Bedfordtimesregister.com - Passage of time hasn't slowed paintbrush of Aurora artist

by April Helms

Special Products Editor

A lifetime of painting hasn't diminished Aurora resident Florian K. Lawton's love for watercolor.

"I've always enjoyed it because of its brilliancy," Lawton, 88, said.

Lawton's decades of work will be on display at the Butler Museum of American Art in Youngstown from through Feb. 3. The exhibition is a collaboration between the Florian K. Lawton Foundation and Henry Adams, Professor of Art History at Case Western Reserve University. There will be a reception Jan. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Landscapes and from life paintings, said Lawton, is what he often does. He frequently paints scenes from Amish life.

"Florian K. Lawton's widely acclaimed watercolors of the Amish lifestyle, primarily in his native Ohio, reflect a realistic, respectful interpretation of his rural neighbors," said Beth E. Graybill, director of the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society. "His love for the simplicity of nature and rural life blends artfully and thoughtfully with local Amish mores. His depictions of Amish life evoke integrity, dignity, and authenticity. We value his work."

Lawton said he has been painting "since I was eight years old."

His work can be seen in several public collections, including at the White House in Washington, D.C., the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Butler Institute and King Khalid in Saudi Arabia. Lawton is a member of several artists' societies, including the American Watercolor Society, Ohio Watercolor Society, the Whiskey Painters of America and others.

As well as painting, Lawton also teaches art. He taught at the former Cooper School of Art in Cleveland as well as the Cleveland Institute of Art. He teaches classes on watercolor at Home Savings in Bainbridge, and has taught workshops throughout the Unites States and Europe.

Prospective artists should know the basics, Lawton said.

"Before they can paint, they have to draw," Lawton said. "I think a lot of students think they can just take up painting. They have this sort of Bohemian idea that they can paint, and people will come by all the time to buy their work, and there will be parties and such. There are too many peaks and valleys in the career of art."

Lawton added those who wanted to be artists should practice every chance they have.

"I would encourage them to draw, draw, draw," he said. ""Draw as much as possible. There's enough in your own home and out your own surroundings to draw from. Learn to see and appreciate your surroundings."

Lawton and his wife of 61 years Lois Mary have four adult children.

E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com

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