I am currently in the process of getting ready for my annual show at the West End Gallery in Corning, NY. This exhibit, titled Dispatches, is my ninth solo show at the gallery which was the first gallery to exhibit my work, starting back in 1995.
For the past several years at the West End, the show that is hanging in the month or so before my show is from one of my favorite artists, Martin Poole, who also lives in this area. Marty’s work is always beautiful, with wonderful handling of the paint and luminosity in his colors. There is little he can’t do with a brush and it shows in all the genres he paints.
His landscapes are filled with light and space, often immense, complex skies that fill the picture plane. His portraiture goes beyond traditional portrait painting. For Marty, it’s not enough to paint a superb representation of the subject- it’s more important to have them be mere components in a beautiful composition, which makes for a more interesting viewing experience for all. Marty’s unique eye comes through in everything he paints and other painters usually just sigh resignedly when they look at his stuff.
I know I have on more than one occasion.
It’s always a daunting task to follow Marty’s show at the West End. His shows are always filled with beautiful, strong work that draws raves and oohs and aahs. You never want to be the one who comes in with a lackluster show after Marty sets the bar a little higher each year. So, I work a little harder after I see his show each year and hope I can match his consistency and his obvious commitment to his work. It’s the sort of pressure that some artists don’t enjoy, having to follow the show of a highly skilled and well known artist. I can’t say I enjoy it but I know it provides an impetus to continue striving, to continue to grow my work. For that alone, it’s a pleasure to follow the Martin Poole show.
You can see the work of Martin Poole in a number galleries throughout the country including the West End in Corning and the the Principle Gallery in Alexandria, VA. His current show at the West End hangs until July 18.
Redtree Times 