Spring may not be forthcoming outside but it is certainly bursting inside at the Jessie Edwards Gallery on Block Island. The Gallery has been busy creating a lineup of artist shows to keep us spell bound from Memorial Day through Labor Day and beyond.
To get in a warmer and brighter mood, enjoy this sampling of work from both well known and loved artists alongside some new collaborators. Grab a favorite springtime beverage and peruse these works showcasing what we love about New England: water, landscapes and boats.
Summer is in full swing in Gerard Blouin’s watercolor ‘Survivor’ a painting which draws us in, not only because of the alluring structure in the background, but because of the vibrancy of the landscape.
Stephan Haley’s monoprint drawing ‘Locust Grove’ captures the intricacy of the varying aspects and elements of a woodland scene which lures us to look deeper within the print, as well as ourselves. The multidimensional depth draws the eye through the layers as we seek a pathway through.
Carrie Megan continues to evoke a deep serenity in her oil on canvas paintings. ‘Soft Sands’ invites us to journey along the shore on a beautiful summers’ day, embracing the calmness of this beachscape.
Heidi Palmer’s ability to capture the mood of place and sense of time is exceptional and we see this completely in ‘Wetlands’ a monotype work new to the Gallery this year. Her eye for detail translates seamlessly to the finished work and we are gifted scenes we feel a part of.
Most everyone who is familiar with the Jessie Edwards Gallery is also familiar with the iconic woodblock prints by Sandra Swan. This summer we are thrilled to have a collection of drawings by Swan. ‘Goldenrod’ is an exquisite ink and watercolor of one of the island’s best known plants. The fine detail and coloring is sublime.
In Whitney Knapp Bowditch’s oil on panel ‘Afternoon, Fresh Pond’ we are treated to one of her iconic paintings showcasing her mastery of water, structure, land and sky. The mix of these elements in this small work are magical.
Artist Cynthia Guild is synonymous with boats. Her talent to capture the grandness of the ships she paints is highlighted in her new oil on canvas painting ‘Dawn Departure’.
We know where we are when we look at Kate Knapp’s ‘Corn Neck Sunset’ not only by the name but because it is a familiar and loved view, we get traveling the roads on Block Island. Knapp’s use of color in this oil on canvas work is brilliant and memorable.
The depth of color in Elizabeth Pannell’s ‘Cormorant Cove’ is mesmerizing. The flow between light and shadow captures what a day on Block Island encompasses. The subtlety of water, land and structure in this oil on canvas piece, feels like we are walking in this cove, and exploring its depths.
William Skardon’s use of negative space in his watercolor ‘Untitled, Island Seascape’ is what makes this scene so enthralling. It is as much about what is there as what isn’t. The fluidity of marks reminds us of the temporary nature of land and sea.
We definitely feel summer when we look at Tim Tait’s acrylic on linen ‘Jamestown Boats’. His use of bright colors in rendering this quintessential summer scene give it a feeling of vibrancy and light.
These works are just a sampling of what is, and will be, on offer at the Jessie Edwards Gallery, both online and in person upstairs in the iconic Post Office Building in Old Harbor on Block Island. Check the website or call (401)466-5314 for more information and we are looking forward to seeing you soon.