As part of the Summer's Eve at Artisan Square celebration on August 12, Coastal Patterns Gallery is hosting an opening reception for PaysagesTravels Through the Landscapes of France by Gregg Simpson.
From 7 to 9:30 p.m., you can enjoy canapés while viewing paintings and drawings inspired by two regions in northern France: the Côte de Granite Rose in Brittany and the forest of Fontainebleau outside Paris.
The channel coast of Brittany drew Simpson's attention because of the fabulous rock formations found on the Côte de Granite Rose. These formations also inspired many of the compositions by noted surrealist artist, Yves Tanguy.
In the forest of Fontainebleau, the tradition of painting plein air (outdoors) began in the mid-19th century with the Barbizon School and artists such as Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet. Later in the century, Monet, Renoir and the other Impressionists were inspired by the forest landscape, particularly the unusual rock formations and dense foliage.
"When I saw the same landscapes that inspired artists like Tanguy and Rousseau, I really began to understand their work better," states Simpson. "I was also inspired to create my own responses to these landscapes. The works in Paysages are the result of these explorations."
Paysages runs from August 10 to September 3. Coastal Patterns Gallery is located at Artisan Square, for information call 778-997-9408. At the summer's eve celebration on August 12, all the galleries at Artisan Square will be open to welcome Bowen art lovers.
CAROL M. CRAM
Coastal Patterns Gallery
