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Getting Ready for a Peter Ferber Show

Peter Ferber’s annual winter show opens this Saturday at The Art Place. Everyone knows Peter is busily painting to get 13 brand new pieces ready for the big opening day, but everyone at The Art Place has also been working hard.

For this show, Peter’s work started as long ago as his college days! There is one painting of Cornwall, England, where he visited on a school trip. Photos of this trip sprouted the inspiration for this watercolor and ink line piece.

Peter used older photos as the base for several of his paintings in this show. One of these is titled “Robert’s Cove Departure”. In his research for creating the piece “Robert’s Cove Welcome” from his last show, he bumped into the scene that inspired this new work.

Robert’s Cove Welcome

I’ve heard people ask, “What is the first piece Peter started working on?” “What was the last he created?”. The answer to this is unsurprising for anyone who has followed Peter’s recent work–the cut paper. Peter began this elaborate piece at the start of his work for this show, and this piece will be one of the last to be finished! In his painting descriptions, Peter wrote, “In many ways, this has been the most challenging cut paper work I’ve done. It seems that each new one I do stretches the medium a bit more.” I personally have not seen this piece yet (it should arrive at The Art Place for framing tomorrow morning) but this is the work I am most excited to see.

Back at The Art Place, we have been planning the framing for weeks to make Peter’s paintings look their absolute best. (And sometimes we need to frame pieces that we’ve only seen a sketch for!) Thankfully Barbara has worked on so many of Peter’s works, that she can predict how the colors will come together to create the final piece.

Advertising for the show also happens weeks before the opening. Peter, Barbara and Emily work together in January to create the iconic postcard that some Ferber fans collect from each show! This year’s card is a little different because it features Squam lake–the unique subject of a few of this show’s paintings. This postcard is the backbone for most of the ads and articles that we create for the show.

My favorite part of preparation for Peter’s show is talking with the excited people who plan to attend the opening on the big day. Many people have been waiting to see a painting Peter has created featuring their own home or land. Many others simply are huge fans of Peter’s work and begin waiting in line in the cold in downtown Wolfeboro starting at 6am! We actually block up the windows so no one can see inside until the big moment at 9:30.

I also love the time spent Friday night before the opening, pulling out all the original paintings and finally getting to see them all as one unified show of works. We work after The Art Place’s normal hours (into the night) to arrange and hang the paintings. This often involves rearranging the entire gallery to make room for 13 new paintings! I’m sure if you stood outside the door, you could hear all of us hammering away on the walls.

If you are planning to attend Peter Ferber’s show this weekend, don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have about how these shows work–getting in line, purchasing a work, getting a hint about the painting you are interested in, etc. We are open 9:30-5 on Friday, and will open right at 9:30 again at Saturday will a gallery full of new original paintings. See you then!

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Peter Ferber Gallery Show opening February 18th

On Saturday, February 18, The Art Place in downtown Wolfeboro will hold its semi-annual Peter Ferber Gallery Show featuring new original paintings by local well-known artist Peter Ferber. The unveiling and artist’s reception will commence at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend and meet the artist.  A snow date. if necessary, of Sunday, February 19th, has been set beginning at 11 a.m.

This morning when I looked out the window at the freshly fallen snow, I saw what I call a “Peter Ferber painting.” It’s an experience that I have quite often since I’ve graced the walls at the Art Place with Peter’s artwork.  In my mind’s eye, I can imagine Peter creating that scene in a painting.  He has the ability to capture dappled light as it gleans through trees, make perfect cloud formations, and create a wake from a wooden boat to the point where you think you can hear the motor.   These are all pictures that Peter is able to capture through his painting.  Basically, it is the essence of time standing still. Whatever moment in time, Peter Ferber captures it when he paints–it’s put down on paper, and it’s beauty has been preserved.  These snippets of images are a chance for me to step out of myself or what is going on in the world and breath in the beauty of a “Peter Ferber painting.”  For the rest of you who may or may not have experienced Peter’s paintings in your imagination, his artwork can be seen for real in this upcoming show at The Art Place located at 9 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH.

