Open September 28 – October 29.
Art Gym is excited to present “Beauty Between Sunsets” a solo exhibition of new work from member Judith Gilman, on view in The Leyden Jar. Please join us and the artist for a reception on Thursday August 31 from 6-9PM. Thank you to Ratio Beerworks for providing beer for this event!
“My journey as a painter had just begun when I found myself having to drive across Nebraska and South Dakota. It will be so boring, I said to myself, to drive through a vast wasteland of empty space and land. But, amongst my thoughts of dread, I had an encouraging one. Perhaps if I looked for beautiful things, I would find them.
So, I began my drive looking for beauty and, to my astonishment, I found it everywhere. I saw it first in the desert sky which was constantly changing in variations of blue as well as cloud formations. I found interesting shapes in desert vegetation, hay bales, and functionary farm buildings. I found it in trees with personality and streams and lakes. I made many stops and took many pictures of my discoveries.
This drive suited my goals as a painter perfectly — to seek out beauty in the world and convey it on canvas through color, shapes and movement of my brush. Sometimes I find it in natural settings and sometimes in the city. This show represents my landscape work with watercolors and oil paintings, many of which come from images captured on road trips in the country.
I photograph my subjects and use the photos as a guide to work in the studio although sometimes I paint pleine aire. As I mix the paints to recreate my discoveries, I work to connect to the life of the painting. The greatest moments are when thought recedes and movement of my hand and heart guides the process. When I am finished, I look on in happiness at my interpretive work hoping viewers will feel it also.
Art is my second stage of life endeavor begun in retirement. I began showing paintings in 2010 and have displayed work in both open and juried shows, one woman shows, and at Judith Gilman Studio. I am grateful for the recognition I have received through sales and awards including several “Best of Show” honors.”
