FEATURING TALENTED LOCAL ARTISTS
The Story Behind the Art — Kim Schmidt
Behind many artists and creatives are galleries, curators, and collectives whose passion for art, in both historical and contemporary senses, supports these artists in showcasing their work on a broader platform than studio visits. This helps the artists place their work, allowing them to focus on the creative aspect of their world. I met Kim Schmidt at a gallery show. She has a genuine passion for her practice. Growing up in New York City, she witnessed the art world through multiple facets and has worked […]
Peering Beyond the Frame — Colleen McGuire
When I visited Colleen McGuire in her Sharon, CT, studio, our conversation turned to the practice of plein-air painting and how it informs her broader artistic vision. McGuire’s work carries the sensibility of film stills – fragments of a larger story frozen in time. Each painting suggests that something has just happened, or is about to happen, just beyond the frame.
Her imagery invites a sense of cinematic suspense. Doors are left ajar. Curtains half conceal what lies behind them. A viewer feels as though […]
A Pause in Time — Christina Dobbs
I caught up with Christina Dobbs on a cool summer morning in her studio in Lakeville, CT, for a chat about her painting practice. Dobbs’ work often originates from photographs and experiences she has witnessed, transporting the viewer back to that time and moment. The paintings depict landscapes blurred through gestural marks and washes, with built-up layers gradually giving depth and resonance to the surface. The viewer’s focus lands on the figures and their actions, inviting questions about the narrative unfolding within the scene. […]
Art is a Life Force — Hilary Cooper
It was a warm afternoon when I had a wonderful conversation with Hilary Cooper, a portrait artist who works across multiple mediums – painting, watercolor, and clay. Drawing together likenesses of people, each of her subjects carries a unique narrative.
As we walked around some sculpted heads in progress, I watched how they seemed to converse with one another – quietly keeping an eye on each other as they emerged from Cooper’s hands. It is an intimate practice: looking closely, talking about life, and, through […]
