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Lutz Artist, 76, Paints Florida, 'Minus The Condos'

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By B.C. MANION | The Tampa Tribune,

Published: August 20, 2008

LUTZ - His studio isn't spacious, but his imagination has no bounds.

When Hernie Vann gazes at a felled tree in the woods, a bird perched on a car or sunlight filtering through the trees, he sees elements of a painting.

The 76-year-old has lots of experience in creating works of art. "In grammar school, I was always the kid the teacher would call on for different occasions to decorate the room," said Vann, who was named August's artist of the month by North Tampa Arts League.

For 35 years, Vann taught in Hillsborough County public schools. He also taught art in an adult education program.

"I think probably my favorite subjects to paint would be Florida scenes of the old, typical Florida - Sabal palms, oaks, moss - just the typical Florida things that I remember as a kid," Vann said.

"Doing Florida art is meaningful for me," he said. "I can remember as a kid, going up and down the Hillsborough River with an old cane pole, going into the bay and fishing. Anything that's nostalgic, stuff that I remember, I try and show it - minus the condos; minus the people."

To see more of his art, go to www.vannart.com.

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