Beginning with an opening reception Saturday, September 6th, 5:30-7:30PM, the September exhibition at Peninsula Gallery, Lewes DE, brings together the work of two well-known landscape painters, Steve Rogers of Lewes DE and Mary Pritchard of Chestertown MD.
The title “Exploring the Process” was chosen by the artists with a specific intent. In the process of presenting finished work each artist intends to share insights on the approach taken in capturing a landscape by presenting smaller images and pre sketches of the finished work.
Well known for his iconic maritime images of working boats, Rogers works primarily in the studio starting with a photograph many of which he takes himself as he travels. He then alters the photograph adding or subtracting elements to achieve the artistic image he wishes to present.
Light and shadow, Steve Rogers
Writing of his methods Rogers notes that: “A photograph is a memory device and a starting point. The image must be rearranged, things need to be added and things need to be removed. Sometimes the weather or the time of day will change. A rough sketch of the composition or a small painting is the next step. This helps me visualize the finished piece. It is not unusual for further changes to occur when an idea translates from a small composition to a large one. And some ideas work better as a small painting … and some ideas need the size and scope of a large canvas to succeed.”
Thus despite the very realistic presentation of the final work, there is a strong element of artistic inventiveness and creativeness to the process that Rogers feels is a necessary part of creating a successful landscape.
Mary Pritchard received her B.A in studio art from Mount Holyoke College and has Master’s degrees in both art and journalism. An award-winning pastel artist, she is known for her landscapes of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, as well as coastal Maine and rural Nova Scotia.
Working almost exclusively in pastel Pritchard says “Pastel is the most direct medium—fast, flexible and forgiving. In its simplest form nothing intervenes between the artist’s hand and the application of pigment to the surface. The sheer physicality of pastel and its endless technical potential inspires me in exploring themes and subject matter.”
Mary Pritchard, Swan Creek Tapestry
Like Rogers, Pritchard has developed a series of steps to complete a work. “No matter the theme or subject matter, the painting process always begins with a value study. Using black and white pastels on gray paper, this is the most valuable technique I know for improving my painting success rate. Not only does it act as a rehearsal for the final pastel, allowing me to work fresher, faster, and more directly, it is an engine for idea generation as the value study captures the strongest and most immediate response to the subject. Reviewing a whole series of these quick studies allows me to connect that response with a more formal analysis, selecting those images to pursue, those to discard, and those to put aside.”
So like Rogers in Pritchard’s work there is a spontaneity of creation as the idea for a paintings moves through the initial sketching to final process.
Perhaps speaking for all artists Pritchard writes of her work, “My challenge as a landscape painter is to retain a ‘sense of place’ while creating a new reality that exists on the two-dimensional surface.”
These two artists invite us into that reality and in this exhibition, attempt to illuminate the path they have followed to achieve this end. The show extends through September 30th.
The Peninsula Gallery, located at 520 E Savannah Road, is currently in its 18th year and presents the work of more than 20 local, regional and international artists. Phone 302-645-0551. www.peninsula-gallery.com
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.