Brought To You By GALLERY ONE EIIIVEN
In an art world where it sometimes appears that “anything goes”, it is a pleasure and a treat to view and be drawn in by paintings that are founded in traditional European painting techniques. Unknown to most, the brilliant surfaces and depths of the Old Master’s paintings are illusions created by the filtration of light through many layers of transparent glazes of color, reflecting on a modulated monochrome base and reflecting to the eye of the viewer. The “Flemish Style” of painting requires the artist to first lay in a ground of black and white tonalities, then, over time, various translucent glazes of oil paint, varnish and other mediums are applied to create a layered surface that produces depth and detail that cannot be achieved by other direct painting methods.
From this period also came the concepts of “Sfumato” a painting technique that uses subtle gradations of light and shadow to create a soft, hazy, or smoky effect and “Chiaroscuro” the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts
affecting a whole composition. Anyone observing the work of Rembrandt will recognize these painterly effects.
In September, at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN, paintings that embody this tradition will be featured by Anacoco artist Durhl Davis in his first One-Man Exhibit. In his work Davis relies on these time-tested and proven techniques to bring contrast, depth and interest to his work. Mr. Davis has been painting since 2016, beginning in portraiture and then branching out into still life work and portrait commissions.
The work of Durhl Davis will be on exhibit Thursday – Saturday at GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN in Leesville beginning September 13 through October 18, with an artist reception on Saturday September 13 at 6:00. Mr. Davis will be exhibiting both Flemish
Style and “alla prima” (wet on wet direct painting) works. This exhibit will be of special interest to those that appreciate more traditional subject matter and technique of painting, and for students that want to broaden their knowledge of materials and
techniques. During the reception the artist will present a short talk about his methods and give some demonstrations of this ancient and wonderful means of creating light and depth on canvas.
GALLERY ONE EIIIEVEN is located at 111 Third Street in the Leesville Main Street District. The paintings of Durhl Davis can be previewed at durhldavis.com.
