TAHLEQUAH — “Against the Wind II” is an exhibition of paintings created by award winning artists, Lance Hunter and Sylvia Nitti, while they were on a leave of absence from Northeastern State University last year.

The oil and watercolor paintings were created during the couple’s nine-month stay on the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The influences of Greek culture and the color, texture and light of the island are apparent in many of the images. The exhibition showcases contemporary images of the female form juxtaposed and layered with images from Cyprus. Evocative nudes and figures from classical mythology also are featured. The original version of this exhibition had a successful debut at Kypriaki Gonia Gallery in Larnaca, Cyprus, in June 2006.

A Cyprus inspired painting by Hunter is featured in the current issue of International Artist magazine. The oil painting, “A Woman’s Touch,” is featured in the December/January 2007 issue as one of 10 finalists selected in an annual international art competition sponsored by the publication. International Artist magazine is distributed globally with editorial offices in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore.

Hunter has exhibited his paintings and drawings in galleries in Europe and in major cities in the United States including New York, Chicago, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Portland, St. Louis, Houston and Philadelphia. His work was selected to exhibit in the 135th Annual International Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society in Manhattan. His paintings have been selected for awards in the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors in New York and the Eastern Washington and Texas Watercolor Society’s Annual Exhibitions. A watercolor of his daughter is featured on the title pages of the book “Splash 8: Watercolor Discoveries,” a popular anthology of contemporary watercolors published by Northlight Books.

In Oklahoma, Hunter painted “Our Future,” a large mural on the exterior of the Youth Central building in downtown Muskogee before leaving for Cyprus. Upon returning to the United States, he was commissioned to paint a portrait of Judge David Peterson for the Tulsa Law Library.

Nitti is a Greek Cypriot artist that has exhibited her artwork in Europe and in numerous national exhibitions in the United States. These include the National Pastel Exhibition of the Pastel Society of New Mexico and the 16th National Exhibition of the Eastern Washington Watercolor Society. Her work was also selected for the 74th Grand National Exhibition of the American Artists Professional League in New York and for “Pastels U.S.A.” 17th Annual International Exhibition in California. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her vibrant mixed media work combining watercolors and pastels.

Nitti is an adjunct instructor in the art department at NSU teaching drawing and pastels. Hunter is an assistant professor at NSU teaching figure drawing, painting and watercolor classes. The couple resides in Tahlequah with children Brooke and Chase.