Lanning Gallery Celebrates an Impressionistic Spring with Cynthia Reid

Written by rubin Friday, 27 March 2009 07:32

SEDONA , AZ - On April 3^rd, Sedona’s Lanning Gallery welcomes Impressionist painter Cynthia Reid to its “1^st Friday” artist’s reception from 5-8 p.m.  In an exhibition entitled “Spring Renewal,” Reid presents her latest oil paintings filled with color and texture, light and shadow.  Given the artist’s ability to capture nature’s beauty on canvas it is no surprise to learn that Reid has recently become a Master Gardener with the University of Arizona where she finds the design of gardens, and working with color, a great parallel to her paintings.  Viewers have no doubt, when admiring a Reid canvas, that this is an artist with an intimate love of the natural world.

Reid left a successful pathology practice to become the professional artist that had been long buried within her.  In 2003 she won first place as an emerging artist in the juried Members Show at the Sedona Arts Center and her career only blossomed from there.  She is now a juried member of the Oil Painters of America and a juried member of the American Impressionist Society.

Travels in France, to Provence and the Loire Valley, inspired the paintings of poppy fields that first captured the eye of collectors.  Reid’s style continues to evolve and in her latest work she finds herself drawn to waterscapes, “treescapes”, and occasionally a still life of flowers.  “The waterscapes,” Reid explains, “have been inspired by Monet’s Giverny gardens and many public gardens and parks I have visited, specifically the Denver Botanic Gardens and in Tucson, Aqua Caliente.”

Her recent studies with an Abstract Expressionist have influenced her Impressionist style, “making me even freer with paint and various mediums than I was before.  For example, I use a spray bottle of mineral spirits to enhance the impression of flowing water in my pond paintings.”  Reid adds depth to each work with an under-painting of a color complementary to the finished piece; when areas show through tremendous depth is suggested.  “Color and texture are significant aspects of my work,” Reid says, and she uses a palette-knife exclusively to achieve her final paint layer.

“Reid’s work has always been impressive,” notes Lanning Gallery Director Isabelle Cozart, “and we have seen an evolution of tremendous freedom in her brushwork and techniques.  Reid doesn’t paint too much detail; she has always said that she likes the viewer to engage in a ‘conversation’ and complete the work of art for themselves.”

To meet Cynthia Reid and view her latest Impressionist paintings, visit Lanning Gallery the evening of April 3^rd, Hozho Center, 431 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ. 928-282-6865 or www.lanninggallery.com .  Open daily: 10-6:00 Mon-Sat, 11-5 Sun.