Now in its fourth year, RiverArts’ “Paint the Town” will take place Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 28. The event has become so popular that it has expanded the number of participating artists from 35 to 50. While many of the favorites from past years are returning, there is a sizeable number of new artists coming from the Mid-Atlantic and New England states along with a representative from California and one from England.
RiverArts solicits patrons for many of its larger events to help defray costs. For $25 one can become a patron. Patrons have the opportunity to attend the opening of the “Wet Paint Show and Sale” on Saturday April 27, at 4:30, a half hour early so that they may have first choice in selecting work to buy. In addition, patrons receive a $25 discount on any purchase and will have their names in the program.
Arriving early one will surely see that there is something for everyone. The work is in a range of media and varies in style from highly realistic to somewhat painterly to impressionistic. Four award-winning artists typify the variations in the work and the artist’s way of viewing the plein air scene.
Deborah Maklowski from Ellicott City, Md works in pastels, colored pencils and graphite. Deborah uses “compelling compositional design, rich and powerful color, and accurate rendering of both form and light to evoke for the viewer the experience of a specific place and a specific moment: the sounds of birdsong and the lapping of water, the soft touch of a breeze, the smell of mown grass…the warmth of late afternoon sun on a gently rolling field.”
Edward Cooper of Berryville, Va, works in oils. He describes himself as a wanderer be it in the countryside or the city. “…I am constantly looking for scenes or objects that evoke an emotional response in me…This may be a majestic scene, an interesting object, a wonderful color, a special atmosphere, or a ray of sunlight striking a distant object. I am particularly interested in painting the effect of light on the landscape in the early morning and late afternoon or evening…the time that has the most interesting light and the greatest emotional appeal to me.”
Elissa Gore from NYC works in oils and watercolors. Elissa paints large, atmospheric landscapes. Her works are meditations on harmony in nature. She looks for places where the balance of natural elements: sky, earth, trees and water evoke a sense of “stopped time.”
Susan Jositas of Trumbull, CT, works in oils and pastels. While Susan’s approach to painting is highly academic her process goes beyond the technical realm. Her journey as an artist is aligned with a journey of spirit. She says, “Painting requires that I be fully present in the moment. I see and feel things that are easily missed in the busy and sometimes stressful pace of life. I am able to experience a sense of grace…a sense of peace. I am grateful for this opportunity and want to share these feelings and visions through my work.” As a reiki master, Susan sometimes uses her skills to transfer healing energy into a painting.
To become a patron stop by the gallery at 315 High Street, Suite 106 during regular hours, Wednesday-Friday, 11-4 and Saturday , 9-3, call 410-778-6300 or email [email protected]. While in the gallery do take time to enjoy the two March shows, the “Annual Fiber Show” and “Spring Fever”.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.