Photo by Amy Cherry Watercolor artist Peter Winklbauer is shown hanging one of his paintings featured in his latest show, currently on display in the lobby of ECC where he has been an art teacher for several years.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

In his latest display artist Peter Winklbauer of St. Marys has chosen to feature numerous abstract watercolor paintings.

The display, entitled “6 x 6 x 36”, includes 36, 6 x 6 pieces which demonstrate virtually every known watercolor technique.

Winklbauer’s works can be viewed in the lobby of Elk County Catholic High School where he has been an art teacher for several years.

“I wanted to focus on small personal compositions,” Winklbauer said. “When you see them you want to look at them more closely.”

Also included in the display are 10 additional painting of various sizes, the largest measuring 28 x 36,  which are related to the small series.

According to Winklbauer the series took four months to complete.

His current display was just one of many featured recently in the Mercyhurst College art gallery. As a Mercyhurst alumnus, Winklbauer was invited to participate in a show for the school’s art faculty. He was bestowed the title as a visiting faculty member for the show.

Winklbauer’s 6 x 6 show will be displayed until Christmas at which time the pieces will be taken down as many have been sold as Christmas presents. To date he has sold 16 paintings in the display with several others for sale.

As a strictly watercolor artist, Winklbauer said that specific genre is the most difficult to master. He noted that if a person can grasp the watercolor concept they should can learn oil and acrylic painting more easily.

“I like to use my work to influence my painting classes and demonstrate composition and technique,” he said. “I have always believed its important that students realize I’m not only an art teacher but a showing professional artist.”

Throughout his 51 year painting career, which he began at the age 10, Winklbauer’s painting have been featured in galleries up and down the east coast.

Each year Winklbauer showcases between 2-3 displays of his paintings. His most memorable show was at Mt. Aloysius College approximately two years ago during the opening of the Wolf-Kuhn Gallery. Winklbauer was featured in a one man show which attracted 500 people on opening night.

Winklbauer is currently working with former students Vanessa Rumsky and Richard Funaki in designing his website.

“I’m really happy with the work they’re doing for me as I’d like to show my work to a wider range of the country,” Winklbauer said.