Painter Monty Howard’s latest work is of the Gatlinburg cabin on which his Signal Mountain log home is based.
Photo by Emily CrismanPainter Monty Howard offers art connoisseurs a window into Signal Mountain with his recent works, which highlight familiar scenes around town as well as historical landmarks.
The Signal series will be available at Cutting Corners Framing and Gifts during the upcoming Sunday on Signal event Nov. 13-14.
“There’s all kinds of beautiful scenes on Signal Mountain,” said Howard. “I could spend my whole life copying God’s creation one painting at a time.”
Born and raised in East Ridge, the former construction worker was employed in Knoxville for 17 years before an accident forced him to seek a new occupation. He moved to Signal Mountain six months ago and decided to finally pursue a career utilizing his passion for painting, something he has always wanted to do.
“I’m not criticizing contemporary art, but to me, art is a window of the world,” Howard said of his painting style. “It seems like it’s got to be real.”
Most of his paintings are done from photographs, which he meticulously replicates in detailed fashion.
“I try to make things as real as possible,” said Howard. “If I can make you feel like the breeze is coming out of it, I feel like I succeeded.”
He said he likes to add elements only a careful observer would notice, such as a tiny red bird or squirrel.
“The more you look, the more you see,” he said.
His most recent work features a Gatlinburg cabin on which the layout of his Signal Mountain log home was based. Originally located in Sequatchie County, Howard’s cabin was rebuilt on the mountain, which he said has the same quaint mountain town feel as his beloved Gatlinburg.
“I look forward to the future, because I see Signal Mountain growing,” he said. “It’s a nice place to live up here.”
Howard said he plans to paint the W Road next, followed by the view from the east brow, Signal Point, the Mountain Opry and the Little Brown Church.
The original paintings will be for sale, and he said he is also considering selling prints of the classic Signal scenery.
SIGNAL SCENES
Contact Monty Howard at 414-5844 or mhoward@epbfi.com. Cutting Corners Framing and Gifts is at 1217 Taft Hwy. and can be reached at 886-1869.