Searching for a good time? Look no further than the Macon Arts Alliance for “Havin’ Fun” this First Friday in Historic Downtown Macon. Broad strokes, thick paint, and bold colors welcome home Macon born artist, Bill Matthews. Relish in Matthew’s approach to color as a communicator, paying homage to it’s influence and ability to take form. The exhibit will debut at the Macon Arts Alliance on First Friday, February 5, with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Paintings will be on display through February 27. Admission is always free and open to the public.
After a wildly successful stint in retail, Matthews turned his keen eye to the creation of art. Classically trained as a painter in the style of John Singer Sargent, Matthews’ style has naturally evolved over the years, finding a home between the alluring space of realism and abstraction. Using palette knives and thick brushes, he applies pigment in lush layers interspersed with thin glazes that enrich colors and result in canvases that glow with light and form. Color and color relationships have always innately guided Matthews artistic approach, regardless of genre or style.
“While I’ve always had an interest in art, I didn’t have an opportunity to enjoy painting until after I retired about 15 years ago,” states Matthews. He initially began his training by driving once a week to Atlanta for eight years where his instructor taught in the style of the renown American artist, John Singer Sargent. “During the last several years, I’ve been working with a highly acclaimed abstract artist in Highlands who has been assisting me in developing an appreciation for and creation of abstract art.”
Matthews and wife Fran grew up and raised their family in Macon, Georgia. Prior to painting, Matthews served as President of 10 Belk Matthews stores in Central and South Georgia. Civic engagement included his role as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of SunTrust Bank, founding Chairman of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, founding Trustee of FPD, Trustee of Wesleyan College, Chairman of Hay House, President of Idle Hour Country Club, and other worthwhile organizations that benefit Central Georgia. Matthews, now Floridian, resides in Ponte Vedra.