In referencing the upcoming show, Peter states, “As I look over the paintings taking shape for this next show, the common thread I find is that most are offshoots of other work–largely photo reference collected for other paintings that turn out to have merit of their own as a basis for a painting.  Last summer I did a large oil of the Robert’s Cove view.  I took a number of pictures focused on Quarter Mile Island.  The way I zoomed in on it from the hillside above created a wonderful composition.  There was also a sailboat moored next to it that was perfectly positioned as a center of interest, that hadn’t made it into the first painting.  Later, going down to the shore for a closer look at the island’s trees and ledge, a boat set out for an evening cruise.  The visual as it passed the island, and the sense of anticipation you feel heading out into the lake for a boat ride, launched another painting.

A few years ago in looking thru an old photo album in connection with work for Castle in the Clouds, I found a marvelous period image of the Kona Mansion boathouse.  Though it only included a portion of it, the detail was so wonderful I knew I needed to make use of it.  I’ve had it in my archive since, and it’s finally taken shape in two pieces–a watercolor and a cut paper assemblage.  It’s interesting to see the same subject approached in such different ways–one playing up the rich colors, the other focused solely on the textures, and the light and shadow.

From work on a poster project where I was trying to evoke the feel of an Arts and Crafts wood block print, I stumbled on the Tonalist style of painting which was going on during that same period.  The painterly style, rich, warm color schemes, and bold compositions have influenced my approach to several of the paintings in this show.  It was interesting to find how this style changed the way I looked at my subjects, and made me see possibilities where I might not have before.

What hasn’t changed is my focus on this area which everyday shows us more of its beauty.  There are many lovely atmospheric lake landscapes in this collection.  In addition to boathouses, there’s a porch, a Chris Craft, moonlight, snow, and even a Cornwall (England) cottage most of which were not my originally intended subjects, but got my attention the second time around.”

Since 1994 Peter Ferber has painted the official posters for the New England Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s annual show, which also comes as highly collectable artist proofs.  Peter has exhibited in over 50 shows in New England and the Midwest.  He has been featured story a on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicles. More than 100 reproductions of his work have been made, including over 70 limited edition prints.

Peter Ferber’s Gallery Show at The Art Place  will be on display through March 4th, or as long as paintings are available.  The Art Place is the exclusive gallery for Peter Ferber’s original artwork, and produces most of his limited edition prints.  The Art Place is located at 9 North Main Street, downtown Wolfeboro, NH and is open year round.  For more information, please call 603 569-6159, or toll free 866 569-6159.

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Peter Ferber Gallery Show of New Original Artwork at The Art Place

On Saturday, February 18, The Art Place in downtown Wolfeboro will hold its semi-annual Peter Ferber Gallery Show featuring new original paintings by local well-known artist Peter Ferber. The unveiling and artist’s reception will commence at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend and meet the artist. There is a snow date of Sunday, February 19th beginning at 11 a.m.

Barbara Gibbs owner of The Art Place talks about Peter’s artwork: “This morning when I looked out the window at the freshly fallen snow, I saw what I call a “Peter Ferber painting.” It’s an experience that I have quite often since I’ve graced the walls at the Art Place with Peter’s artwork.  In my mind’s eye, I can imagine Peter creating that scene in a painting.  He has the ability to capture dappled light as it gleams through trees, make perfect cloud formations, and create a wake from a wooden boat to the point where you think you can hear the motor.   These are all pictures that Peter is able to capture through his painting.  Basically, it is the essence of time standing still. Whatever moment in time, Peter Ferber captures it when he paints–it’s put down on paper, and its beauty has been preserved.  These snippets of images are a chance for me to step out of myself or what is going on in the world and breath in the beauty of a “Peter Ferber painting.”  For the rest of you who may or may not have experienced Peter’s paintings in your imagination, his artwork can be seen for real in this upcoming show at The Art Place located at 9 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH.

