Marilyn Ammons

Wilcox County

Painting

"I love the play of light and dark in painting. Achieving that balance in a painting is very rewarding. To look at a painting and say, 'did i do that?' is very uplifting." Marilyn, a retired elementary school teacher, paints in her indoor "painting space" several days a week since her 2005 retirement. Her materials include watercolor, acrylic, oils and graphite.

"With watercolor, I usually draw with graphite a preliminary drawing that is detailed that helps me be aware of lights and darks. Then, I transfer this drawing to 140# Arches w/c paper." Since Marilyn has a love of photography, her photos are the inspiration for her paintings.

Marilyn's grandmother was a ceramic artist so she attributes her "love of art" from her mother's side of the family. She proudly said that her daughter and granddaughters have creative spirits and also love to paint so, Marilyn claims to have helped them both with their artistic sides.

About living and working in the Black Belt, Marilyn said, "The Black Belt region is rich with nature. The landscape, the wildlife and river scenery give an artist such a source of subject matter.