The landscapes of Lynn Boggess are living, breathing canvases that encourage viewers to recall memory and experience with the beauty of nature in a current exhibition.
The Haen Gallery in Asheville, North Carolina, is currently showing the recent works of West Virginia plein air painter Lynn Boggess. Boggess’s paintings will undoubtedly create an enduring impression on viewers not only for their immense beauty, but for their size as well. Working on massive canvases and using variously sized cement trowels, Boggess applies paint largely and loosely, capturing the spirit and transience of nature. Unlike the Impressionists, however, his predominant use of trowels creates a sharpness of line and focus of image that distinguishes his individual aesthetic.
Lynn Boggess, “5 June 2015,” oil on canvas, 30 x 34 in. (c) The Haen Gallery
Each canvas pulsates with movement, rhythm, and an energy that is mesmerizing. At first glance, “29 June 2015” could appear haphazard, abstracted, and unfamiliar, but an extended moment with the picture reveals clarity of form. Individual leaves and flowers begin to emerge from the symphony of color at the bottom of the picture. Further, the origins of the central tree can be detected from the bottom.
Lynn Boggess, “25 August 2014,” oil on canvas, 26 x 30 in. (c) The Haen Gallery
“4 March 2015” fashions a similar effect, though with more spatial context. Running from lower left to the center of the canvas is a backwoods river surrounded by looming leafless trees. Particularly captivating is the sense that we can observe Boggess’s creative process. Especially in the lower right corner, large broad marks of the trowel form the most basic and abstracted foundation before expressive, loose details are applied on top. One can easily get a sense of the complex layering that aids in the illusion and perception of space. Compositionally, the piece is balanced wonderfully. Although dominated by earthy tones of tans, greens, and browns, the steel blue, black, and hints of white in the river water provide respite for the eyes.
Lynn Boggess, “29 June 2015,” oil on canvas, 40 x 46 in. (c) The Haen Gallery
Thirty-five outstanding pieces feature in the exhibition of Boggess’s work at The Haen Gallery, which is currently on view.
To learn more, visit The Haen Gallery.
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