Abstract impressions

Self-taught Washougal artist Beth Flannigan never titles her paintings.

“My abstracts are just that,” she said. “I don’t title anything because I don’t want to influence anyone’s opinions.”

Flannigan describes her painting style as both abstract and organic. In addition to not titling her work, she signs it on the back only.

“There’s a lot of nature featured in my work, and I like to leave everything open to interpretation without distractions,” she said.

Several of her pieces are currently being featured at the Engineering Life Science building at Washington State University Vancouver.

Flannigan, 38, has been painting seriously since high school, when she took classes from well-known local artist Susan Spears.

“I was fortunate to take her classes all four years of high school,” said Flannigan, who graduated from Westside Christian in Lake Oswego, Ore.

Flannigan has had her artwork featured at Art on the Ridge gallery in Seattle, the Vancouver Farmer’s Market, and now at WSU, among other locations.

No matter how many times her work has been shown, Flannigan said she never gets tired of seeing it.

“It’s still very exciting,” she said. “Every step is getting me further along the way. I feel like I am really on a journey.”

She was selected to exhibit at WSU after a long process, which took well over a year.

Her artwork will be on display through Feb. 28. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Admission is free.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. For more information, contact 546-9551.