I am on the road, again!
Pleased to announce the opening of my expanded studio in the Northlight Studios Building in the River Arts District. Brimming with professional fine art, Northlight artists include Wendy Whitson, Pamela Winkler, Kathryn Phillips, and Cason Rankin. We are located just down the road at 357 Depot.
Speaking of roads, a friend recently asked why I include roads in so many of my paintings. I thought, why did Rembrandt paint his reflection, why did VanGogh paint sunflowers? The answer seemed obvious: I paint roads because they are there.
Roads and highways are everywhere, we see them everyday, and roads are much easier to locate than cherries in winter, let alone a figure model in a studio full of artists! A road can sometimes form that perfect swath of light or dark across the composition. Besides, I find beauty in a wet road, a road filled with dappled sunlight, a road lined with people, a road lined with flowers, a road with yellow lines, a road with no lines.
But, at my easel I am listening. I am reminded to be still and know that God is with me. With paint I seek light in darkness and am reminded of how often those words parallel scripture. I am reminded to pray, to praise, to give thanks and often to confess. I think about how my light shines, should shine, or how dim it can become. Someone said every painting is a self-portrait.
So here I am… car lights shining small on a slick, dark road, while a massive sunset is illuminating the sky overhead… a woman walking her dog, carefree, but dependent on the power poles lighting her way… rainwater reflecting traffic lights, turning dismal grey pavement into bright rainbows for those willing to see.
Keefer’s impressionistic oil and watercolor paintings have won awards throughout the country. Her work en plein air includes weddings and events, cityscapes and landscapes from the Appalachian Mountains to the lowlands and beyond.
Works by Cheryl Keefer can be found at:
- Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College St., Asheville
- Seven Sisters Gallery, Cherry St., Black Mountain
- Northlight Studios, 357 Depot Street, Asheville
- Mahogany House Gallery, 240 Depot St., Waynesville
- Up Against the Wall Gallery, Kingsport, TN
- By appointment (828) 450-1104
Visit www.cherylkeefer.com
Cheryl Keefer August Events: Opening at Northlight Studios, Asheville. Members Juried Show, Swannanoa Valley Fine Art League, Black Mountain. Solo Exhibit, Recent Works, Seven Sisters Gallery, Black Mountain. Judge, Bring Us Your Best, Art League of Henderson County Art Show.