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Silent Art Auction

Written by Emily Marsh

We are so excited to be hosting a silent art auction in May! This event is organized by the Governor Wentworth Arts Council, and will feature works from their many talented artists. The artwork will be on display from April 28th through May 26th, ending with a celebration during Wolfeboro’s first Art Festival event of 2018!

We already have a donation for this event from well-know local artist Peter Ferber. He will be adding his original oil painting “Green and Gold” to the variety of pieces in the auction.

You are welcome to stop in The Art Place during store hours to see the paintings, drawings, and more on display. Bidding will take place throughout the month of May. We also welcome the public to come to The Art Place on Saturday, May 26th from 5-7:30pm for the Wolfeboro Arts Festival, and announcements of the auction sales. We hope to see you there!

Green and Gold, original oil by Peter Ferber

Exhibits, News

Hanging Art in a Bathroom

Written by Emily Marsh

Who says a bathroom can’t be decorated with beautiful artwork? Especially if you have a large master bathroom, this space creates a great opportunity to get creative with colors and visual textures.

To get some inspiration, check out this great post on Britt + Co. Kristen Appenbrink writes about utilizing the space above your tub (if you don’t have a shower head) for a creative cluster of framed prints. Or, taking out the mirror in a kids’ bathroom is a fun opportunity to fit in an inspirational sign. Kristen also talks about “going bold” with wall color, and balancing that with images that have a lot of white space.

Framed shell prints used in Barbara Gibbs’ bathroom

Sample of frame used for framed shell prints

Barbara Gibbs used this technique in her recently re-decorated bathroom. The wall color is a deep, rich brown, and is broken up by several large framed prints of shells. This frame is really special — it has a shiny imitation mother-of-pearl finish, which really makes the shells pop!

The downside about putting art in a bathroom, is that if not taken care of correctly, humidity can permanently damage valuable pieces. This is why it’s always important to talk with a certified framer before putting artwork at risk. (And maybe put irreplaceable pieces in another part of the house.) Certified framers at The Art Place can help you make the best choices to preserve your artwork. Do you have some beautiful artwork in your bathroom? Leave a comment for us with your favorite bathroom decorating tips.

 

Framing

Peter Ferber Show, February 2018

Written by Emily Marsh

Patrons stand outside of The Art Place, waiting for the doors to open so they can see Peter Ferber’s new paintings.

As usual, on a cold Saturday morning in February, fans of local artist, Peter Ferber, waited outside our gallery for the unveiling of fourteen new original paintings. Peter Ferber is well-known for his paintings of local landscapes, especially those highlighting Lake Winnipesaukee. He is the illustrator of the annual Antique and Classic Boat Show poster, which many locals, and visitors to the Lakes Region, collect. His gallery shows are always an exciting time at The Art Place.

This year, Peter brought in a selection of paintings that feature many of New England’s varied seasons. In Boat Shed Gathering, Peter paints a scene of a September afternoon. This was a scene that he came across accidentally, but caught his eye. Peter usually keeps a camera with him, so he snapped photos which he used later to design this piece. Because of the realistic quality of Peter’s paintings, you might be surprised to hear that he paints in his studio, using images he’s collected to put together each painting. In Boat Shed Gathering, he swapped out a modern aluminum boat (which was actually on the scene when he photographed it), for a wooden skiff. These types of changes make Peter’s paintings reminiscent of a more peaceful time.

Boat Shed Gathering

Another scene that Peter came across accidentally was used to create Winter Veil. Although this painting’s subtle colors and delicate quality give the viewer a peaceful feeling, it was quite stressful to paint! Layers of opaque white gouache nearly blocked out all of the detailed watercolor work that sit underneath. But the risk of destroying the painting was worth the lovely feeling of soft snow on a cold New Hampshire day that Peter created.

Winter Veil

I think my favorite season for Peter to paint is summer. Cutting Through is a new visual twist on a summer day spent boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. Peter’s daring composition shows a graceful bow cutting through the water. But this painting also holds a tiny detailed landscape–a Peter Ferber staple.

 

 

Cutting Through

Although Peter usually works in watercolor, his oil and acrylic paintings are beautifully bold, and bring out a strong sense of sunlight in Peter’s already beautiful landscapes. Ridge Road Spectators, painted in acrylic, is a great example of how glowing light can be created with paint. Peter started this painting by creating a wash of red to sit underneath the other layers of paint. This strong color peeks through just a little bit, which makes the piece come alive.

