Fine Work in 2 Shows
By Darius Yektai
Chrysalis Gallery
Visitors should do their best not to be overwhelmed when entering the Chrysalis Gallery in Southampton. The gallery walls are covered: double-hung with paintings on top of already triple-hung walls. Every painting is professionally framed, most with gilt moldings. Once the viewer has distinguished between the works of different artists and focused on individual pieces, there can be no question as to the level of quality and sheer beauty on display.
There is tremendous variety in the work on display and all of the artists represented demonstrate mastery of the medium chosen to some extent.
Aside from the very interesting and obviously developing painting style of the young William St. Pierre, there is one painting that has stayed in my mind since I left the gallery. The small painting by Michele Mott titled “Turning Leaves” measures a mere 3 inches by 5 inches and is painted exactly as beautifully as the warm sunny day it depicts.
Three trees stand on an East End field, raising themselves above the land. With blue sky behind the leaves, there is a palpable air around the trees that feels warm and pleasant, extremely peaceful. This is an excellent expression of the natural beauty around us through the tangible beauty of oil paint on board.