In referencing the upcoming show, Peter states, “As I look over the paintings taking shape for this next show, the common thread I find is that most are offshoots of other work–largely photo reference collected for other paintings that turn out to have merit of their own as a basis for a painting.  Last summer I did a large oil of the Robert’s Cove view.  I took a number of pictures focused on Quarter Mile Island.  The way I zoomed in on it from the hillside above created a wonderful composition.  There was also a sailboat moored next to it that was perfectly positioned as a center of interest, that hadn’t made it into the first painting.  Later, going down to the shore for a closer look at the island’s trees and ledge, a boat set out for an evening cruise.  The visual as it passed the island, and the sense of anticipation you feel heading out into the lake for a boat ride, launched another painting.

A few years ago in looking thru an old photo album in connection with work for Castle in the Clouds, I found a marvelous period image of the Kona Mansion boathouse.  Though it only included a portion of it, the detail was so wonderful I knew I needed to make use of it.  I’ve had it in my archive since, and it’s finally taken shape in two pieces–a watercolor and a cut paper assemblage.  It’s interesting to see the same subject approached in such different ways–one playing up the rich colors, the other focused solely on the textures, and the light and shadow.

From work on a poster project where I was trying to evoke the feel of an Arts and Crafts wood block print, I stumbled on the Tonalist style of painting which was going on during that same period.  The painterly style, rich, warm color schemes, and bold compositions have influenced my approach to several of the paintings in this show.  It was interesting to find how this style changed the way I looked at my subjects, and made me see possibilities where I might not have before.

What hasn’t changed is my focus on this area which everyday shows us more of its beauty.  There are many lovely atmospheric lake landscapes in this collection.  In addition to boathouses, there’s a porch, a Chris Craft, moonlight, snow, and even a Cornwall (England) cottage most of which were not my originally intended subjects, but got my attention the second time around.”

Since 1994 Peter Ferber has painted the official posters for the New England Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society’s annual show, which also comes as highly collectible artist proofs.  Peter has exhibited in over 50 shows in New England and the Midwest.  He has been featured story a on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicles. More than 100 reproductions of his work have been made, including over 70 limited edition prints.

Peter Ferber’s Gallery Show at The Art Place  will be on display through March 4th, or as long as paintings are available.  The Art Place is the exclusive gallery for Peter Ferber’s original artwork, and produces most of his limited edition prints.  The Art Place is located at 9 North Main Street, downtown Wolfeboro, NH and is open year round.  For more information, please call 603 569-6159, or toll free 866 569-6159.

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Holiday Art Walk with Madelyn Albee

Saturday, December 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. Wolfeboro will be having a special holiday ART WALK. Several galleries in town will be open and present various activities and provide refreshments for this event.  Wolfeboro artist Madelyn Albee has been displaying at The Art Place for many years. She will be the featured artist at The Art Place.  Her artwork reflects the two different locations that she lives in and loves.  Spending her winters in her native Lunenburg, and summers in Wolfeboro, Madelyn offers spontaneous paintings that are varied in subject and medium.

All are welcome to come meet Madelyn at The Art Place on Saturday, December 10th  from 5 to 8pm.  Also on display at The Art Place for the December 10th ART WALK will be a sampling of sculptural work in forged steel by  Michael Connolly and hand made jewelry with semi precious stones by Mary Connolly.

Local vocalist and performer Laurie Jones will be making the rounds at The Art Place, The Kalled Gallery and Sandy Martin Gallery with Christmas carols and music to add to all the Holiday merriment!

The Governor Wentworth Arts Council is sponsoring the Wolfeboro’s ART WALK.  This self-guided FREE tour of galleries and arts locations are within the downtown corridor of Main Street (Rt.28).

Pick up a FREE informational Rack Card at The Art Place or the Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, which lists contact information and a map of all the participants. This will be the last ART WALK for this year, so come help us celebrate the Holidays!

Madelyn Albee

“People don’t always realize the fact that the Sun doesn’t stand still and this is a difficulty for a Plein Air Painter!” The Art Place’s featured artist: Madelyn Albee describes what a Plein Air painting venture is like for her. Well-traveled artist Madelyn is no stranger to the challenges and joy of painting outside. She meets twice a week with two different local painting groups. Each group is about 8 to 10 artist from Wolfeboro, Tuftonboro and Brookfield, New Hampshire.  They work together to choose and get to a location, but paint individually while they are there. “It’s challenging to interpret a place in two hours, and it’s fun!” she says with a smile.

