Pike Evans, Artist 

Pike's interest in art originated from his job at a local sign company. On the job training in graphic arts led to an interest in painting landscapes. Pile said, "I guess I started in oils because it was most like the materials I used on the job. I have tried other mediums, but I keep coming back to what I know best. I find oils very easy to blend, easy to correct".

He has had very little formal training in art. He has taken a couple of sessions painting along with an instructor similar to the art classes we periodically have here at the gallery. For Pike it has mostly by been trial and error, and watching a lot of Bob Ross on TV. "I don’t paint to show some glorious message, or to express whatever it is I am feeling at the time. I just enjoy doing it, it relaxes me", he said. He from imagination mostly, the landscapes aren’t real places, the still life paintings were not something he set up to paint from. At times Pike relies on his training at work to create an art piece that has to look exactly like a specific thing. He enjoys the challenge of producing a painting that looks ’real’. Roses have been getting most of his attention lately and he's finally getting the hang of it. It has definitely been an ongoing process.

Pile did his first oil painting in 1982, but kind of gave it up for many years after that. It has only been since he joined the Heartland Artist Gallery that he have resumed my interest. Pike said, "I think my favorite subject matter would have to be sunsets. One of my favorite experiences was being asked to bring some of my paintings and give a little talk at a senior center".

Pike has recently begun using automotive paint as a medium, and has created some amazing pieces. The colors and shapes created by the random nature of the process cause you to see many different things. It is interesting to watch people peer intently into these paintings and discuss with their friends all the different things they see in them.

Pike says that "If you have an interest in art, I would encourage you to take a class sometime and try it". He knows that, at least for him personally, he will never look at a tree or a sunset the same way again. The colors and the beauty that surrounds us becomes so much more noticeable. You may find yourself, as he does, just walking outside in the mornings or at night, just to catch a glimpse of it.





Heartland Artist Gallery | 103 West LaPorte St., Plymouth IN 46563 | 574-936-9515
Copyright 2012