Persian-born artist Katayoun Stewart opens exhibit at Mount Dora Center for the Arts

• Masuleh," by artist Katayoun Stewart. (Courtesy of Katayoun Stewart. / Apr 13, 2012)

 MOUNT DORA — Persian-born Katayoun Stewart of Mount Dora has said her paintings embrace spirituality. She hopes they connect with the people who look at them so the viewers can feel peace and harmony.
But Stewart also said she will be nervous at the artist's reception for her one-person show, "Nature's Moods," at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. today.

"I am scared," she said. "All these paintings are confessing. It is not a very easy feeling."
Fear is no stranger to Stewart, who was a student during the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq. But she earned a degree in fine arts and later moved to Turkey, where she earned a master's degree in art.
When she first came to the U.S. in 2003, she said she was overwhelmed by its vastness.
But then she traveled out West, where the idea of vastness is redefined.
"Yosemite," her 5- by-12-foot painting that has pride of place in the exhibit, is practically panoramic.
"I was inspired by the textures and the vibrant colors," Stewart said. "This piece has thick color — I use color generously."
She often begins using acrylic and finishes with oils.
"Color comes first," she said. "With the washes I find form. I finish with oil for its depth. You don't get depth with acrylic."
Stewart also differentiates between a fun piece and what she sees as a more mature work.
She likens "Sitting in the Park," where pinks and greens are straightforward, to a child's freedom and "Horizon," done with a palette knife, as more spiritual, where the colors are more delicately hued.
The exhibit will continue at the center, 138 E. Fifth Ave., through June 9.
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call 352-383-0880.

April 13, 2012|By Christine Cole, Correspondent

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