When Madelyn first arrives at location she thinks about in which medium she would like to create the scene. For her this could be watercolor, oils, pastels as she is fluid in many different medias. “We don’t talk while we are painting, we set up and deal with the elements; it could be windy, mosquito-y, hilly, the shadows are constantly moving…”   (that dang moving sun!)  Madelyn says that although this planning, prep and set up is complicated, after doing it for so many years it is second nature, and each of the decisions she makes are rather intuitive. An added benefit, Madelyn states, is the fellow artist community that she has enjoyed over the past 10 years. Occasionally the group will travel to a museum or exhibit.

Loons in Moultonborough

Loons in Moultonborough by Madelyn Albee

Madelyn’s artwork depicts the two  landscapes that she knows very well and lives in: painting on location summers in New Hampshire and winters in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Her native Lunenburg is often depicted in lone boat scenes set in rugged coves, or brightly colored sails against a misty harbor. Paintings of Wolfeboro often include architectural detailing of New England homes, weathered rowboats set along the shore of Lake Wentworth, or loons collaged within the texture of a local map (shown above). The mood of the day is apparent in the images she creates, Madelyn’s confident brush strokes show a mastery of the elements and media.  Her intuitive sensitive response to that experience gives the viewer a chance to be there with her.

Meet the artist Madelyn Albee at The Art Place on Saturday, December 10th during The Wolfeboro Art Walk from 5 to 8 pm.

Food for Thought

When we started hanging the work for Jan Croteau’s show Food for Thought, people immediately began coming in and commenting on the festive looking fruits and vegetables. We also got excited about the titles and playful essays that went with Jan’s work. As we moved the artwork around in different placements on the wall, we even started laughing at our accidental jokes. “What if we sandwich the apples?” “I feel those two are going to sell as a pair.”

jans-openingI think everyone who attended the show can agree; Jan’s work reflects a strong sense of playfulness, honestly, and gratitude for nature. Jan writes about her passion for gardening, art and life with her inspiring essays that accompany each piece. As an artist and writer, Jan sends off each painting with a gift of a story. This is what makes her work so unique and personal. You can immediately find words to connect to the artwork, even if you are not a regular gallery-goer.

I had a lot of fun reading some of these stories as I created tags for Jan’s work. One of my favorites was about her annual birthday request for artichokes for dinner! (I have an almost identical story myself!) Jan brings humor into her work through these short essays and sometimes even the title itself! A painting of grapes is laughingly called, “Not Even Enough to Make a Scant Teaspoon of Jelly”.

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The Ripe Time by Jan Helling Croteau

Jan also surprises her viewers (and readers) with some thought-provoking messages that you wouldn’t expect to find accompanying bright and lively still life paintings. The pear painting we used for our postcards comes with an essay where Jan quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson: “There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it’s perfect to eat.” Not only is this a painting that makes you pause to breathe in the dynamic colors and textures of the visual image, but also a piece that makes you stop to think about appreciating life itself and the precious quiet moments that Jan highlights in her writing.

From the first impact of these glowing paintings on the wall, to reading the poetic and inspiring stories that Jan has skillfully crafted, Food For Thought is a show you do not want to miss! Her work will be on display until October 22 during normal gallery hours. (Monday-Saturday 9:30-5)

Featured Photographer Sarah Cail

I remember taking a photography workshop years ago when camera’s had film. I was told that it is not unusual to shoot a whole roll of film in order to get one good shot—quite discouraging. Today with the use of i-phones, i-pads, point-and shoot camera’s, it is the norm to take pictures on a regular basis without much effort. However, it takes patience, skill, a good eye, the right equipment, the right timing, and great passion to get the kind of photographs that Sarah Cail creates. Sarah, who resides in the New Hampshire Lakes Region in the summer and Florida in the winter, captures the best of these two worlds that she loves. Sarah believes that her ability to reside in both Florida and New Hampshire has contributed to her desire to become a nature and landscape photographer. The mountains, lakes and wildlife of New Hampshire are her subjects while she is here. Her perfect day is spent capturing the predawn skies, sunrises, and sunsets. She drives back roads in search of new vistas. Her subject matter is not just the flora, fauna, and scenery of New Hampshire and Florida, Sarah also travels extensively to photograph.

