Philip Mullen
Mountain Lake Aviary
1998
Acrylic on canvas
72×52 inches
on exhibit at Richland County Library 2023

Last week I went on an Artist Date to the Richland County Library, Main branch, in downtown Columbia, SC.  An Artist Date is a concept I learned years ago from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. It’s time that I spend alone having fun with my inner artist. On this occasion, I wanted to see an exhibit by Philip Mullen, an artist I’ve admired for a long time.

Some of you may know Philip Mullen as Distinguished Professor Emeritus from the University of South Carolina. He’s also an internationally recognized artist with a long list of exhibits and awards.

The exhibit at the library is in the spacious and bright lobby along Hampton Street. There are15 large pieces, most of them 6 feet tall and ranging in width from 52 inches to 10 feet. I like the large scale of the pieces because I can immerse myself in the scene.

I was drawn to the color and texture of the paintings. The subject matter varied from landscapes and buildings to birds and fish, but they are loosely painted and somewhat abstract. For me, I was interested in how he handled the acrylic paint and I wanted to see what I could learn. I’m not interested in copying what he does, but I was looking for reminders of what I want to do with my work. I liked the way that the black line drawing shows through the layers of paint. Also, I noticed the contrast of thin transparent paint with heavy opaque applications.

Philip Mullen
Mountain Lake Aviary, detail
1998
Acrylic on canvas
72×52 inches
on exhibit at Richland County Library 2023

So I enjoyed my time in front of these sumptuous paintings and felt reminders of things to try in the studio. Altogether a successful Artist Date.

The Philip Mullen exhibit is on until May 7. Find more information at https://www.richlandlibrary.com/art