Reston, Virginia 20191

www.restoncommunitycenter.com

February 22, 2008 Director of Communications

“Harmony of Texture” Abstracts by John Grady Williams

  John uses an unconventional process involving adding and subtracting layers of acrylic paint with tools from the kitchen or hardware store. He begins with a wet surface of modeling paste, and then uses a garden tool, a cookie cutter, or perhaps part of a child’s toy to create a textured surface. When the paste dries, he applies layers of paint, thick and thin, using cheap brushes and sponges, sometimes sanding between layers. The result is often surprising and always interesting.

  A lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, John earned his BFA from the Corcoran School of art in 1989 and now has a studio in his home in Chantilly. Always an artist at heart, work and family responsibilities compete for John’s creative time, but he has persistently made a place for it in his life. He gets inspiration from Vincent van Gogh and Jackson Pollock, perhaps an unlikely pair, but, he says, “they pushed their materials and processes as far as they could go and that is what I try to do. With each new painting a discovery is made which becomes a starting point for the next work.” John is also fascinated with mathematical proportion. He makes his own canvas stretchers and is currently working on one that has ten sides. He can be contacted at jdubbe@msn.com.

About the Reston Community Center

  Each year RCC offers more than 1,800 positive, self-development experiences that enhance the quality of life for all people living and working in Reston. RCC provides a wide range of programs in arts, aquatics, enrichment and life-long learning. We also create and sustain community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals. To find the programs or events that are right for you, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703.476.4500.