David Hatch has been painting all his life. He’s even had the same style all (or most) his life: abstract acrylic on canvas. The Renton artist’s creations are bright, often plant-like shapes outlined in black. And they all start with a face.
“The basic idea is I’m always drawing a face,” says Hatch, 51. “Two eyes, a nose and a mouth and ears. It doesn’t always end up that way, but it starts out that way for me. “
Hatch has been creating his abstract faces since age 10 or 11, since he lived next door to an artist in San Diego.
At one point, Hatch says his former house in Sacramento had paintings on every wall.
“It seemed like (it had reached) an obscene point,” he says.
He eventually gave them all away.
Hatch still has at least one painting going at a time, in his upstairs studio.
Still, Hatch didn’t show his art until last year. His wife saw a call for artists for an Arts Unlimited show, and he sent in his application. He was accepted, and showed his art in all of the organization’s 2007 shows. He is again showing his art this Saturday, in the third annual Art & Antique Walk sponsored by Arts Unlimited.
Hatch is one of more than 60 artists showing his art this Saturday from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. inside and outside of more than 42 downtown Renton businesses. The businesses range from American Drapery, Blind & Carpet to Whistle Stop Ale House. Hatch’s paintings will be shown at Liberty Cafe, at 926 S. Third St.
Several of Saturday’s artists are from Renton, but others are from outside city limits, as far as Okanogan. The art encompasses an array of media, including pastels, stained-glass mosaic, pottery, watercolors, metal and stones, photography, acrylic and chalk. Some artists are returning to the show, others are new.
This year’s Art & Antique Walk also features some new, interactive events. McCorkle & Associates is hosting a plein air art contest open to all artists participating in the Walk. En plein air is a French term meaning “open air,” especially referring to painting outdoors.
Any type of art will be accepted in the plein air art contest, it simply must be created between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at any Art Walk site. Finished pieces will be juried for prizes at McCorkle’s, followed by a silent auction of the work from 4:40 – 5:15 p.m. Ninety percent of the proceeds will go to the artist, and 10 percent will be donated to Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS).
McCorkle & Associates will also host a paper mache workshop, and Art Walk attendees can also participate in a scavenger hunt. The art celebration will also feature live music and dance performances.
Jennifer Davis Hayes is directing the Art Walk. She is the Renton Community Development project manager.
“I’m really excited to draw more people into downtown to the businesses to see the artists’ art work,” Hayes says. “It should be a wonderful event.”
Hatch is pleased Renton’s Art & Antique Walk is continuing into its third year.
“The fact that Renton is trying to get something like that going is good for the city,” he says.
The Art Walk is also good for him.
“It encourages me to be productive,” Hatch says.
Emily Garland can be reached at emily.garland@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5052.
Art Walk
• The third annual Art & Antique Walk sponsored by Arts Unlimited is Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• David Hatch’s Web site is http://dshwebart.com
