A wonder with watercolors

Gallery at the Fifth features works of Jinny Hunt

Sequim is full of venues featuring amazing work by local artists.

During September, Virginia "Jinny" Hunt will share her watercolor paintings at The Gallery at the Fifth, 500 Hendrickson Road, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 1-29.

A reception is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.

Hunt’s love of art began as a child. She took drawing classes at the art museum every Saturday. Later, she earned a degree in design at the University of Cincinnati and worked in the chosen field through college and one year after.

Then, she married and became an Air Force wife.

Hunt traveled all over the world on assignments with her husband. Though she’d occasionally join art groups, about the time she’d unpack her paint set the family would move again.

It wasn’t until after her husband’s retirement that Hunt was able to paint regularly.

Though she’s experimented with several media, watercolor is her favorite.

"I love the challenge, fluidity, freshness and versatility it offers," Hunt said.

"The process of each painting is a truly great experience."

Upon moving to Sequim in 2000, Hunt finally got a home art studio. She no longer has to paint at the kitchen counter.

Hunt paints landscapes, seascapes, animals, grandchildren … a little bit of everything. Most of her inspiration comes from traveling so extensively as a military wife.

"I get bored doing the same things over again," she confessed.

One of her most recent, and most sentimental, paintings is a portrait of her daughter’s dog Raindrop who was diagnosed with cancer. The dog since died but will live forever in portraiture.

Hunt is an active member of Sequim Arts and tries to stay involved in the local art community.

She’s taken painting classes with local artists Carol Janda, Robert Brown and Mary Franchini.

When she’s not stowed away in her studio, Hunt enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren in Montana.

To contact Hunt, e-mail whunt@olypen.com.