This is quite an impressive show at the Flinn Gallery in Greenwich as seven artists share their renderings and sketches in the field, and what later is finished in their studios.
The artists, Susan Fox, Alison Nicholls, Kelly Singleton, Carel Brest van Kempen, Karryl, David Rankin and Sean Murtha each created “field boxes” to be viewed and illustrate their work studying animals in their natural habitat.
The works show the way direct observation and sketching are vital to their creative process in the studio.
Bronze sculptures by Karryl. Credit: Karen Sheer
Incredible detailing of a painting by Carel Brest van Kempen. Credit: Karen Sheer
Lillian Lum spoke to the crowd, which gathered Thursday evening at the opening reception, and thanked the other curators of this majestic show, Alice Sherwood and Claudia Schipper.
Artist Sean Murtha helped create the field boxes, and artist David Rankin created a slide show inside the gallery.
Curators of wildlife art, Alice Sherwood, Claudia Schipper and Lillian Lum. Credit: Karen Sheer
Their art features wildlife from all over the world in locations such as Africa, Mongolia, The Himalayas, South America and various places in the United States.
The artists in this exhibition are Signature Members of the Society of Animal Artists.
What’s thrilling to observe is the process, many artists sketch in the field, while others are able to finish small works while directly witnessing their subjects. Karryl, who lives north of Denver, Colorado has the Rocky Mountain National Park in her back door. She bends wire on site and applies clay, fashioning beginnings of her magnificent animal sculptures.
Artist Sean Murtha with his naturalistic painting style. Many of his works are sketched locally in Greenwich. Credit: Karen Sheer
Oil on canvas board by Sean Murtha in the style of “plein air” which started in France. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Alice Nicholls creates a luminous watercolor canvas using fluid acrylics. Credit: Karen Sheer
The work of Alice Nicholls. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist David Rankin showing his work from the Rajaji National Park in North India. Credit: Karen Sheer
Works by artist David Rankin, who paints and teaches throughout the U.S. and has been painting wildlife in India since 1970. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Karryl with one of her bronze sculptures. Credit: Karen Sheer
Up-close, a view of Karryl’s field box explains her process. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist Susan Fox with her stunning works of wildlife in Mongolia. Credit: Karen Sheer
The Mongolia Permanent Mission to the United Nations joins Susan Fox to admire her works of wildlife in Mongolia. Credit: Karen Sheer
A look inside Susan Fox’s field box. Credit: Karen Sheer
Susan called the Mongolian Mission to the United Nations, and was enthralled they came to help celebrate her hanging of these impressive works. ” I go to Mongolia every year,” she said. “Next month will be my 11th trip.”
A close-up look at the detailing in artist Kelly Singleton’s oil painting. Credit: Karen Sheer
Taking a closer look of at one of Karryl’s bronze sculptures. Credit: Karen Sheer
Enjoying the opening night! Credit: Karen Sheer
Flinn Gallery manager Cindy Whalen with Lillian Lum. Credit: Karen Sheer
Artist David Rankin with friends at the opening. Credit: Karen Sheer
All smiles at the Wild Life Art opening. Credit: Karen Sheer
A slide show in the gallery shows the artists in the field observing and sketching their subjects, here – Sean Murtha. Credit: Karen Sheer
A close-up look at a painting by Carel Brest van Kempen. Credit: Karen Sheer
This is a must-see show, and all works, large and small, are for sale. Visitors have the opportunity to view the artist’s process and products while expanding their understanding of creative endeavors.
Wild Life Art: Field to Studio is on view at the Flinn Gallery, Greenwich Library, and runs through May 4.
The Flinn Gallery hours:
Mon – Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thurs 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Greenwich Library, 2nd Floor, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich. Tel. (203) 622-7947
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