GILMER, Texas — When you think of an eclipse, art doesn’t necessarily come first to mind.
Many across East Texas gazed into the sky to view the total solar eclipse on Monday. While some were taking photos and videos, Brandon Clark was making art by having eclipse watchers in Gilmer help with his eclipse painting.
"(Art) was just something I enjoyed to do. It’s so cool to see other people put their marks on the canvas," Clark said. "I hope that they have fun and just to see that art doesn’t have to be overthought as much as we think it has to be. Enjoy the moment you know."
Clark wanted to share his love of painting with the community by letting more than one artist paint under the eclipse.
"If you like flowers paint some flowers, anything you want, even if it’s words," Clark said.
Meanwhile at the Gilmer Civic Center, eclipse watchers feared the clouds would cover the sky.
"Don’t know if we’ll get a chance or not but it looks like we might see," Houston native Mary Mahon said.
People traveled to Gilmer from as far as Wisconsin and as close as Longview. Some traveled more than others like the Beauchamp family from Alabama driving countless miles.
"It was a trip, yes. I said, 'well if you’re interested in astronomy, then maybe we should go look at the total eclipse because we don’t get these very often,'" Beauchamp said.
Monday was the first time watching an eclipse for some, but for others this eclipse wasn't their first time gazing at the celestial spectacle. Thankfully, the clouds parted ways just in time for a breathtaking view.
"Houston looks cloudy so I’m sure we did the right decision because it looks like you got a little break here," Mahon said.
While darkness was filling the sky, Clark's eclipse painting was also being filled by artist of all ages. The painting was raffled off to a participant who contributed to the art.