August 2016 1

Cleo Vilett – Instant Art

Cleo Vilett is not only good, she’s also fast. At least one might think so while watching her create a watercolor painting in this time-lapse film. The actual project took about an hour and a half. With the aid of an iPhone mounted above the project, we’re able to watch as the talented painter confidently moves from a light pencil outline, through multiple layers of watercolor, to a finished work of art. At different moments you can actually see the paint drying.

Vilett is one of a number of amazing artist to come out of the the Science Illustration Program, which began at the University of California at Santa Cruz and now resides at California State University at Monterey Bay. She specializes in fine art painting and works in a number of mediums. Her subjects are varied, although she has a special fondness for marine biology. Her use of light and color give of all her work a sparkle and crispness, and her sense of composition is wonderful.

Versatility has meant that you can find her work in magazines (Scientific American), on walls (Coastal Discovery Center, San Simeon, California), and in art galleries, having had numerous show on both the east and west coast. You can enjoy more of her work at: http://www.cleovilett.com/  Below are a few samples…