Realist Paintings by Glenn Kessler at Sherry French Gallery

Monday, 01 October 2007 01:18

New York City - Painting is a one-of-a-kind practice that requires a tremendous amount of time and discipline and in return connects you to a rich tradition of technical masters and cultural innovators. The Sherry French Gallery is delighted to present “Time and Place,” a show by Glenn Kessler, steeped in painting’s traditional values, yet documenting the landscape of our contemporary world. On exhibition 3 October through 27 October, 2007.

Kessler employs time-honored materials and techniques to produce exquisite still lifes and landscapes inspired by New England’s varied seasons and color schemes. Yet, Kessler’s compositions also have a touch of the tropical and the warmth of the islands wafts in an out of his compositions. Often, Kessler depicts simple subjects whose beauty tends to be overlooked – such as a pile of holiday presents. His paintings stir the emotions of the viewer. For Kessler, this is where their value lies. Over the years, Kessler's painting style has shifted, evolving from tightly rendered compositions to looser representations of the natural world. Although his influences are in constant flux, Kessler highly values a connection to the work of his predecessors. Currently, he is infatuated with the Italian School of the Renaissance whose masters exhibited both mysticism and mystery.

 Kessler celebrates the principles of the medieval craft guilds where integrity and quality reigned superior. For his landscape paintings, Kessler visits a site several times, studying how the light reflects off the various textures of the land. It is his dedication to his craft that sets his work apart. Kessler believes that skill comes from a mixture of instinct and dedication to practice. He admits that he is still learning how to mix colors and attends life-drawing classes to continue to perfect his technique. The inspiration for Kessler's subjects is drawn from dreams, a desired color palette, narrative ideas and assignments. “A great painting is one that you can look at over and over again. It succeeds on multiple levels such as composition, conception, paint handling, and color use. Technique is vital. The subject matter is second only to the brushwork, color values, and lighting.”

 Despite the struggles that full-time painters face, such as financial difficulties and a solitary lifestyle, Kessler finds that the benefits outweigh the hardships. Having an occupation that is consistently challenging him and pushing him to explore his craft more deeply, is tremendously rewarding. For Glenn Kessler, painting is "ethically, morally, a good thing to do with your life."

SHERRY FRENCH GALLERY, INC. - STARRETT- LEHIGH BLDG 13TH FL - 601 WEST 26TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10001-1101- T. 212-647-8867 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Visit : www.sherryfrenchgallery.com