Gordon Marshall, of Welches, has a logical reason for working in watercolors
rather than other mediums: his sense of smell.

“They don’t stink; you don’t have that oil (paint) smell,” said Marshall, who
arrived to the area five years ago after retiring from a career in advertising.

Marshall’s creations will be on display at the Sandy Library, 38980 Proctor
Blvd. in Sandy, through Oct. 31.

“It’s great; I can’t believe it,” said Marshall about the exhibit. “I feel very
grateful for the people at the Sandy Library for letting me do this.”

Marshall took up watercolor painting approximately nine years ago when he
lived in California. He dabbled in pencil drawings and sketching previously, but
painting was a new pursuit.

As he discovered, watercolors offer a bit more flexibility than some other art
forms.

“It’s very portable, you can go out and do it outdoors without taking a lot of
stuff with you,” said Marshall, who frequently paints landscapes. “And it’s very
vibrant, a fun thing to do.”

Last year, Marshall ventured to the Bull Run Lake with a group from the
Hoodland Senior Center, and although he did not take his watercolors, he did
bring a camera. With a picture he got during that trip, Marshall created one of
his favorite pieces, and one on display at the library.

“You try to capture the light or the mood more than anything,” he added. “It’s
not really representational; it’s not like a photograph.”

And his paintings have already made a strong impression on those who have
seen them on display.

“Mr. Marshall’s landscapes manage to communicate atmosphere, not
just locale,” said Reference Librarian Kathy Draine in an e-mail.

“His painting, ‘Yaquina Bay Lighthouse,’ for example, immediately gives one a
sense not only of the dizzying height of the lighthouse, but also of being
enveloped in a glorious evening sky.”

The Sandy Library, 38980 Proctor Blvd. in downtown Sandy, is open seven
days a week: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information call 503-668-5537 or e-mail to saref@lincc.org.