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Local art aficionados gathered at Marco Island’s Orion Bank on Wednesday night to mingle and be inspired by local talent Malenda Trick. Trick displayed many of her paintings, examples of her licensed products and even created an original painting during “An Evening with Malenda Trick,” which is part of the Artist Appreciation Series.

“Marco Island is a great place to host such an event,” said Keith Dameron, vice president/branch manager of Orion. “It is great to be surrounded by a great group of people and all these great works of art.”

During the evening, Trick started her painting from scratch and completed it in less than one hour.

“I did not know what I was going to paint when I sat down,” said Trick. “I only knew it was going to be a floral arrangement.” While Trick was painting she encouraged guests to come talk with her. She had a crowd around her the whole time she was painting.

Trick has been painting for over 40 years. She told the eager crowd that she sold her first painting at age 3 to Howard Kron. Kron an artist and ceramics engineer told Trick that an artist never gives away their work. Kron bought Trick’s first painting for a nickel. Last week Trick sold one of her paintings for $5,000. She has come a long way.

Trick says she feels most comfortable while panting. “I think I can paint some of my paintings with my eyes closed,” Trick said.

“Malenda has God given talents,” said Clark Shaw, Trick’s husband. “She does not even have to be looking at the painting to paint. I have watched her continue to paint while looking away from the painting.”

Trick specializes in 19th century impressionism. She honed her skills when the Tennessee State Museum commissioned her to reproduce the works of the great impressionist of the 19th century. Her style is very distinctive and has often been labeled “romantic impressionism.” A natural evolution of her interest in the great impressionist such as Monet, Renoir, and Degas, her own style incorporates a rich palate of colors and tones that provide real depth to her work.

Much of her inspiration comes from her spring trips to Europe. Trick says she is especially fond of France and Italy. She uses these trips for inspiration.

If you are interested in seeing Trick’s art you can visit her Web site at malendatrick.com or visit her Marco Island Gallery at 632 Seagrape Drive, Marco Island. Call 239-394-2787.