Vladimir Basmanov, Evening Melody
Recommended by Paige (Collections Manager):
"I'm not often drawn to landscapes or rural scenes, but there is something special about this piece that gives me great comfort. The sky is wonderfully warm and permeates the whole composition. The aquatint texture is subtle but engaging. The houses are clearly drawn but also imperfect and endearing. I can hear a neighbor's music lazily floating through the air, completing the Evening Melody."
Frederick Mershimer, Summer Serenade
Recommended by Rebecca (Gallery Manager):
"Summer Serenade always makes me nostalgic for the New York of the 70s. Through this image, I can feel the heat and humidity that draws New Yorkers out of their apartments and onto the stoop to chat, play music, and enjoy the night air. It is a scene that reminds me of an era but is still timeless. Even when I've just visited New York, Mershimer's portrayal makes me want to go back."
Mikio Watanabe, Fin D'été
Recommended by Emma (Marketing & Communications Manager):
"Mikio Watanabe captures the soft warm glow of summer in this sweet image. Yet over the years in this region the end of summer has become a season of miserable heat and hazy poor air quality. This droopy sunflower perfectly captures how I feel as we settle in to August and the smoke rolls in. The glow is lovely, but I am exhausted and dreaming of cloudy skies and rain."
Ben Butler, Invention #51
Recommended by Sam (Owner & Director):
"Tennessee artist Ben Butler's Invention #51 from 2010 is an ink drawing which reflects his interest in volumes and the suggestion of a third dimension. This drawing is clearly connected to his wooden sculptures we exhibited in the past. Currently he is installing a commission for the PDX airport fabricated from douglas fir timbers reclaimed from Portland buildings."
Kirsten Flaherty, Pit Bull Portrait
Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
"Flaherty’s control over the mezzotint process is stunning. She is able to effectively scrape and remove the burs that hold ink, leaving space for the white of the paper to shine through. She’s chosen to give attention to American Pit Bull Terriers in this series - showing audiences the sweet kindness and personalities these pups innately have. This breed is often punished for its bad reputation."
