Feature Articles


May Issue 2001

Hilton Head Art League on Hilton Head Island, SC, Shows Works by Martha Worthy

Does a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon cause a tornado in Texas? Though there are no easy answers to that question, everyone knows that small changes can have a huge impact. There is no question, however, that the changes Martha Worthy has made in her painting style have created a body of work that is explosive.

You will be able to see this for yourself when you come see, The Butterfly Effect: New Directions in Oils and Acrylics, showing from May 1 through June 9, at the Hilton Head Art League Gallery in Pineland Station, on Hilton Head Island, SC.

The brilliant colors and bold patterns, largely based on natural elements, lend an intensity to her painting that is breathtaking to behold. "The forms and patterns found in nature have always been the primary source of inspiration for my paintings," says Worthy. She takes these forms and patterns, adds a touch of whimsy, provides a still life setting and comes up with a dynamic composition with rich color hues and a touch of abstraction that captures attention. It's the butterfly effect, and indeed, many of her paintings contain butterflies.

How does she achieve these effects? "I try to achieve a rich and intense color scheme," says Worthy, "by applying many coats of luminous paint to the surface of the painting. A sense of balance within the composition is equally important so that the painting works as a whole." There you have it.

A native of Virginia, Worthy came to Hilton Head Island in 1981. She holds a BFA degree from the University of Georgia in Fabric Design, has studied fine art, and taken numerous workshops with nationally known artists at the Arrowmont School of Crafts and with Charles Reid, Charles Movalli, Judi Betts and others. Worthy is also a member of the Hilton Head Art League, the Bluffton Society of Artists, the SC Watercolor Society and the Lowcountry Artists.

The Hilton Head Art League is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts in the community and enhancing the art skills of its members.

In addition to the The Butterfly Effect: New Directions in Oils and Acrylics show, the gallery represents the work of over 100 local, Art League member artists.

All artwork on display in the Hilton Head Art League gallery is for sale.

For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings or call the Art League at 843/681-5060.

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