Inspiration In The Natural World

Paintings by  Lee J. Nixon
 I am inspired by the skill and imagination abounding in the natural world. So, I have re-created the exquisite patterns found on trees, the intricate pattern of flowers and rolling hills with bundles of hay.

Several paintings were inspired by the application of natural elements such as: gravel and sand for 'actual' textures. Also, I have experimented with tissue paper to simulate the rugged textures of trees, to the solid mass of smooth rocks and stones.

By utilizing the science of optics, I often apply strokes of pure contrasting complementary colors to excite the viewer's eye so that the color appears to leap off the canvas.

Golden Nuggets of Orange

Youth Contemplating The Future

Colorful Winter Garden

Scenic View Alongside a Gravel Road

NEW LANDSCAPES FROM LOCAL SCENES

Strolling Down Old Rapidan Road

An original framed 16 x 20 acrylic painting on stretched canvas.
Memory Lane:
...as a teenager working for a neighbor (sheep farmer) who lived here
...holding sheep as the wool was sheared
...taking down an old railed fence
...removing rocks from the pasture
...cleaning and removing grass and debris from a clogged stream
riding on the back of the neighbor's tractor returning home
...jogging down memory lane

Painting techniques:
...usage of tissue paper for texture
...impasto
...complementary colors for simultaneous contrasts
...high contrasting lights and darks

On exhibition at  Art Upstairs, 112 w. Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia throughout the month of March.
Reception on Friday, March 5th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm

I welcome your comments

NEW LANDSCAPES FROM LOCAL SCENES

Radiant View Of Hollow Creek

An original framed 16 x 20 acrylic painting on

stretched canvas.

I was inspired by this radiant view in Dyke, Virginia on a narrow country road, named Mutton Hollow Creek. It was a bright sunny day in the fall, serenaded by brilliant light bathing the countryside.

The flowing stream invited my eager eyes into this splendid scene. Complementary greens and reds enhanced the dazzling harmonious arrangement of colors.

Textural surfaces patterns, and complementary colors reveal the beauty, permanence, and serenity of the planet earth.

Exhibition at the Upstairs Gallery
112 W. Main Street
Charlottesville, Virginia
Month of March
Reception on Friday, March 5th, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

I'm looking forward to reading your comments.
Lee J. Nixon

NEW LANDSCAPES FROM LOCAL SCENES

Colorful Memorandum Of The Past

An Original framed 18 x 24 acrylic painting on stretched canvas.

I was inspired by a view of an old, deserted shed in Dyke Virginia, on a narrow country road named, Mutton Hollow Creek. It was a crisp clear day in the fall, with the shed serenaded by light bathing the countryside.

It made me yearn for yesterday... and wonder about the family that used to live near that location. A place of serenity and peace.

Textural surfaces (impasto, feel the thickly applied acrylics) and complementary colors reveal the beauty, permanence, and serenity of the planet earth!!!

This work will be on display at Art Upstairs at 112 W. Main Street in Charlottesville, Virginia throughout the month of March. The gallery will host a reception on Friday, March 5th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

I invite all to comment, click on the comment/pencil icon, and thanks.