“Hudson River Landscapes”: Paintings by Rick Gedney @ RiverWinds Gallery, through April 7
RiverWinds Gallery at 172 Main Street in Beacon presents “Hudson River Landscapes” - Paintings by Rick Gedney. These wonderful paintings of the Hudson River express a sense of peace and harmony, of gentle beauty and inspiration. The opening reception for the show is March 10, 2012, (Beacon 2nd Saturday) 5 – 8pm. The show will run through April 7, 2012.
Inspired by the aesthetics of 19th century American painting, poetry and literature, and their contrasts and similarities to the present day, Rick Gedney’s original artistic vision is realized in this collection of Hudson River landscapes.
Born and raised in the suburbs of New York, he developed an early appreciation for the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. He started his academic life studying art at Franklin College, Indiana under the guidance of realist landscape artist Thomas Locker, and Luigi Crispino, an abstract expressionist. Gedney continued to explore different forms of artistic expression in his paintings after graduation and later studied traditional watercolor techniques with local artist Earnest Brown. After many years he rediscovered the works of Thomas Cole and his contemporaries and followers and visited many of the locales that brought them inspiration. Rick developed a special affinity for the paintings of Thomas Doughty and Sanford Gifford and was later interested to discover that Gifford and his Great Grandfather served together in the 7th regiment NYSNG during the American Civil War, and were both from Hudson, NY.
Settling in Cold Spring, N.Y., Rick has found that his inspiration has been reinvigorated with a love for the beauty of this landscape we are so privileged to be surrounded by. Recent shows of his work were included in the 2010 Beacon Open Studios, and 2011 Cold Spring Arts Open Studios Tour.
“To paraphrase Thomas Cole, ‘I would like to be able to produce paintings that affect the mind of the beholder like the works of a great poet – that shall elevate the imagination…’ The underlying motive in all my work is to express a sense of peace and harmony, of gentle beauty, and inspiration.”
RiverWinds Gallery features more than 35 of the finest Hudson Valley artists. There are traditional fine art and contemporary crafts including ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, cards, yarn, scarves and home decor.
Gallery hours: Wednesday – Monday 12 – 6pm and 9pm on Second Saturday.
Directions: Route 84 exit 11, take Route 9D South, turn left at Main Street. The Gallery is on the left, a block and half East on Main Street.
For further information: RiverWinds Gallery, 172 Main St, Beacon, NY 12582 845-838-2880 http://www.riverwindsgallery.
