Submitted Photo
By Matt de Simone
Contributing writer
Editor’s note: This article is the ninth in a series of articles that will feature all 14 artists that will be participating in the 2019 Open Studios-Botetourt tour on October 26 and 27. Each week leading up to the two-day event, The Herald will feature one artist – highlighting their passion for their chosen artform.
Local watercolor artist Robin Poteet is one of the two guest artists who will be joining other artistic members of the community during Open Studios – Botetourt on October 26 and 27. She currently works as an instructor at The Studio School in Roanoke alongside Vera Dickerson, another participant in Open Studios who welcomes Poteet as her guest this year.
Poteet grew up in the Roanoke Valley but spent most of her adult life away from the area. She later found herself back in Roanoke. “I missed the mountains and a lot of my family are here. I worked as a graphic designer for most of my career. Fortunately, that was something I could do from any location,” Poteet stated.
Poteet’s main artistic focus is watercolor painting. For most of the last decade, Poteet has swirled her brushes within the wet pigments of color to produce amazing paintings that caught the eye of local artists and will soon catch the eye of Botetourt County. “I have exhibited throughout the state but this is the first time I’ve participated in Open Studios,” Poteet admitted.
An important trait with most accomplished artists is versatility. Within the watercolor medium, Poteet is just that. “I’m strictly watercolor but when it comes to a subject— let’s see: landscape, architecture, figures and portraits, still life, animals…I enjoy painting it all.”
When it comes to living life as a painter, Poteet has experienced the trials and errors. She once owned a graphic design business but began painting full-time in 2010 after the life of a graphic designer wasn’t fulfilling her creatively. “Advertising takes its toll with deadlines, stress, and pressure. I reached a point where it was now or never. So, I gave up my business and decided to paint full-time,” Poteet explained. “[Painting] is rewarding in many ways but it’s also challenging to make it as an artist. So, I couple that with teaching, doing workshops, exhibiting, doing the outdoor shows, and taking commissions.”
Poteet said that she is excited to be the special guest of her friend Vera Dickerson. “She and I teach at The Studio School and oversee group workshops together. We’ve been friends a long time,” Poteet said. “I look forward to seeing a lot of people I know in the area. From everything I’ve heard, Open Studios – Botetourt has a great turn out. It’ll be nice to visit with folks and share some of my new art. I’ve been working on a lot of different paintings for [Open Studios – Botetourt]. I think it’ll be a fun weekend. It’s a great opportunity for exposure and an honor to be asked to participate in Open Studios alongside terrific artists of the community. I’m really looking forward to it.”
For more information about Open Studios – Botetourt on October 26 and 27, visit their website: openstudiosbotetourt.com.
For more about local watercolor artist Robin Poteet, visit her website: robinpoteet.com
