October Exhibitions

Me, pictured with a few of my paintings at the opening reception for the Farmland Preservation Artists at the Gamble Mill.

In my work this year I've really focused on two important themes: Landscapes inspired by central Pennsylvania's natural beauty and cityscapes that tell a story to the viewer. This month my work is in a few exhibitions where you can see these ideas in action. The first is at the Gamble Mill in Bellefonte, where I'm exhibiting with the Farmland Preservation Artists. These paintings showcase my emphasis upon skies and the mood that they set over the land. In addition, the Artisan Connection in State College is showcasing my paintings of Pennsylvania state parks. I've only lived in Pennsylvania about two and a half years, but I'm smitten with the variety and beauty of the scenery. The works in the exhibition are a combination of plein air pieces and larger pieces done in my studio. The most recent work in the show is from Ricketts Glen State Park, a national natural landmark.

And this coming week, I am exhibiting my cityscapes at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show. In my recent cityscape work, I've become increasingly interested in moody scenes with strong contrast between light and dark. I enjoy painting cityscapes because they provide me with an opportunity to do someone's portrait while putting them into a dynamic environment. I plan to focus more upon urban subjects in my work during this upcoming winter, when the weather is often too cold for me to work outside. Stay tuned for some new looks in my work. I have a lot of ideas that I'm anxious to paint after I get past this busy period.

Farmland Preservation Artists

From Spackman Lane, a plein air painting

About a year ago, I joined together with eleven other artists to form the "Farmland Preservation Artists" of Central Pennsylvania. The artist members of this group represent a diverse sampling of media (Photography, oil painting, watercolor, etc.), but we share a common interest in highlighting land use issues that affect central Pennsylvania. Our exhibitions are made possible through our partnership with the Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, and the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.

The benefits of family-owned farms and locally grown produce are important to me because my maternal grandfather was a dairy farmer and I grew up surrounded by the corn fields, soybean crops, and tobacco fields that dominated the south central region of Wisconsin. I became involved with this group because it provides a chance to use my artistic talents to raise awareness about the beauty and importance of central Pennsylvania's farms. It's also afforded some wonderful opportunities to work on the land of generous Centre County farmers who've given their permission for us to come out and work en plein air on their properites. I am especially grateful for the generosity of Mr. Don Spackman of Port Matilda, whose beautiful property has been in his family since the late 1700's. If you've ever traveled west out of State College toward Port Matilda on 322 West / 220 South, then you may recognize his red-roofed farm buildings that sit in the valley at the base of Sky Top Mountain as you make the sweeping turn on the highway to continue south to Port Matilda.

This fall our group will exhibit our recent works at the Gamble Mill in Bellefonte. Entitled "The Fields, The Farms, The Food," the show's opening reception will be October 3, 7:30-9:30pm. Check it out and try one of the restaurant's excellent desserts while you're there.