There’s only one more week left to see the beautiful show of Sienese painting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, so if you’re near the city, brave the cold and check it out. “Siena - The Rise of Painting” is an exhibition that is a treat for the eyes and balm for the soul - so welcome during these uncertain times. As a painter, seeing such a collection of 14th century masterpieces in one place was a rare treat and one I found humbling and inspiring. Artists that often get overlooked and are largely unfamiliar to the lay person - Duccio, the brothers Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and Simone Martini - are in glorious display and bear witness to the power of making art for holy purpose. The paintings combine majestic spirituality with simple humanity and lay the foundation for the work to come in the 15th century, primarily out of Florence. These were paintings that the common man could relate to in their place of worship. I found myself especially drawn to the facial expressions and body language of the figures. The dramatic lighting of the work allowed close scrutiny of this detail and also highlighted the ample use of gold leaf on the altarpieces. Work such as this does the heart good.

Christ Discovered in the Temple (detail) by Simone Martini, 1342

Closer to Home

I often walk alone down the many Rail Trails in my new neighborhood, taking in the landscape and meditating on my next steps in the studio. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a more literal connection to my art-making than expected. Off the side of the trail was a plaque placed by the local Historical Society that identified the very field I was walking by was the location for a well-known Winslow Homer painting, “Snap the Whip.” Who knew? It seems that Mr. Homer was a frequent visitor to the area and stayed at a local inn. The steeple of the Hurley Reformed Dutch Church seen in the background of the painting is still an active church, right around the corner ofd where I now live. Just goes to show you what is often right in front of you, should you pay attention. My former mother-in-law used to stop and read every plaque, historical marker and monument she came across. Turns out she had the right idea.

Upcoming Show

I’m pleased to announce a showing of my series of paintings, titled “Peaks” inspired by my trip to Iceland last March will take place at The Great Ponds Gallery in Lakeville, MA in April.

When you travel to Iceland, you are met with a stunning cornucopia of natural wonders - geysers, lava fields, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs and crystalline ice. All beautiful and pure and (mostly) unspoiled by commercialism. Truly a landscape painter’s dream. My eyes, however, were mostly drawn to the mountains, sharply outlined against the sky, streaked with contrasting lines of oxidized red ochre, deep greenish umber and a array of dazzling blue hues that changed with the light as if through a kaleidoscope.

The paintings in this show are my response to the optimism those icy peaks represented to me. They are scarred, yet strong. Solid, yet reflective of whatever light falls upon them and, to me, symbols of resilience, optimism and hope.

The show will run from April 12 through the end of May. An opening reception will take place on Saturday the 12th (times to come). I hope to see you there if you can make it.

Pax vobiscum