“Food for Thought” at the Outliers Gallery in Jersey City

“Food for Thought” video tour

Where: The Outliers Gallery, Art150-#246, 157A 1st Street, Jersey City, NJ
When: through May, 2023
Artists Reception: May 11, 5-9pm

Here is my artist’s statement from the exhibition:

Our society has a strong emotional relationship with food. We celebrate with food during special moments in our lives and even mourn the loss of a loved one with food. We use food as a way of sharing our experiences with others, whether on a first date or a birthday. There are some foods that we have a fondness for because they are attached to memories from our childhood. This series of paintings is food that’s in my life. Some of it I eat often, some I eat occasionally, and some I eat rarely.

This series of paintings was developed at the beginning of this year, when I began experimenting with acrylic paints. In order to improve my technique, I began painting household objects on small panels. I began by painting fruit on 4 x 6 inch panels. After getting used to the new medium, I decided to start a series on foods that I normally eat (and that most people probably eat). I began with the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich and used the series as an excuse to buy and paint unhealthy food. I created these paintings in the morning on a plein air easel on my kitchen table. I also decided to make each frame, as I wanted the paintings to float on a black background as a way of making each painting intimate.

“Farm to Frame” Exhibition in Somerville, NJ

Standing next to my painting “Cow With Attitude” at the Farm to Frame artists reception

Where: Somerset County Administration Bldg, 20 Grove St, Somerville, NJ
When: March 9 – May 1, 2023
Artists Reception: March 24, 6-8pm

This initiative was organized by the Cultural and Heritage Commission of Somerset County. Over 30 artists were recruited and assigned to preserved farms in Somerset county where they had to be inspired to produce two works. I was assigned 2 Rivers Farm in Branchburg. The owners of this working farm were very friendly and invited me to paint plein air in the future. The farm was very large and beautiful. I produced two paintings: “Cow with Attitude” and “Another Day at the Farm“.

Update 3/28/23: Unfortunately, the artists reception was very crowded with people that didn’t seem too interested in the artwork. Unknown to me, this reception had been combined with a celebration of Agricultural Day and the art became secondary. Additionally, I was a little disappointed by the quality of the artwork as a whole with the exception of a handful of artists who seemed to be professionals.

“Night” Exhibit at Outliers Gallery in Jersey City, NJ

View of my paintings currently at Outliers Gallery.

Where: Outliers Gallery, Studio 150, #246, 150 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ
When: January 1 – February 28

The Outliers are currently having an exhibition with a “nighttime” theme at our gallery at 150 Bay Street. The four participating artist are: Dorie Dahlberg, Ed Fausty, Brad Terhune and myself. Each of us have our unique interpretation of the theme and and the exhibit is worth a visit. I have 2 plein air paintings and 2 studio paintings as part of the show.

NJArts.net – Bold strokes: A look back at the best NJ art shows of 2022

The Jersey City art critic, Tris McCall, talks about the best shows in New Jersey in 2022. “Black and White to Magnificent Color” at the Watchung Arts Center is listed as number 9 where my name and painting “Too Much Energy on an Oppressively Hot Day” are mentioned. It’s a very interesting read and a good insight into all of the interesting exhibitions happening in NJ. For the full article click here.

“Pigment of Imagination” Group Exhibit at Whitespace Gallery, Hackettstown, NJ

When: December 3 – Reception December 3, 5-9pm
Where: Whitespace Art & Event Gallery, 47 US Highway 46, Suite 3 Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Phone: (908) 451-7364

I have one plein air painting in this group exhibition. Please stop by to see local artists that work in various mediums and themes.

Two of my paintings are currently being shown at Whitespace Gallery, Hackettstown, NJ

View of Whitespace Gallery in Hackettstown, NJ

Where: Whitespace Art & Event Gallery, 47 US Highway 46, Suite 3 Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Phone: (908) 451-7364

The Immigrants” and “Too Much Energy on an Oppressively Hot Day” are currently on display at Whitespace Gallery in Hackettstown, NJ. This gallery exhibits artists of varied styles and themes working in different mediums: painting, sculpture and jewelry. All artworks are created by artists local to the area. It’s a large space with multiple exhibition areas.

Harford Plein Air 2022: I was awarded an honorable mention at the Quick Draw

Setting up my wall at Harford Plein Air 2022 Exhibition

When: September 16 – September 17, 2022
Where: Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Collector’s Preview: September 16, 2022, 6:30-9pm
Quick Draw: Saturday, September 17, 9am-Noon

This was a very well organized event hosted by friendly people where the artists were treated very well. On Thursday evening we were treated to a delicious dinner at a Havre de Grace seafood restaurant where the artists got the chance to mingle. Afterwards, we painted the streets of Havre de Grace at nighttime. The artists set-up their walls on Friday afternoon and we dressed-up for the Collector’s Preview on Friday night which was well-catered with food and drink. The entire event did not disappoint. On Saturday morning we participated in the Quick Draw where I was lucky enough to get an honorable mention. I can’t say enough good things about this event which I plan on participating in 2023.

“Inspired by Inness: Life and Landscape” Group Exhibition at Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, NJ

When: September 9 – November 6, 2022
Where: Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042

Inspired by George Inness: Life and Landscape takes its cues from the upcoming exhibition of MAM’s renowned Inness collection. It showcases the work of George Inness, Studio Montclair Members, and MAM instructors and staff. According to curator Virginia Block, “We are extremely pleased to be continuing our collaboration with Montclair Art Museum again this year for our Community Partnership exhibition. 

My painting “Transcendental Tree” is part of this exhibition on view to through November 6, 2022.

“Outliers” Exhibition at the Art150 Studios Lobby in Jersey City

Two of my paintings at Art150 Studio Lobby in Jersey City

When: September 1 – September 25
Where: Art150 Studios Lobby, 150 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ (corner of 1st and Provost Streets)

The artists group that I belong to (named Outliers) are exhibiting at the Art150 Studios Lobby. Our group is comprised of Dorie Dahlberg, Edward Fausty, Brad Terhune and myself. We are all very well represented in this exhibition. Please come by before the exhibition ends.