Watercolor paintings on display at The Knot

A new art exhibit featuring watercolor paintings by Lloyd Backus is coming to The Knot art gallery next week.

Backus said he started painting after he retired from medical practice. It was his wife's idea. She suggested he sign up for a watercolor class.

"At first I had no interest, but Jan persisted and I finally agreed, and painted for the first time since kindergarten," he said. "It is now more than 25 years and the excitement has continued to this day."

While Backus primarily paints landscapes of the rivers, lakes and scenes of northern Minnesota, he has also done cityscapes, portraits and abstracts.

"I encourage everyone to find a hobby that is as much fun as mine," Backus said, explaining that he and Jan frequently enjoyed traveling to workshops all over the country as he developed his painting skills.

An opening reception is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at the Pine Knot News office at 122 Ave. C in Cloquet's West End (near the old Robert's Home Furniture store). If you can't make the reception, please stop by during office hours over the next two months.