Sarah is the current guest artist from August 27th through September 10th. I chose Sarah to exhibit her work after seeing a photograph she had taken of a herd of horses. The picture captured the white horses with their rugged beauty galloping through water along the edge of the sea as they approached her at full speed in what seemed to be synchronized motion. She totally recreated the excitement of that moment. Sarah later told me that photographing those iconic white horses of Camargue, France was one of her most rewarding experiences. Sarah states, “photography is my way of sharing the beauty that is to be seen in the world in an admittedly optimistic point of view. My creative perspective is often “up close and personal,” because I love the almost intimate details that we don’t normally attend to in everyday life. My goal is to evoke an emotional response in the viewer that parallels the sense of reverence, or even humor that helped me to “see” the moment of magic that is now captured in time.”

Sarah Cail Horses
Sarah has found inspiration in many photographers, but her mentors have most
notably been Rick Sammon, known as today’s father of photography, Jared Lloyd, whom Sarah took a workshop from on the Barrier Islands, and John Lopinot, a well-known bird photographer.

In talking with Sarah recently, she told me that along with discovering amazing images, she also has met some very special people. “These people each have a story to tell,” Sarah continues, “for example, I was photographing an old barn, and the owner was telling me how he wants to keep the barn for his family, but it has taken him 10 years just to repair the roof. The building is dilapidating faster than it can be restored.” Sarah cares about the story beyond the photograph. Her vision is more than just what she sees behind the camera. When I look at Sarah’s photography, I see a theme running throughout her work—one of passion and compassion and a love for nature, wildlife and the habitat that we all share. She has mastered techniques, but she has also met her goal of evoking an emotional response along with creating a moment of magic. Well done Sarah.

Peter Ferber’s 2016 Summer Show

SummerShowCrowdPeter Ferber’s August show this year brought the usual crowds and excitement, with people lining up on the street starting at 5:45am. This exhibit features Peter’s classic watercolors as well as rich oils and an acrylic, an ink drawing, and intensely detailed paper cutout with a watercolor accent. Many pieces were sold in the first few minutes, but there are still several gems available for purchase.

One of the pieces Peter created for this show began many years ago when he photographed the interior of a boat shed in the 70s. I remember when Peter first brought this painting in, and was delighted to title it “Relegated to the Future”.

Relegated to the Future

Relegated to the Future

Another piece Peter gathered abundant research for is “The Steamboat Swallow”. This ink drawing is the second in a series of black and white illustrations that began with an interpretation of the old Mount Washington steamboat. The Swallow also evokes the feeling of a past, with lots of elegant line work creating the graceful silhouette of the ship. There are also small and large prints available of this original ink drawing.

The Steamboat Swallow

The Steamboat Swallow

One of my favorite pieces in the show is a little acrylic painting that is a rare view for Peter to capture–Lake Wentworth. “Golden Point” is a rich sunset scene that shows the serene quality of the lake just before dusk.

Peter’s show continues through August 20, so be sure you stop in a catch a glimpse of these stunning originals before they leave the gallery. Several pieces will be made into prints, but many more will not be reproduced. This is a rare opportunity to view a portfolio of work that reflects the beauty of the Lakes Region.

