On view: February 10 - March 3, 2024
Opening reception Sunday, February 11, 2024, 1-4 pm RSVP
Artist Talk Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1-3 pm RSVP
Town and Country
The focus of this exhibition is on architectural forms found both in urban and natural landscapes. Three artists explore the landscape genre through their own unique perspectives. Some scenes are local, of the gritty sides of the Chicagoland area. Other compositions are from memories of trips to the ocean and abroad. Viewed together, their work captures common subjects others might gloss over: the fleeting play of light as it breaks over an edge, subtle colors in weathered textures, and pedestrians rushing by. Joe Taylor has a direct and painterly style, while Mark’s more traditional underpainting and glazing techniques are reminiscent of stained glass. Sarah’s focus is on weathered textures and beams of light that triumphantly break over architectural forms. In all of their work, light floods colorful walls and textures composed of geometric shapes. They invite viewers to slow down, pause, and reflect—to take a second glance and embrace everyday scenes in urban and natural landscapes.
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Mark Cleveland
I seek the beauty of our everyday surroundings and the connections we share in our experience as a community in that landscape. I have come to understand that time is our most precious commodity, and my art conveys my aspiration to appreciate each day more fully. During the pandemic I began a journey as a plein air artist, seeking out inspiration in the city and my hometown of Evanston. I’ve had the good fortune to learn from fellow artists and so much from those passing me by as I paint on the street. Nothing makes me happier than to hear a story connecting people to a painting. These connections reinforce my passion to paint and pass on my work.
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Sarah Kaiser- Amaral
In my landscape paintings, I capture common subjects others might gloss over: the fleeting play of light that breaks over a sharp edge, subtle colors in reflections, and abstract architectural subjects. I find these subjects in quiet, deserted areas. I’m attracted to scenes that are off the beaten path, which I find in my journeys through back alleys and side streets. Texture plays a significant role: I enjoy painting rough, gritty mineral stains, rusty underpasses, and weathered driftwood. My work is distinguished by my unique approach. At times, I use a palette knife to develop a thick, impasto texture with a direct and painterly style. However, if I am in a different mood, I will opt for more traditional underpainting and glazing techniques are reminiscent of stained glass. Whatever my subject may be, my main focus is on beams of light that triumphantly break over walls or natural subjects. You will find that light is one of my principal subjects. In my compositions, light floods walls filled with hard-edged geometric forms. Also, I experiment with different colored underpaintings, that peek through the layers of paint. The colors create an emotional response, whether it’s the buttery-warm yellow of Spain, or the red intensity of Portugal. My husband is Portuguese, and frequently, we spend time abroad. I document my travels in sketches and travel journals. Eventually, the most promising subject matter evolves into large scale oil paintings. When people look at my work, I want them to slow down, pause, and reflect. My goal is to get people to notice and embrace everyday scenes in both urban and natural landscapes.
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Joseph Taylor
Essentially I enjoy creating work that excites me. By finding beauty or drama in everyday scenes or portraiture I hope to capture more than a moment in time. The more time I can capture, the more time a viewer can engage in the art. The magic of evoking a feeling or sense of space through marks of color is what I strive for. Hopefully there is someone out there that resonates with my work the way I do.
GALLERY HOURS & VISITOR INFORMATION
This exhibition will be held in the First Floor Gallery of the Evanston Art Center (EAC).
Gallery Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9am–6pm
Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday–Sunday: 9am–4pm
HOW TO PURCHASE ARTWORK
Artwork sale proceeds benefit both the artist and the Evanston Art Center. If you are interested in purchasing artwork on display, please contact Emma Rose Gudewicz, Director of Development and Exhibition Manager, at [email protected] or (847) 475-5300 x 102.
This project is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and EAC's general membership.
Artwork Pictured: (L to R); Joseph Taylor, 63 Alley Smokers. Sarah Kaiser-Amaral, Barcelona. Mark Cleveland, Blue Sky Apollo.