Retirement offers talent its time to shine

Norton K. Knedlik, retired CPA, stands at the entrance to The Vault where his exhibit is on view through the month of June.

Norton Knedlik of McCook enjoyed pencil sketching during his limited free time as a practicing CPA. When he retired in 1982, he pursued that pleasure and his natural artistic talent with lessons in oils and watercolors with Don Dernovich at McCook Community College.

During the 20 years since retirement, he has taken this talent to canvas numerous times, using oil, watercolors, pastels and pencils, recreating the landscapes visited during travel adventures with his wife of 55 years, Marjorie.

The Knedliks have been to Germany three times, to England, Wales and Canada and across the United States, frequently visiting their son in San Francisco.

Retirement has allowed time to travel to Germany for this painting of a country church and to Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he found the inspiration for this work title "Lake Reflections."

Knedlik has exhibited in several shows, bringing home multiple blue ribbons and honorable mentions. The Vault exhibit includes a variety of landscapes in several media, including an impressive painting of the Grand Canyon.

The Vault exhibit is open at the McCook Fine Arts Gallery, 209 Norris Ave., every Wednesday, 1-4 p.m.; Thursdays, noon-8 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.