MOORESVILLE — Salisbury artist Frank Saunders’ watercolors are currently on display at the Mooresville Artist Guild, 103 W. Center St.
The exhibit includes a variety of paintings that feature portraits, pets, landscapes and homes.
Saunders, who grew up in Waynesville, has been painting since he was a child.
“My father painted, so I guess I have some natural talent,” he said. “Watercolor is probably the most difficult media because once you put it on, it’s on.”
Saunders, who has a bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University and a master’s from East Carolina, taught art at Salisbury High School for 31 years before retiring in 1995.
His students include Salisbury’s Mark Brincefield, who paints and draws editorial cartoons for the Post, and Spencer artists Cara Reische, who works primarily with oils and pastels.
He continues to teach classes, including one at 7 p.m. Mondays at Rufty Homes Senior Center.
“It’s open to anybody who wants to come, from beginners to advanced,” he said.
Saunders also teaches from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Covenant Presbyterian Church and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Mooresville Artist Guild.
When he’s not busy teaching, Saunders often hunkers down inside a room within his house to paint commissioned pieces and dabbles in his own work.
“Every day or two, I’ll sit down,” he said. “It’s erratic.”
Saunders has had work displayed at Spirit Square in Charlotte. He’s also performed a live watercolor demonstration for about 80 people at Charlotte’s Mint Museum.
“That’s a pretty big deal down there,” he said.
The 24-piece exhibit can be viewed through Sept. 27.
The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The public is invited to attend an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Mooresville Artist Guild. It will include light refreshments.
For more information about Saunders’ classes, call him at 704-636-6685 or visit saundersf@bellsouth.net.