MOULTRIE — Artist Greg Byrd, formerly of Moultrie, is having a “pop-up” art show of his work at Doughboy’s Downtown, May 10. The event will be from 6 to 11 p.m.

Byrd’s paintings seem to have made their mark across the United States and in other countries. However, some of his most avid collectors are right here in Moultrie, where several of his paintings have found homes. Some Colquitt County collectors own more than one “Cheeky.”

“I think I have more paintings around the square than I ever have,” he said.

The pop-up art show is a combination of new pieces and owned pieces of the artist’s paintings. They will be installed at Doughboys Downtown throughout the restaurant.

“Thank you to All the Downtown businesses who support the arts and stepped up to advertise and support the epic Pop-Up Art Show,” Byrd said. “Doughboys stepped up first to provide a perfect space for everyone to gather and socialize for the event.”

Byrd’s paintings are instantly recognizable as his because each is a representation of a specific woman, using a simple silhouette to portray the woman’s figure as seen from “behind.” Then, building on it to portray each subject’s personality.

“I wanted something recognizable, something a viewer would know, at a glance, and they would know who painted it,” he said. “I think women are the most interesting. They are a lot more interesting than men. They’re everything.”

The artist builds the “Cheeky” painting on using a combination of techniques in mixed media. Byrd said he doesn’t believe just paint would tell the whole story. He said he starts by drawing first and then he paints and uses other materials including stencils. He makes the stencils each time.

“It’s the essence of femininity. It’s a fantasy. It fits every female. It’s the female’s shape and form. It’s every woman,” Byrd said when asked, “Where did the silhouette come from? Is it your wife’s bottom?”

When he sold his first paintings, he worried that people just bought them because they knew him and not on the merit of his artwork. However, as people across the United States have viewed and purchased his works on his website, he said he feels validated as an artist.

“Be original. Inspiration is everywhere,” he said is his advice to young, aspiring artists.

Along with Doughboys Downtown, he said, he also thanks UPS, Merle Norman Cosmetics, The Speakeasy, East End Salon, Sid’s Antiques and Gifts, Home Town Bar and Grill, Main Street Galleria, About Thyme Catering, BrushMasters Land Management, Tina N Ladow Weaver, and Susan Brock in memory of Dorthy Goodly.