Merle Blair Williams
Artist Spotlight

By Judi Moreo

Artist Merle Blair Williams is an icon in the Las Vegas art world. Her paintings show a preference for a realistic style in oil. She has worked with Genesis heat set oils, acrylics and water colors. Oil on leather, usually of animals, is unique to her repertoire. Merle also does commissioned oil portraits of children, adults and beloved pets. She believes that color enhances our world and the combinations of those colors in a work of art will bring hours of pleasure to the beholder as it did the artist during its creation.

Merle is actively engaged in her passion for art by attending art classes, workshops, developing an art library and joining local art guilds.

Her work is currently displayed in City Lights Art Gallery in Henderson, Nevada and has been displayed in many venues and art shows throughout the Las Vegas Valley as well as purchased by art collectors internationally.

She is a past member and Past President of the Boulder City Art Guild, a founding member and Past President of City Lights Artists’ Co-op and is currently the Gallery Director of City Lights Art Gallery in the Water Street District in downtown Henderson. She is a past member of the Vegas Artist Guild and the Contemporary Arts Collective in Las Vegas, NV.

Let’s get to know the person behind the art.

LEFT: “Miss Sunshine”, Oil // RIGHT: “Ella Mae circa 1938”, Oil

Where did you grow up? What things were you actively involved in?

I grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba, Canada. I was fortunate to live next door to a retired teacher/artist and was involved with her in the development of the guideline booklet for rural schools for a weekly art program broadcast on the radio. Living in the country provided many opportunities to be close to animals and nature in general. I loved to walk out in the local woods and prairies and collect flower specimens and colored rocks. I pressed the flowers and explored my father’s garage which had boxes full of rocks!

Did you always want to be an artist?

As I had early exposure to art, it has always been part of my life but I knew as a child that I would make nursing my career choice. Working for 30 years as a nurse left little time to pursue my love of art, but my retirement gave me the time and I was able to actively pursue my art.

When did you first know you had talent?

The neighbor artist encouraged me and was certainly an influence on my artistic endeavors from an early age.

LEFT: “Alaskan Morning Fog”, Oil // RIGHT: “Alaskan Tail”, Oil

What inspires you?

I am inspired by all other artists, by the so many different media and I have tried many of them, by a new subject matter, by a new technique and by the many colors of nature.

Did you get a formal education in art?

I was not formally trained in art but I have over the last 20 plus years taken many different art courses and workshops.

Why did you pick the medium of oil?

I have tried many media but always come back to oils where I am the most satisfied with my results.

What makes a painting great instead of average? Who is it great for? It may be the buyer but does the artist know if it is great? I believe that when then general principles of painting are incorporated into the painting, you are on the right track; composition, perspective, values and perhaps subject matter. Then, once in a while, you have a WOW picture and you believe it is great!

LEFT: “Riley”, Oil // RIGHT: “Commissioned”, Oil

Of all your works, do you have a favorite?

I became interested in doing portraiture, and I did one of my aunt from a black and white photo. There was an interesting history about the photo. She was my favorite aunt and she died last year at age 98. All of my portrait work has some emotional attachment and so perhaps they all become my favorites.

Where can someone view your art?

I am working on getting my own web site but some of my work is on Fine Art America and always at City Lights Art Gallery in downtown Henderson, NV.

If someone would like to purchase one of your paintings, how can they contact you?

I am very interested in commissioned portrait work, also pet portraits. I can be reached by e-mail at painterlady@ureach.com or by phone at 702-444-1250.