The Red Sail II, mixed media sketch

 One of the intriguing things about Nan Hass Feldman's new series of work from China is the way many of the paintings are shown along with their companion sketches. Nan's visit to china was short, and she 'didn't want to miss anything', as she told us. She worked feverishly to record her observations in mixed media sketches. The sketches have an immediacy, a translucent quality that makes them quite different from the paintings. Their composition is nearly identical, but the paintings are larger, intensely vibrant, and rich in the texture and detail that are hallmarks of Nan's work.

The Red Sail, oil on panel

As artists, we delight in seeing the 'sneak preview', the sketch where the ideas come together and the decisions about form and color take shape. Certainly, the difference between the two is striking and palpable. 

Which do you prefer? 

See for yourself the sketches and accompanying paintings at nanhassfeldman.com/China_show
Better yet, there's really nothing like seeing the real thing. 
The gallery is now also open Thursdays, as well as Friday- Sunday from 11-5. 

Or call us, 508-879-4200, and we'll open the doors just for you!

Please join us on Saturday, March 31, 6 – 8pm, 
for an Artist's Talk with Nan Hass Feldman and Poetry Reading with poet Alan Feldman
Alan Feldman’s poetry has appearedin many magazines over the years—The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Nation, Poetry, and others.  A Sail to Great Island, his most recent full-length collection, was awarded the 2004 Felix Pollak Prize in Poetry and published by the University of Wisconsin Press.  


Nan will also teach a Pigment Stick Workshop, Saturday, April 14th, from 10am - 2 pm.
Using only pigment (oil) sticks, clear medium stick, color shapers, and paper, Nan will demonstrate and teach how to create painterly works that bridge the gap between drawing and painting. This portable, easy and versatile medium lends itself to spontaneity and complex surfaces, can be used for small or large works. 

$60/members, $72/non-members
min. 4 people, max. 12
Registration deadline: April 10
More info and registration at fountainstreetfineart.com/workshops

a kid's-eye view

"When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college- that my job was to teach people how to draw. She stared back at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?"   ~ Howard Ikemoto

Kids are some of our favorite people. They take things at face value, and view the world with a joy and immediacy that is enviable.

That's why we're happy to see kids here in the gallery. A visit to the gallery with kids is a great opportunity for conversation about color, shape, texture. The space is big enough for a kid to explore and small enough for a brief visit to be satisfying without becoming overwhelming, or worse, 'bo-ring'. It's also a great way to introduce the concept of 'museum etiquette' without spending a bundle in the gift shop or snack bar!

Kids are a sophisticated audience. They have a natural curiosity and no preconceived notions. They know what they like. This month's show is particularly 'kid-friendly' in that  Michelle Lougee's sculptures are textural, vibrant, not overly fragile, and in many cases, at a kid's eye level. Bob Grignaffini's paintings have a richness of form and color that have universal appeal.

Both artists tap into that sense of wonder and intensity that eludes a lot of adults. And equally obvious, from the reactions of the young art-lovers who have seen the show, they 'totally get it' as well!

Bob Grignaffini & Michelle Lougee's work will be on view through March 11; Gallery hours are Thursday-Friday 11-5. Kids of all ages are always welcome!!