Orcutt artist Sunni Gibbons wants viewers of her floral paintings to see what fascinated her about flowers.

The public will get the chance to do this at an exhibition of her floral paintings at Allan Hancock College from Tuesday, March 25, through April 11.

Gibbons switched to a fine arts degree in painting at the University of Washington after starting in graphic design at California State University, San Jose.

“I was frustrated with the constraints of art in advertising at that time,” Gibbons said. “Fine art seemed more personal, and you were able to more develop your own expression.”

Ironically, she later returned to graphic design. She formed her own business after having four children and separating from her first husband.

Gibbons has lived in Orcutt since 1996 with her second husband.Flowers have always interested her as an art subject.

“I find it so fascinating, looking deep inside the flowers for the most minute detail, contrasted against an abstract background,” Gibbons said.

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She started in oils early in her art career, but switched to watercolors because they were easier to clean up. She started oils again a year and a half ago.

“Now I have a place where I can do it without messing up the house. I love oil,” she said. “I love the feel, I even love the smell of the oil paint.”

She likes the fact that she can layer more and rework the canvas more with oils.

“I handle watercolor a lot like I handle oil, but with oil I can push it a lot farther,” she said.

In the future, Gibbons hopes to move more towards spontaneity in her paintings.

“To the degree that you can find what’s exciting to you and what draws you, that’s kind of the trend you have to follow for yourself,” she said.

SEE THE SHOW:

n Gibbon’s work will be displayed at the lobby gallery in the fine arts building (Building F) at Allan Hancock College. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. Her work will be on display from March 25 to April 11. For more information, call 922-6966, Ext. 3252. To see more of Gibbons’ work, visit her Web site at www.sunnigibbons.com.