Gary Butson Still Life
Opening Friday, April 16, 2004

Lynden Gallery presents exquisite still life paintings in the old masters style, by Gary Butson. An Artist Reception will be held Friday, April 16th from 5:00 to 8:00 at the gallery and will feature classical jazz by the Reese Brothers. The exhibit continues through May 15th.

Gary's work begins with the composition - his joy in creating a small masterpiece on the shelf to begin a painting. Nothing is overlooked for its beauty or interest - a shriveled pear, a crab's claw or an unusually shaped eggplant. Combined with a cotton striped towel and a ceramic, utilitarian bowl, the work of painting begins. In strict detail, Gary applies the oil to paper, capturing each nuance and shadow. "Light is one of the most important things in my paintings, it's just as important as what is being painted," he says. The light is what brings out the surface of an object and places it in the context of the setting - still life with a landscape-like quality. A series of painstakingly applied varnishes are then layered on top, adding depth and luminosity.

A recent change in the presentation of the work, from mats and glass to linen liners and classic gold frames allows the viewer to experience the work on a more intimate level. You can feel Gary's enjoyment in composing his painting subjects. One piece in particular, Eggplant and Shell has an animated quality amidst its classic stage.

  Eggplant and Shell, 11 ½ x 7 oil on paper

Gary is a graduate of Pennsylvania School of the Arts and his work is has been shown at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His work is held in the permanent collection of Hershey Foods Corporation. He lives and works in Maytown.

Lynden Gallery is located in Downtown Elizabethtown and is open Tuesday thru Friday, 9:00-6:00, Saturday 9:00-5:00 and evenings by appointment. Convenient parking is available and the gallery is handicap accessible. For more information, please call 717.367.9236 or refer to our website at www.lyndengallery.com.