“Graphic,” “more graphic,” “most graphic” – these are some of the terms art lovers use to describe the works of Jackie McAbee, Matt Cable and Patricia Roshaven.

During October, these three artists are featured at Thompson Garden Gallery in Tryon.

A former elementary school teacher, Jackie McAbee feels that she has been working at her art all her life.

She came to western North Carolina in 1978, saying, “This beautiful area inspires me to capture it in acrylic paintings. I paint mostly small animals such as baby birds, rabbits and dragonflies. Also, for children’s bedrooms, I paint the popular characters used in quilts and such.”

According to Matt Cable, “Somewhere along the way to becoming a grown-up, I put down my crayons, markers, pencils, pens and inks, and paints. Life did not afford me the time to create art.

When I became a parent, however, something inside me wanted to create artworks that would introduce my daughters to the way I see the world and bring them joy.”

Cable’s subjects are contemporary reflections of nature. Works include acrylics on canvas, salvaged slab wood and windows; mixed media applications; even sculpted jewelry.

Texts and graphics are incorporated into his mixed media work through a combination of image manipulation, painting and layering techniques.

Since her retirement, Patricia Roshaven has focused on the arts of photography and of painting. In photography, Roshaven says, “The camera notices light and shadow, stories in the surroundings, and intriguing compositions.”

She has mastered computer software to create her digital images. In painting, she prefers to work “in the wild” with no thought of technique or even final image.

Decide what’s creative, more creative or most creative. See this body of graphic work among that of 47 other regional artists at Thompson Garden Gallery. Too, you’ll find handpicked whimsical and practical items for the home and garden.

Thompson Garden Gallery is open Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. It is located at 83 Palmer Street in downtown Tryon.

The gallery is behind Stott’s Ford and around the corner from the galleries of Green River Frame Shop, Skyuka Fine Art, and Tryon Painters and Sculptors.

– article submitted by Mara Smith