American painting legend Thomas Cole honed much of his skill during extended visits to Europe, especially to architectural and scenic sites in Italy, and four local artists have followed his lead and inspiration.
Now returned from their overseas jaunt, Mara Lehmann, of Haines Falls, Michelle Moran, of Woodstock, Carol Slutzky-Tenerowicz, of Elka Park, and Marianne Tully, of Stone Ridge, spent the summer and fall using their on-site sketches as the basis for finished works of art in true Cole-like style.
Their location was Barga, a medieval walled city about 20 miles north of Lucca, in the mountains of northern Italy.
“I’ve been to Barga many times over the last 23 years,” explained Tully, “after first hearing about it from my brother-in-law, Enrico, who grew up there.”
“I’ve always enjoyed painting there,” she said, “and this was an opportunity for all four of us to paint together.”
“So,” said Tully, “we rented a villa” — adding that the trip then got postponed from April to mid-May because of the Icelandic volcanic ash which shut down European air space this past spring.
At last they arrived though, and, said Tully, “We got our chance to paint the fields, the hills, and the old Roman arches and medieval buildings in Barga’s old town.”
They worked “plein air” — meaning out in the open, and which was the technique Cole used to develop his sketches — but, as they were in Italy, it is there known as “all’aria aperta.”
Lehmann said the locale was perfect.
“From the moment the plane begins to descend,” said Lehmann, “the breathtaking views seen from the windows are filled with the magic and promise that is the Italian countryside.”
“Rolling hills, fields, and hilltop towns dot the landscape in profusion,” she said.
“Everywhere are cypress trees and houses,” said Lehmann, “inspirations in warm pinks, oranges, yellows, and lush greens.”
Slutzky-Tenerowicz agreed.
“Of all the painting excursions I’ve been on,” she said, “this trip to Barga was the most inspiring, and the most productive.”
“A painting trip such as this with fellow artists,” Slutzky-Tenerowicz said, “who have the same focus and dedication to paint and draw in Italy, is to me the best way to travel.”
“Barga, Italy — in May!” added Moran.
“How do you capture the beauty of the hilltop countryside,” Moran said, “with drama in the skies, everchanging light patterns, with a sprinkle of volcanic ash from Iceland?”
The public will, of course, have opportunity to see just how wonderfully all four captured the images of their excursion in the upcoming show, “Bella Tuscany: From Field Sketch to Finished Work,” which opens Jan. 15 at the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery, in Hunter.
The original “plein air” sketches made on site will also be on display, as well as the completed master works.
“Here, in this exhibit,” said Tully, “we wish to bring you the fruit of our labors.”
“We hope that we have captured on canvas and paper,” she said, “the vibrant heart of an Italy that we have grown to love.”
An artists’ reception will take place at the opening, from 4-6 p.m. on Jan. 15, and there will also be an informal “Art Talk” on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m., both of which will offer a chance to meet and talk with the artists.
“Bella Tuscany: From Field Sketch to Finished Work” will run at the gallery until March 15.
Kaaterskill Fine Arts Gallery is located at the CMF Hunter Village Square building, 7970 Main Street (Route 23A), Hunter.