Bethel Park artist displaying work in Mt. Lebanon Public Library
A small sanctuary nestled away in the framework Joe Winkler’s Bethel Park home sits in his art studio.
On occasional weekends, when Winkler gets to spend hours hunkered away to focus on a lifelong passion, it qualifies as competition for the happiest time in his life.
“The best way I can describe finishing something is that it’s almost a relief because I suffered through it,” he joked about the oil paintings, pencil drawings and pastel work he becomes enthralled in. “Towards the end of the long process it’s a lot more fun because you sort of know how it’s going to turn out. It feels great when it’s done.”
Out of the hundreds of pieces Winkler has invested and dedicated hours to, some of that artwork will be on display for a solo show in the main entrance hallway to the Mt. Lebanon Public Library through the end of March.
“I’m a member of other art leagues and it’s nice to exhibit with other people,” he said. “Doing a solo show is always the best feeling. Doing it in this particular space, the most primo space in the South Hills to me where there is a long waiting list to get in, is special. I love it here.”
Winkler, who went to the Art Institute when the allure for many in the field was to go into commercial illustration, works in print production and graphic design for NFM+Dymun, an ad agency based in Pittsburgh.
Yet, with a career using his eye for creativity and design, he makes sure the love of art he’s had since childhood finds a way into his routine.
“It’s always been there,” Winkler said about his creativeness. “I just remember getting my mother really upset when I came home with bad greats but would really draw a nice picture. She would get irate. I’ve just always have liked to create. It’s just an outlet for me.”
Without a particular theme, name for his display or too many specific characteristics that tie his artwork together, the one thing that unites every piece done by Winkler is that he enjoys whatever the subject is.
“A couple of years ago I was going into a group exhibit or a league where we had to drop off four or five paintings and get them judged,” he remembers. “As I was dropping off my pieces somebody walking by looked at my work and said “guy art.” I thought what a great line. I just do things I’m interested in.”
From detailed parts on a car to a variety of animals, Winkler takes his interests and turns them into engaging, eye-catching masterpieces. No particular one being a favorite even after only starting pencil drawings a few years ago.
“My favorite piece is the most recent one I’ve completed,” as he laughed about the two to three month sporadic process it takes to finish a painting. “For years and years all I was doing was oil paintings. I got proficient enough at it where I was able to do some really nice things but the time element is difficult. As you do this your skills get better and better. It’s a lifelong process.”
With no formal opening time, and his artwork already being hung up, Winkler will visit the library sporadically on evenings and weekends to indulge in others enjoying his devotion to the craft.