Soft watercolor technique using bold color effortlessly depicts landscapes, portraits and everyday object in the artwork of Federal Way artist Frances Velling and Bellevue artist Cheryl Hoople.

Their exhibit, which will run Nov. 2-30, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. Admission is free.

Velling’s paintings are often interpretive with bold use of color and styles. She employs various techniques and especially enjoys using figures in her work. Through the years of painting, her artwork has evolved through the use of acrylic, detailed pencil drawings, and most recently soft watercolors. Noting that she is an eternal student, she strives to master whatever medium is at hand.

Hoople notes that “of all the elements and principles in art, my relationship with color is the most spontaneous.” A constant in her paintings is a evocative color combination to create luxurious landscapes and still-life scenes.

The Auburn City Hall Gallery is presented by the Auburn Arts Commission and Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation. For a 2009 Gallery Brochure or for information on other cultural arts programs, go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call 253-931-3043.