OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA’S 28TH ANNUAL NATIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION
Oil Painters of America presents its 28th annual National Juried Exhibition at Illume Gallery of Fine Art in St. George, Utah.
For the past 27 years, Oil Painters of America has presented a feast for the eyes with its annual National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils by making available new paintings by some of the country’s most talented artists. This year’s 28th edition, held at Illume Gallery of Fine Art in St. George, Utah, is no exception with everything from landscapes and waterways to wildlife and figures being depicted in unique compositions.
Among the artists participating in this year’s show are Rich Alexander, Destiny Bowman, Sandra Corpora, Jennifer Emile Freeman, Jeremy Goodding, Susie Gordon, Laurie Snow Hein, Howard Lyon, Alexander Masyk and John C. Moffitt.
Alexander’s Set Sail started with the acquisition of the seascape painting that is in the composition. In describing the piece he says, “My daughter worked in an auction house and came across the old painting. She noticed the colors were from the prismatic palette, which is taught at the Ridgewood Art Institute where I study. The painting then grew around that. The prismatic palette taught at RAI descends
directly from Frank Vincent Dumond. Mr. Dumond taught at the Art Students League of New York and trained Arthur Maynard who taught at Ridgewood Art Institute. As they say, the rest is history.”
Another still life in the show is Goodding’s Texture of Time, depicting a timeworn vase. “This piece was created to elevate the effect of time, the evidence of age and unexpected beauty,” he elaborates. “A harmony of paint quality, edges, texture and atmosphere point to the passage of time and my own artistic journey. This piece acknowledges the trials one weathers while learning to see the value they bring to your character.”
Trompe l’Oeil painter Moffitt’s painting I Will Not Swear in Class is a reminder of the days of one’s youth when it was a bit simpler. He says, “The painting is a nostalgic nod to a time when a little mischief might be interpreted as just a little ‘funny business.’”
Freeman also presents a nostalgia-inducing painting with her dog portrait Are You Gonna Eat That? Not only is the work one that dog lovers can relate to, but it also holds special meaning for the artist. “I love capturing the spirit and energy I observe when working. For 11 years I shared my life in silent adoration,” she says. “In loving memory of Buster, my BFF.”
On May 10, Illume Gallery of Fine Art will welcome the exhibiting artists, collectors and more to its gallery for the opening reception and award ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Serving as juror of awards is Kenn Backhaus, a Master Signature member of the Oil Painters of America. The show will hang through June 7.