Watercolor demo given at CVAA meeting, Friday

Mark Tompkins is the demonstrating artist at the Carson Valley Art Association meeting 1:30 p.m. Friday at in the Douglas County Public Library.

Tompkins is a well-known Valley artist and teacher at the Douglas Campus WNCC. In his demonstration, he will use the medium, watercolors.

Tompkins attended the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles where he studied life drawing and illustration. Following in his father Robert Tompkins' footsteps, Tompkins worked as a graphic artist for years. When he moved to Northern Nevada he worked as a picture framer at a local art store and frame shop. There he began teaching painting classes for children and adults, and ended up teaching painting classes at the community college and also through the Parks and Recreation Department. He also teaches private lessons out of his Minden studio.

Tompkins' painting style was influenced by the early Renaissance artists as well as artists like Andrew Wyeth and Maxfield Parrish. He prefers to paint in oils, watercolors and acrylics. He enjoys painting landscape, wildlife and portraits.

Tompkins, an award-winning artist, continues to paint his favorite Sierra landscapes which reflect his love for the beauty and solitude of the area.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting, enjoy refreshments and socialize with other artists.

The Douglas County Public Library is located at 1625 Library Lane in Minden. For information, call 783-9626.