‘The Way We See It’ exhibit opens at Artistree

Featuring the artwork of Rae Newell and Lynn VanNatta

April 23-May 22 —S. POMFRET—The Artistree Gallery presents “The Way We See It,” an exhibit of oil paintings by Rae Newell and Lynn VanNatta. As artists, instructors, and friends, Newell and VanNatta share a passion for oil painting and a common interest in depicting the sights and landscapes of Vermont. Their vibrant and accomplished works will be on display in the Gallery at Artistree from April 23-May 22.

Newell and VanNatta met several years ago during the Last Saturday Paint-Outs that VanNatta led at Artistree. She later attended a workshop that Newell led on the technique of underpainting with bold color, which helps to achieve lively surfaces in the finished painting. Both artists enjoy painting en plein air and have shared some exciting encounters with animals and burning tractors while painting outdoors. They compare oil painting tips and techniques frequently and both admire each other’s composition skills and use of color.

The artists were particularly productive during the Covid shut-down. 

“The pandemic freed me up to spend every day in my studio painting,” said VanNatta. “If the news was gloomy and got me down I could escape in my paintings.” 

Some of their works use uplifting subjects and colors to express nostalgia for pre-pandemic days and events like the Tunbridge World Fair, a favorite subject of Newell’s, while other works illuminate the joys of summertime flower gardens and the beauty of the Vermont countryside. A constant in both artists’ work is the way they capture the light through their singular ways with color. 

You can expect to see verdant hills, lush gardens, and maybe a barn or two. It is fascinating to see how these two women paint similar subjects in their unique fashion.

The gallery is located at 2095 Pomfret Road in South Pomfret and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

In addition to our in-person gallery hours, all the works in “The Way We See It” will be available to view on Artistree’s website at artistreevt.org.