May 5th - May 30th
Opening Reception Thursday, May 5th from 5 PM to 8 PM
Artists Statement:
I paint contemporary oil landscapes that hover between observation and abstraction. Although the subject matter is obvious, I simplify shapes and explore paint application techniques to form a somewhat abstracted result. I am constantly amazed how little information is needed to understand and feel the complexities of nature. What appeals to me most is creating a sense of balance, harmony and calm. My method is to think about what I love about any given landscape and then decide how to portray that in paint. I consider the combination of composition, color, values and paint application that will help to reach the objective. Once all the thinking and initial planning is done, the fun and intuitive part begins. To start, I generally treat the surface with a mid-tone of color and complete a monochromatic underpainting. I then add and subtract color with abandon using a variety of tools including brushes, cheesecloth, squeegees, fingers, scrapers and palette knives. The final stage is to sit back and listen to the painting as it tells me what it needs.
About the Artist:
I have been painting for 22 years, starting as a novice with no formal art training. Until roughly five years ago I worked exclusively in watercolor, before expanding into oil painting. Over the years I have studied locally with Louise Currin, Lynn Peterfreund, Richard Yarde, Budge Hyde and Chris Labich. The recent upsurge of online courses has provided the fantastic opportunity to study with artists from around the country and world, including John MacDonald, Paul Foxton, Al Gury, Mark Russell, Christine Lafuente, Charles Muldowney, Shushana Rucker and Kassem Amoudi. The generosity of each of these mentors in sharing their knowledge, creativity and encouragement with students like me is remarkable. Through their instruction I have honed my approach to composition and painting, explored new subject matter, and experimented with different tools and techniques. I have presented in a variety of group shows around the Pioneer Valley, including at the Court House in Northampton, the Burnett Gallery, the Hosmer Gallery, and the Hope and Feathers Small Works Shows. One real joy of my art practice is the group of friends I have made. Working with and learning from other artists is a gift. I have been meeting weekly for over 15 years with four friends in the Main Street Painters. I also belong to the Amherst Plein Air Society and the Still Life Oil Painting Network onView the Show Online.
PLEASE NOTE: walk-ins are welcome for the gallery. Masks are appreciated indoors.