Ridge Road Spectators

Several paintings from Peter Ferber’s 2018 winter show are still on display at The Art Place. Seeing them in person makes such a big difference, so be sure you stop by soon to get a glimpse of these new paintings from a favorite local artist. The gallery’s winter hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-5:00.

Exhibits, News

Ferber’s Upcoming Winter Show

Written by Barbara Gibbs

On Saturday, February 17th, 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.
Peter Ferber has been showing at The Art Place gallery in downtown Wolfeboro since the early 1990’s. Owner of The Art Place, Barbara Gibbs, talks about Peter and the upcoming show: “Peter creates works of art that inspire, and are inspired by the beauty that surrounds us here in the Lakes Region. Through his paintings, he takes the viewer to wondrous places and engages his audience with feelings of familiarity and nostalgia. He creates a sense of warmth and safe harbors through his images. He draws us, his viewer, into the image, moves and guides us through his mastery, and sooths us with memories and pleasant surroundings. As if placing us in a time capsule, he gives us a chance to escape and reflect.
She continues, “most people know Peter for his attention to detail; however, he has grown as an artist to now be able to step outside his comfort zone to create more impressionistic works of art. This upcoming show will feature both extremes, sometimes within the same painting.”
Peter talks about his artwork for the upcoming February show. “If I were to briefly describe the subjects of my paintings in this new show, it would probably sound like the same old thing that I’ve been doing for years. Yet for me this has been a very fresh, exciting and satisfying group of new work. My family members have commented on the usual variety. This comes thru in the color schemes and different viewpoints and compositions I’ve used in interpreting these familiar subjects. While many of them are the result of exploring some new places, a lot have also come from revisiting spots and things I’ve painted before. In going thru accumulated files of photographs, I’ve found “the [view] not taken”, to paraphrase Robert Frost’s famous poem –an approach or angle on the subject that I passed up on the first time around. It is so true that our perspective changes with time, and in revisiting these places I found strong painting ideas that hadn’t struck me before. There were also things I really liked but couldn’t figure out how to portray effectively, but now the way to do it came clear.
Arguing against variety would be the fact that half of the paintings have boathouses in them. But fortunately, to most people around here, that’s a good thing! I thought I was running low on attractive vintage boathouses as subjects for my cut-paper pieces, but then one came to mind that was located on the point right across the cove from our summer place. I’ve painted it a number of times, but realized that, while not as elaborate as some, it had good lines, shingled walls, nicely placed windows, and a couple of little covered porches on either side, all of which were wonderful elements for the cut-paper medium. This prompted childhood memories of an ancient cabin cruiser that lived in there and would emerge a couple of times a summer. So I had fun recreating that image in another painting, working completely from these memories, aided by several photos of the actual boat that came into my hands recently from the family. Other paintings look in thru windows and out thru doors of boathouses–and all filled with interesting details inside and out to discover. Several other pieces feature some old “camps” I’ve come across that evoke warm feelings of that wonderful summer lake life that so many of us can connect with.
Fall and winter also play small parts, as do moonlight and morning, crisp deep-colored renderings and softer, more impressionistic takes that make the work so interesting for me, and hopefully for the viewer. At least no one can use the cliché: when they’ve seen one of my paintings, they’ve seen them all!”
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. More than 100 reproductions of his work have been made, including over 70 limited edition prints.
If there is a major weather event, the show will be postponed until Sunday, February 18th beginning at 11 a.m. Peter Ferber’s Gallery Show at The Art Place will be on display through March 3rd 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. Our Winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 to 5. For more information, please call 603 5696159.

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Getting Ready for a Peter Ferber Show

Written by Emily Marsh

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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Exhibits, News

Peter Ferber Gallery Show opening February 18th

Written by Barbara Gibbs

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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Exhibits, News

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

Written by Emily Marsh

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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News

The Art of Tim Campbell

Written by Barbara Gibbs

Tim Campbell identifies with the term of “outsider art”, which was coined by an art critic in 1972 as an English synonym for “art brut”–French, meaning raw art or rough art.  The critic, Roger Cardinal, used this term to describe art created outside the boundaries of official culture.  The term “outsider art” is often applied more broadly to include self-taught or naive art makers.  Campbell’s work reflects his sharp sense of humor, and interest in primitive fork art as well as contemporary political and religious imagery.  His work covers a vast range of subjects, including North American birds, his “Animals as People” series, and folk-style map paintings.  He also loves to create caricature-like portraits, accentuating odd features and stretching proportions to fit the look he wants.  Tim says about his work, “I like anything that’s not right.  I don’t like perfect things.”

