By Kathy L. Collins
The Center Place exhibit in the Mook Gallery during the month of November will feature the beautiful watercolors of Roxanne Tobaison. The exhibit will feature 35 original watercolors. In addition, wood sculptures by Margaret Conte and exotic wood jewelry created by Tobaison will be on exhibit. The title of the exhibit is “Into the Light, My Watercolor Journey.”
Until recently, Tobaison was known for her bird and landscape paintings. Tobaison took a two year hiatus. When she returned to painting, she took a turn in the subject matter of her painting. “For two years I was not very productive due to family health issues. After this passed, I came back to painting with a renewed energy and commitment. Thus the title, ‘Into the Light,'” explained Tobaison.
“My first serious painting after returning was called ‘Don’t Cry For Me’ which was a painting of Vidalia onions. The painting was one of 100 paintings accepted into the 42nd Florida Watercolor Society Exhibit in Sarasota. This was an important recognition for me in that it signaled ‘I’m back’ and a validation of my new direction,” said Tobaison.
Of her newest venture, jewelry, Tobaison said, “I have only been doing the exotic wood pieces for a little over a year. Not too many artists use woods as their base stones. The exotic woods are so beautiful and fun to work with. Many of the pieces are wire wrapped with different wire materials, ranging from sterling silver, 14K gold filled and copper.”
Tobaison’s artwork is vivid and wonderful. Like her artwork, Tobaison is a warm and wonderful person. You can meet her at an artist’s reception on Thursday, November 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Tobaison is a long time Brandon resident who has lived here for over 39 years and in Tampa prior to that. “You can call me a native. I love Brandon and the people here. It is still like a small community,” said Tobaison.
Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. For more information on Tobaison’s exhibition, please visit www.centerplacebrandon.org.
