Local artist Bates wins first place at fair

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook watercolor painter Jim Bates won a first place blue ribbon in the "Representational Animals" category of the San Diego County Fair Fine Art Exhibition for his painting, "Mika."

Bates also took home an honorable mention in the "Representational Landscapes" category for "Dejeuner Sur la Dordogne." From more than a thousand entries, about half were accepted for judging.

The awards were presented May 31, at a reception for the artists whose work will be on display for the duration of the fair that opened June 1 and continues through July 4.

A selection of Bates' paintings wil...