Goldfinch

His collection of maps includes one of  Lake Winnipesaukee with our own “Nessy” popping up out of the water.  Tim’s collection of birds includes a robin, cardinal, chickadee, goldfinch, as well as New Hampshire’s own purple Finch. Of course, he has added a loon or two to the collection. This series demonstrate a more specific and detailed approach to his art.  He paints his native New Hampshire fish series in a more Americana style. Having a birthday on October 31st,Tim has made a lot of images relating to the Halloween holiday.  He has an entire series of popular Halloween scenes and images that he has made into cards.  These and other holiday cards go over  very well.  Tim states, “My work is both thought provoking and humorous.   It has taken Folk Art to a new level.”  Tim also creates sculptural pieces. “They are created entirely from recycled wood and metal. Using vintage pieces for my painted furniture gives them a primitive appearance. Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.”             

Lake Winnipesaukee

Tim was born in Keene New Hampshire, and decided to be an artist in second grade when he beat even high schoolers in an art competition. Later on, Campbell actually failed an art class in high school, but didn’t let it kill his passion. Tim’s art career has flourished since then, and his work can be found in galleries around the United States and internationally. In 2010, Campbell was honored with the highest award as a traditional artisan in “The Early American Life” magazine’s Directory of Traditional American Crafts.

Campbell works in his studio in Keene, New Hampshire, with his dog Otis, a Jack Russell terrier who keeps him company while he works, and serves as a muse for this whimsical self-taught artist.

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NH Pen and Ink Artist Gene Matras

Written by Barbara Gibbs

I have admired Gene Matras’ pen and ink artwork ever since I saw him demonstrating at Artists in the Park in Wolfeboro in the mid 1980’s.  The piece he was working on at that time was of a farm perched on top of a hill.  In black and white he captured all the beauty of nature as if he were producing a painting instead of a pen and ink drawing, as if there were a brush in his hand instead of a pen.  His skill showed through in each flowing stroke and the scene became alive.  I thought, what an unbelievably patient person he must be to produce such intricate detailed work.   Fascinated, I then understood why a crowd of people always seems to surround him at his shows.

Gene Matras

Four Horses print by Gene Matras

Gene Matras is an artist who has been blessed with a talent which he has enjoyed for years. The Matras family came to America from Europe in 1960. Born in a log cabin on a farm in Poland during the darkest days of the “Iron Curtain,” Gene was nine years old when he arrived in Manchester, NH with his family. With initial encouragement from his mother, Gene has been drawing since early childhood in the Old Country, and has pursued his craft ever since.

Living in a rural environment in Poland he drew scenes which were familiar to him. Horses, cows, trees, and barns were always his favorite subjects.  When he became a New Hampshire resident he continued with similar themes but with a New England flavor. He has tried other media, but chose pen and ink, which he has developed into a fascinating technique. Drawing and not painting was always his passion even in the Old Country.  He loves the stark contrast of black and white and its clarity. Inspired by natural scenes, wildlife, farms, and a variety of other rural subjects, he concludes that he does not have enough time to put it all on paper.

Living in Pittsfield, NH with his wife where they raised five children, he is surrounded by endless subject material. Gene has not always created art as his career. As a young man, he worked at various jobs until he could get established with his art. Gene went to a vocational college in Manchester, NH for a year to learn the welding trade, but when the instructor saw his artwork, he told him to get out of the school and do art seriously. Gene did just that, and as time went on, Gene became more well-known. His art is now collected by many people.

Gene’s prints are produced from his original drawings by an offset lithography process. He sells his art at shows throughout New England and has acquired much recognition in the area. His prints are also collected abroad.  Gene has a very busy schedule, showing his artwork at various shows, festivals, fairs and events,  as well as art galleries.

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Holiday Art Walk with Madelyn Albee

Written by Emily Marsh

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!

Exhibits, News