Exhibitions

Where do ideas come from? Inspiration is a powerful force that ignites creativity. Every work of art originates from a unique spark potentially influenced by various sources: historical events, personal experience, mythology, literature, emotions. For example, “The Scream,” by Edvard Munch created in 1893, reflects Munch’s feelings of anxiety experienced during a walk at sunset. He described it “as an infinite scream through nature as the sky turned red.” Munch produced four versions of this piece using various mediums. The painting itself has a notable history, it was stolen twice, and it became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction at the time. This month the artists of Gallery One are sharing their personal sources of inspiration for their own artwork. For artist John Schisler in his oil painting, “Lavender’s Stillness,” that inspiration is an emotion.  “A gentle reminder that the most powerful thing you can do is simply be still. Breath in calm. Let the quiet heal you.”

Artists have long been inspired by the beauty of nature. As Aristotle said, “Art takes nature as its model.” And Pamela Heyda said, “Nature gets into our souls and opens doors to hidden parts of ourselves.” Cheryl Wisbrock’s watercolor, “Bayside Assateague,” is motivated by our local scenery. “My inspiration is primarily from our natural environment.  I love painting our skies, waterways, fields and beaches. This painting was created at the edge of the marsh in Assateague in late summer. The sky grew more and more dramatic as I worked.” Artist Laura Hickman is inspired daily by her morning walk in nature, in her pastel, “Sun and Fog” she illustrates how, “Each morning I walk my dog down this road toward the rising sun.  It’s a lovely way to begin the day and is never the same.” Artists Dale Sheldon and Lesley McCaskill are also inspired by their natural surroundings, Dale’s acrylic, “Colors of Sicily,” and McCaskill’s acrylic, “View from the Pond,” share local color and vibrancy that uplift and captivate. Artist Cindy Beyer’s pastel, “Poppin’ to the Light,” vibrates with color inspired by a field of flaming red poppies.

Artist Mary Bode Byrd’s acrylic painting, “Bird in Flight,” is inspired by the delicacy and beauty of a hummingbird, and her desire to capture his “whispy” energy.

Sometimes an artist is inspired by one’s materials, for artist Laurie Fields in her mixed media painting, “XOXO,” her spark came from her environment. “I hate for anything to go to waste! For this piece I used canvas trimmings, palettes and cropped monotypes that were in bins in my studio.”

Why not be inspired this month with a trip to Gallery One? The Gallery is open daily from 10am – 4pm.