Maggie Jimenez has been painting for two-and-a-half years but considered herself an amateur until recently when she sold several paintings at the Cottonwood Watercolor Society art exhibit at Fernley City Hall on May 17.
"I've only been in two shows," Jimenez said. "Partly because I was apprehensive and also because I needed to build up inventory before I felt I'd have enough to sell."
With her second show, Jimenez turned her hobby into a profession with the sale of several pieces of her framed art work.
Although some of her watercolors are standard paintings, what might well become her trademark are the batik images she paints using watercolor and wax alternately on rice paper.
Batik, she explained, is an Asian method that is not only used on rice paper but oftentimes on silk and other fabrics as well.
Jimenez's work consists of flowers, vegetables and landscapes with abstract pieces she creates with unconventional materials.
Although Jimenez has been painting for a short time compared to some local artists, she said, "I took classes at Western Nevada Community College." She also took some private lessons. Besides her classes, Jimenez is impressed and excited about the art community in Fernley.
"I'm inspired by people here. I'm amazed at the talent that lives here in Fernley. They are so encouraging of other artists and the arts."
Jimenez is a member of the Cottonwood Watercolor Society and the Artist's Guild of Fernley.
Other artists who had their work on display, besides Jimenez, at the first art show in the new Fernley City Hall were Carol Amerman, J.J. Bredengerd, Sharri Lou Casey, Kathy Colegrove, Marsha Davey, Mary Henson, Susan Herbert, Judy Magiera, Arlie McCoy, Bessie Mingay, Jan Rudy and Brend Slavinch. Live performers who supplied music for the event was The Oldie's but Goodies band.
Jimenez can be contacted at (707) 480-6838.