"Cape Coastline," by Dan Welden.

Part of the Watson MacRae Gallery’s mission is to offer islanders a vast variety of art in various styles and media — but this month’s Watson MacRae exhibit honors one of the art world’s simplest creative surfaces with “On Paper: Print, Paint, Draw.”

“Many artists extend their creativity to printmaking and, of course, drawing is one of the foundations of making art. This exhibit, ‘On Paper,’ shows some wonderful examples of work in a variety of artistic mediums on paper,” said Watson MacRae owner Maureen Watson. “Pattie Lipman has studied sculpture, painting and has a masters degree in printmaking. She uses the age-old methods of printmaking that go back hundreds of years, intaglio and mezzotint, which are forms of engraving and what makes her work unique is that it’s very intimate and sometimes very small. She has a very delicate touch which enables her to create these marvelously intricate designs. Hollis Jeffcoat’s work explores and captures our beautiful nature here on Sanibel in pastels and oils on paper. Dan Welden is a master printmaker, which means not only does he create his own work, he also works with renowned artists who make prints and painting. His works are very layered and very abstracted and sometimes, they almost look like maps taken from an aerial viewpoint.”

In many ways, Watson noted, “On Paper” is an homage to this less-than-glamorous creative surface and a celebration of its versatility — especially when three accomplished and very innovative artists get their hands on it.

“I think all three of these artists are innovators in the world of paper. Dan Welden invented the solar plate method for printmaking, which is a non-toxic process. Hollis invented a way to make pastels adhere to paper without the use of fixatives. Pattie uses old methods to create new worlds and, because her works are so small and detailed, they draw you in. Using paper gives such a different feel to the work than some of the larger canvasses.”

And for art enthusiasts who may not have the funds to keep up with the private collection they dream about, paper is the perfect way to go.

"Mangrove Island D.1" by Hollis Jeffcoat.

“For people who want to start collecting art, works on paper by any artist are a great way to begin. They’re more affordable, but they offer the same incredible creativity the artist brings to their larger works,” Watson said.

The day after the “On Paper” opening reception, Watson MacRae will host an artists talk with Lipman and Welden, who will describe their careers and their methods as printmakers.

Throughout season, Watson MacRae Gallery will also be supporting a different charity every month through a raffle drawing and the charity for March is the Sanibel-Captiva Zonta Club’s “Peek at the Unique.”

For more information about upcoming exhibits at Watson MacRae Gallery, go to www.WatsonMacRaeGallery.com or call 472-3386.

The Watson MacRae Gallery is located at 2340 Periwinkle Way, Unit B3, in the Village Shops.

"Little Lily" by Pattie Lipman.