Although it's usually the third time that's the charm, Chaffee artist Aaron Horrell is celebrating early.

For the second consecutive year, he received honors at an international art competition.

Horrell won a gold medal for his entry in the ARTDEX International '95 competition, which is sponsored by the Professional Artists of North America.

Prizes are awarded in the art categories: realism, abstract-surreal, impressionism, photo-artistry and three-dimensional fine art and craft work.

His photo-acrylic painting, "Games Behind the Playhouse," received honors. Horrell was one of only six artists who received awards for two consecutive years.

Horrell began painting this type of mixed media picture about three years ago.

"I realized I had too many photos and nobody looks at them," he said. "I didn't want a bunch of albums."

So instead of putting the photographs in a family album, he began using them as inspiration for his work.

"Art is subjective to so many ideas," he said. "It's not cut and dried."

Because art is not absolute, Horrell searches through dozens of photographs for images to use in his paintings.

"I might see one with an image that may work with another photo," he said.

Most of his photographs include family members or friends.

Painting was something Horrell liked to do, but he didn't develop a style until 1990. During that year, Horrell decided to concentrate more on his artwork.

"I decided to think seriously about art if I ever wanted to be an artist," he said.

So he began painting at night in a room at his home.

Since then, he has received several art awards for his works. His piece, "To Feed The Angus Calf," won first place at the Art Experience '95 exhibition in Cape Girardeau's Gallery 100. Horrell also won an honorable mention award for his work at the Midwest Minis competition in Cape Girardeau.

Horrell is a past president of the Sikeston Art League. His work is currently on display at the Gallery 100. However, the Art Experience '95 show closes today. Gallery hours are from 1 to 4 p.m.