Washington County
Painting
“So I tried…”
Three simple words, but three simple words that Washington County, Alabama artist Peggy Lewis uses when asked about her inspiration in becoming an artist. Peggy shared about a landscape painting that she saw at her dentist’s office many years ago. A painting that she loved, and asked his assistant about. Who painted this beautiful painting? “I did”, the dental assistant replied. “I didn’t know you painted” Peggy replied. “I didn’t know either…until I tried”. Peggy said that those words stayed with her, tucked away, but close at hand. Until one day she took them back out and “tried to paint”.
Peggy considers her painting a passion, not necessarily a talent, but that is a trait Peggy shares with many artists in Alabama’s Black Belt – creating something from nothing, and creating that something with passion.
The Black Belt region also inspires Peggy’s subject matter, from regional birds to the landscape around here – she paints what she sees and loves. Her medium of choice is most often painting, but her canvas varies from found materials, slate, and historic architectural remnants to store-bought canvases and panels.
And Peggy never forgets how she was inspired to “try” by that dental assistant years ago and tries to pass on the same encouragement and inspiration to those around her. “You couldn’t write your name before you tried…”, so why not try something you love!