On April 28, 2021

‘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. 

By Lynn VanNatta
More Laundry

“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.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Thinking spring this fall

October 30, 2024
By Deborah J. Benoit, Extension Master Gardener, University of Vermont Fall foliage color has peaked, and leaves are falling. Temperatures are dropping, and it’s time to put the garden to bed. It is also a perfect opportunity to prepare for spring. What you do this fall can provide significant benefits when the garden wakes up…

Vermont communities can help hurricane-affected pets

October 23, 2024
By Kerry McKeel, Best Friends Animal Society With the devastation wrought in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee due to Hurricane Helene and more damage anticipated from Hurricane Milton, Best Friends Animal Society urges Americans to foster or adopt from local shelters and rescue groups to make room for incoming dogs and cats from impacted areas. “This…

Fall Insect Pests

October 23, 2024
By Ann Hazelrigg, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Vermont     When the weather turns cold, four common insect invaders may appear uninvited in your home. None of them breed in the house or cause any damage to humans, pets, food items, or structures. These nuisance pests are looking for a warm, protected place to overwinter…

New Vermont fluorescent lightbulb restrictions begin in 2024

November 22, 2023
  Starting Jan. 1, 2024, a new state law will prohibit the sale of specific mercury-containing fluorescent lightbulbs in Vermont. Restrictions include the sale of general purpose, indoor/outdoor, residential, and business mercury-containing four-foot linear, compact fluorescent, and twist-based fluorescent lightbulbs. Twist-based (GU-24) Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) are also restricted from sale, according to a Nov. 14 news…