GoldenPoint

Golden Point – Wentworth

 

Helene Pierce Watercolorist

Berries in Blue

Berries in Blue

By Barbara Gibbs

This is my 38th year with The Art Place.  I have had been having artists  display their work on our walls since 1992 when I moved into my present location at 9 North Main Street, Wolfeboro.  Helene Pierce, a Wolfeboro resident and watercolor artist, has been showing her work here since then.  We had a one person show with her about 15 years ago, and this year I felt that it was time for her to have another exhibit of her current work.  When I say current work, that might not seem like anything unusual, but in this case for an artist who has been actively painting for well over 60 years, one can imagine that she has a considerable amount of paintings.  She has sold and  exhibited throughout the years, yet her stock is still great.  You see, Helene is a very prolific painter,  due mostly to her passion and enthusiasm to paint.  She works in her beautiful home overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as gathering weekly with friends to paint in Rockport, Massachusetts.  So let me “paint” you a better picture of  the artist Helene Pierce who’s work is on exhibit here at The Art Place through July 30th:

Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1930, Helene Pierce  knew from the very first time she could hold a crayon that art was what she wanted to do.  In school, she continued to shine with her art.  Knowing that it was difficult to make a living in the field of art, she chose a different career path. However, she did take a number of workshops and studied  art on her own, all the time improving her skills.  A family kept her very busy, but painting was always a part of her life.  She painted every chance she could get.  She studied with Betty Lou Schlemm, who is a member of the American Watercolor Society and a published artist.  Helene also took classes at UNH with Sigmand Abeles, a well-known artist and professor, who’s work is very much revered.

Helene and her husband moved to Amherst, NH first, then in 1991, they moved to Wolfeboro, NH.  Helene  travels to Rockport, Massachusetts, where she paints every Tuesday with a group of artists including her long-time teacher friend Betty Lou Schlemm.  The group has been getting together in Rockport since the 1970’s!  They paint outdoors in the summer.

Helene has exhibited nationally and internationally, as well as widely throughout New England.  She is the recipient of numerous national and regional awards.  Helene’s professional memberships have included the New England Watercolor Society; The Copley Society of Boston, MA; The New Hampshire Art Association;  Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, NY, NY; Academic Artists Associations, Springfield, MA; The American Artists Professional League, NY, NY; North Shore Art Association, Gloucester, MA; Sharon Arts Center, Peterborough, NH; The Bermuda Society of Arts, Hamilton, Bermuda.  Her work has been represented by The Art Place for over 15 years.

In the art world, she is known as a painters’ painter—an admiration  by other artists  of her ability to master the medium.  Her medium of choice is watercolor, which she paints with fluidity and movement often choosing lush colors.   Helene’s aesthetically pleasing still lifes show her ability to create volume and form,  as well as depicting light and shadow.  Equally appealing are her landscapes, placing the viewer in a pleasant setting or creating a moment  in time where time might indeed stand still.  Helene has an impressive body of work that span decades of painting.  I am pleased to be surrounded by so much of her work here at The Art Place.  Her exhibit continues through July 30th, and is featured during Wolfeboro’s Art Walk on Saturday, July 30th from 5 to 8. We will continue to show her work even after the current exhibit is down.  After all,  she will continue painting, and there’s a lot more of her art to show!

A Portfolio of 4,000 Footers

Clouds

Shadows and Silhouettes Photograph by Jeb Bradley

I was asked today what the GRID means. New Hampshire is the home of 48 4,000 footers. These awe-inspiring mountains have not only have been the source for photographer Jeb Bradley’s inspiration, but have also served as a challenge for this avid hiker.

Bradley began pursuing the GRID in 2009, and finished in early 2015. The GRID involves hiking each of New Hampshire’s 4,000 footers in every month of the year. That means that Bradley hiked all of the state’s toughest mountains even in the deepest months of the winter. His camera in tow, Jeb also viewed these peaks in every season of the year. His images capture frosted snowdrifts, vivid foliage, and crisp reflections in warm summer lakes. Very view people have seen New Hampshire’s mountains the way Jeb has–he is only the 49th hiker to complete the GRID–but he chooses to share his experiences through the art of photography.

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Star Lake Photograph by Jeb Bradley

While I was helping to hang Jeb’s portfolio of works for his show at The Art Place, I asked him which photographs he most wanted to highlight. Not surprisingly, he pointed out his series on Star Lake, a stunning lake at so remote and high an altitude that it is unseen by most New Hampshire natives. Bradley’s crisp images teleport viewers to this nearly magical location, one of his favorite places in the White Mountains.

Bradley’s exhibit at The Art Place continues through July 9. Don’t miss this show highlighting New Hampshire’s colorful seasons.