By Marla Ballard
Reporter
FORT PAYNE, ALA - In the 1600s the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick,” became popular after appearing in a book by John Fitzherbert. Time and time again this phrase have been proven false. Take for example, Anna Mary Robertson Moses, (Grandma Moses). She did not start artistically painting until the age of 77. She sold her artwork at county fairs alongside her prize-winning pickles. In 1939 a collector saw her paintings in the window at a local pharmacy and bought them all. Soon after, Hallmark purchased the rights to reproduce her paintings on greeting cards and she became famous.
A better quote that fits many of the Boomers 1 group (born between 1946 and 1954) is a quote from Mark Twain - “Age is mostly a matter of the mind. If you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” This is how Joann Foxworth, now in her seventies, feels about learning new things.
Foxworth was raised in Flat Rock, her father was a Baptist Minister who preached in the Rosalee, Antioch, and Shady Grove areas. She left the region for several decades and lived in Bonifay, Florida for a time before returning to DeKalb County. She has accomplished many things throughout her life. She has been married for 55 years, had two children, owned a Bed & Breakfast, served on a city council, a Chamber of Commerce board and a town tourist council. She sang in a gospel group, plays piano, and has been a florist, but it wasn’t until the age of 70 that she took art lessons.
When Foxworth started taking art lessons three years ago both she and her teacher, Ann Hamilton, were surprised to discover she had a talent that had never been cultivated. “I actually feel like this is the best time in my life to learn something new, like painting,” said Foxworth. “I have the time needed to devote to it. I paint every day, I guess I’m making up for lost time. I’ve always had the attitude that if there was something I wanted to do I would at least try it.”
Nature and landscapes have been her main focus, but she wants to learn to paint portraits as well. “I like painting beach, mountain, and river scenes,” said Foxworth. “I like challenging myself so I have started painting things that are harder to master, like dogs.” While watercolors are her favorite medium, because she likes how the paint moves on the canvas, she does use acrylics at times. Most of her work is done on 11 x 14 watercolor paper.
Foxworth’s home has a room with wall-to-wall windows and she finds inspiration with her view of Lookout Mountain from her valley home in Fort Payne. When she’s not painting she and Ann like to visit art galleries and talk about art.
Since the beginning of summer Foxworth’s artwork has been shown at Mentone Arts Center. Artwork on display at the gallery has to receive the gallery board’s approval before going on display. “I was so honored to be allowed to have my artwork shown there,” said Foxworth.
The Mentone Arts Center is located at 5951 AL - 117 Mentone. Items on display are for sale.
