*Silver & Gold - 48 x 48 inches - mixed media on canvas*

Next Friday, May 5th I’ll be in Greenville, SC for the opening of my solo exhibition at the Art & Light Gallery. The work in this show is the culmination of a year of painting the homes, barns, and landscapes that surround me here in Chester County, PA.

Often, viewers want to know a little back story behind the work. If that viewer is a fellow artist, I would probably share how “Silver and Gold” is all about saturated color, bordered by achromatic grays. Or that “Comfort and Joy” is a limited palette of yellow ochre, cadmium red deep, and black and white.

*Comfort and Joy - 12 x 12 inches - mixed media on wood panel*

But, if the viewer is not a fellow artist, I would share this story…

As an extroverted, gregarious kid growing up in a small town in the ‘60s, I spent my days playing and meandering around the neighborhood. I didn’t have to be home until dinner time, so the town was my playground. I pretty much knew everybody, and aside from one disagreeable dog, I felt safe.

I walked the 9 blocks (mile - no, really!) to and from school, and often stopped on the way home for a cookie and milk at Mr. Brock’s house. He was in his 80s and lived alone with his cat. We sat at his kitchen table where he listened with a smile as I jabbered on about my day. There were backyard birthday parties, and skinned knees, hills to sled on, and streets to roller skate on. There is a story attached to nearly every house and street corner.

The houses weren’t particularly beautiful. Some were quite rundown, but having never seen Architectural Digest, I didn’t notice. Each place had an intrinsic character and meaning for my six year old self.

*Moonlight Mile - 24 x 24 inches - mixed media on wood panel*

On summer evenings, Mom would say, “let’s go for a ride” and the possibility of stopping for ice cream had me in the car double-quick. She would bring her garden clippers in case we spotted wildflowers or a twisted branch for a floral arrangement.

The white barns and Amish farms dotted the landscape. We’d pass familiar places such as “The Row of Houses, Dog Patch, Frog Hollow, Pine Grove, Wilson’s farm.” All of these places were loved by the people who lived and built their lives there. I suppose it’s like that everywhere in the world…all places have significance to someone.

*White Rock - 36 x 36 inches - mixed media on wood panel*

The people may have changed since the 1960s…moved on or passed away…but those memories are still with me. In a way, these paintings are a tribute to those long lost times and precious places.

“A Sense of Place” will be released through Art & Light Gallery at 10am EST on May 2nd online or in the gallery, and conclude on May 27th at 4pm EST. If you’re in the area, join us for the opening on May 5th 6-9pm at 16 Aiken Street, Greenville, SC.