Strollin' Through...

We were all in attendance last night at the monthly Westerly Art Stroll. The new location looked fabulous and we have Ian Newbury as a featured artist for the month. He has just moved into the space and is more than a welcome addition to the group. His precise use of watercolor and choice of local scenes as his subject matter really strike a cord with both the casual admirer and the serious art aficionado. At first glance, Ian's work draws the viewer in because the paintings are usually of recognizable places: beaches people have been to, places they have driven by, moments that they have internalized when passing through the area. Once drawn in you begin to realize the quality of his craftmanship. The fine brush work and delicate layers of watercolor are signature. His newest pieces are emboldened by expansive skyscapes and a dramatic use of light and dark which in my opinion is a complicated thing to do when working with the elusive quality of watercolors. He seems to be pushing the medium by trying to loosen his brush work and at times working just as well in miniature as he does in larger formats. I have overheard Ian saying that he wants to "loosen up", that he wants to be the kind of artist that slaps on paint with a 4" brush. I say that Ian is able to accomplish this same kind of expression by controlling his medium and working within the constraints the paints and brushes have defined for him. Please stop by The Riverside to see Ian's workspace. You will also see work by Barbara Plummer, Fran Knapp, Marie Laudini and Millie Donovan.