Conversation with
Tim “Pops” Vanya
Our June meeting is a conversation with VAS member, T.W. “Pops” Vanya. Links and contact info are in our Our Artists section.
Biography: T.W. ‘Pops‘ Vanya was born in Durban, South Africa and spent 1972-8 at the University of Houston in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts.
He has been painting since 2000 but that’s just recently. His career has not always followed the way of the artist; a Houston Police Officer, as delivery boat crew in the yachting industry, a cabinet maker, an iron worker, a life guard and a few other pursuits along the way lead interestingly enough, to the world of western art. He and his wife Kathy now make their home in the rural community of Somerville in central Texas. Their home is 117 years old and they live close to the cattle, horses, ranches and cowboys he loves to portray.
He makes the statement that “God granted me the ability to put onto paper and canvas that which I can see. The fact that my avocation and vocation are the same is God’s grace provision; therefore, let the work begin.”
“Pops” has had 3 principle one man expositions:
2019 Arts Council of the Brazos Valley Gallery, “Cowboys and Pretty Women” (New Works) – College Station, Texas
2016 ARTS Gallery, “A Life Spent Coloring” – 30 Year Retrospective of the Works of T.W. Vanya – Fayetteville, Texas
2014 The Gallery at Round Top, “The Pretty Ladies Show” – Round Top, Texas
Today we are fortunate to hear him discuss his process: what to paint, reference material and painting/drawing/art principles:
- Concept…. what the hell are you watint to say?!?
- Design/Layout
- Color/Value/Chroma… what do they mean?
- Value/Contrast – the unwanted stepchild of the art world
- Craftsmanship – mastering your media
- Framing for success or failure
He will be bringing several works that illustrate & reenforce these principles. There will be a couple of handouts as well.
We will also be inducting our newly elected Board of Directors for 2024-2025.
Doors open at DEGALLERY at 5:30pm. You can visit our latest show, “Art in Bloom.” There will be light refreshments. Come by a bit early, chat and catch up!
