Virginian Hotel – Purnell Pettyjohn- Watercolor

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Purnell Hearn Pettyjohn is a watercolor and oil painter known for her vivid interpretations of everyday life. A native of Martinsville, Pettyjohn has called Lynchburg home since 1972. Her journey into watercolor began in 1991 with a local class that sparked a lifelong passion for the medium’s fluid unpredictability and luminous possibilities. After nearly two decades of studying with both local and nationally recognized instructors, she began teaching watercolor herself, offering classes for all skill levels in her downtown Lynchburg studio, Art on 12th, located above The Art Box. Her instruction is grounded in both technical knowledge and creative exploration.

Pettyjohn’s work ranges from landscapes and still lifes to interiors, portraits, and animal studies. Her distinctive style often emphasizes the interplay of light, shadow, and bold color, sometimes pushing chromatic boundaries to surprise and engage the viewer. While she doesn’t limit herself to any one subject, her consistent focus is capturing the beauty in the ordinary. She is a signature member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and has exhibited in juried shows hosted by the National, American, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, West Virginia, and Central Virginia Watercolor Societies, among others. Her paintings have earned numerous awards and are currently on view at Riverviews Co-Op Gallery, as well as her downtown and home studios.

Be sure to see the exhibit and check out Alex’s artwork currently for sale online at Artistica.shop.

The Virginian Hotel is located at 712 Church Street, Lynchburg, VA. Learn more on The Virginian’s website.