Sylvan Gallery will be presenting a special exhibit of the recent landscape paintings of Paul Batch opening on Sunday, June 26. The public is invited for a reception to meet the artist on Thursday, June 30, from 5 - 8 p.m., coinciding with the evening of the Wiscasset Art Walk. The exhibition continues through July 24. In conjunction, the gallery will also be displaying work from its regular roster of contemporary fine artists.
In his newest body of oil paintings, Batch captures those often transitory moments as seen in nature: the glance of the sun just as it breaks through the clouds, the sparkling effect of moonlight on water, the atmospheric mood of a breathtaking sunset, the power of waves striking a rocky prominence, and clouds catching the last rays of the sun low over the horizon. Batch explores those transitional moments in a heightened way, by capturing the effects of light in warm glowing transparent tones and opaque passages. The resulting images feel illuminated from within.
Batch finds that his paintings are more of a poetic response to nature rather than a photographic interpretation of it. The painted landscape has the ability to move the viewer beyond just noticing a beautiful place, and Batch states that “I have spent a great deal of time observing and experiencing nature. I do have a strong belief that we as humans have a spiritual connection to our planet. It’s that connection that I think influences most of my subject matter. I try to convey a sense of hope and peace in my paintings because that’s what I am always longing for. My paintings are more of a poetic response to nature rather than a photographic interpretation of it.”
Batch often combines a variety of references to help him compose what he’s trying to convey. “My references usually include photographs, sketches, and
Plein Air studies. For artistic inspiration, I look to the greats such as Winslow Homer, Rembrandt, George Inness, and countless others. I love art and have my whole life. I’m extremely grateful that at 43 I’m able to do what I love every day and share that with others.”
Paul Batch
