh. This experience inspired Winkler to join regional artist groups and further pursue his fine art endeavors.
Winkler’s pieces have been featured in a fine art calendar and were on display at the Heinz History Center for an exhibit celebrating Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary. Three of his oil paintings – “Point of Impact,” “Packard” and “Mesmerized” – have won top honors in juried group exhibits.
In addition to his main body of work, Winkler’s holiday-themed pieces have become a tradition. In 2009, he began creating an annual holiday-themed originals for his family Christmas card, which are also available for purchase as greeting cards through his Fine Art America galleries.
A self-proclaimed “selfish artist,” Winkler said he doesn’t have a niche; he simply paints what he likes.
“I was always interested in art since the time I was little,” Winkler said. “I don’t do it for money; I do it for passion.”
Winkler works out of his home studio and enjoys spending time with his wife, Linda, and their extended family.
Many of Winkler’s pieces will be for sale during the exhibit, including his original Christmas cards. Paintings can be purchased and picked up after the conclusion of the exhibit.
For more on Wikler and his artwork, visit joewinklerart.com or find him on fineartamerica.com.
Leslie Savisky is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.
