Park-Inspired Paintings on Display in Ravenswood

Amy Williamson was used to communicating through words. The former public relations specialist for Loyola University crafted ideas and projects through them, printed on paper or saved on the computer.

But 12 years ago, she discovered a different medium. A six-week class at the Ragdale artist community in Lake Forrest led her to painting landscapes.

“I loved it because it didn’t involve words,” she said. “I’ve always been a wordsmith. Instead of composition on a computer, it was composition on canvas.”

Since then, the 18-year Lincoln Square resident has been painting the changing leaves and green prairies of the outdoors. She finds inspiration on family vacations to Michigan and Wisconsin and more locally, Winnemac Park.

“It’s a way to see a beautiful place in a way we don’t really see, unless we stare at a willow for three hours to see how the shadows fall,” she said. “Putting that first stroke on a canvas is so intimidating. You never realize how many shades of green exist until you’re a landscape artist.”

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Williamson shared her work at the Ravenswood ArtWalk years ago, but until recently, no one but family and friends have seen her paintings.

Starting Friday, Williamson will show several paintings at Two Fish Gallery in Ravenswood, 2242 N. Ravenswood Ave. Her work will run alongside Magdalena Arguelles, who focuses on indoor subjects.

The exhibit was the brainchild of Tam Wimolvan Vidulich, whose designer rugs can also be seen in the gallery.

The three women are connected not only by art, but also through their children’s activities.

“It’s a nice reflection on the power of moms,” she said.

The two artists will show 25-30 paintings over the month at Two Fish.