The Vermont Watercolor Society Exhibition opened on Friday, October 15th at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe, VT. The 33 paintings in the show were juried by artist Susan Wahlrab from over 75 submissions. The result is a striking survey of the range and talent of Vermont watercolor painters. The artists’ subject matter ranges from new looks at the landscape, through figurative work, to seductive abstractions.James Gardner of Vershire, VT paints City in a rain smeared gray and brown that tells you all you need to know about what he saw in Detroit when he painted there. Lois Macuga of Quechee, VT let The Garden evolve from plant studies into a piece populated by figures, fruit and trees that alludes to the Garden of Eden. Cristina Pellechio of Waterbury Center paints Nothing but Blue Skies as a dreamscape of shapes and marks borrowed from her accomplished ceramic work.
Mastery of the medium is evident at every turn, and the exhibit balances the Vermont vernacular of landscape and architecture with striking forays into other worlds. The landscape work itself holds many surprises and revelations as well as a full dose of straight beauty.The exhibition runs from October 15th through November 21st. Gallery Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5:00.
Images: LoisMacuga, The Garden; MarkNielsen, West Fairlee Barn
