BRAD STROMAN colored pencil drawings - March 13 thru April 22, 2009 at Lynden Gallery

LYNDEN GALLERY is pleased to present a series of colored pencil drawings, circa 1998, by BRAD STROMAN. The work will be exhibited from March 13 thru April 22, 2009. The gallery will also feature small oil paintings by STEVE WEITZEL on the front wall, and watercolors by PETER SCULTHORPE in the upper gallery. An exhibition of work by JAMES BRIGHT is on display at the Zug Memorial Gallery at Elizabethtown College.

AWARD-WINNING COLORED PENCIL, this collection of works from Brad Stroman’s private archives was completed in the 1980’s and 90’s. Known more recently for his Zen-inspired acrylic paintings, this earlier work honed his environmental philosophy and expression of care for a planet in jeopardy. In meticulous detail, these drawings underscore a remark by Georgia O’Keefe, “when you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment.” It is that “intimate moment” Brad has continually sought to put on paper.

IN THE EARLY 1970’s, Stroman first looked upon colored pencil as a legitimate artist’s tool, not just for use in quick studies and renderings for a serious painting. “For years, I, as well as others, had viewed it as a ‘second class citizen’ in the artist’s studio,” he observed. Experimentation led to a technique of burnishing color layer over other color layer, to create the beautiful surface qualities and exquisite detailing found in nature. His passion for collecting antiques, studying history, and traveling has provided Stroman with a plethora of subject matter. Primitive cupboards with peeling paint, duck decoys, old buckets, baskets and stoneware became his favorite images, but even then, a dried leaf, a piece of fruit, or a feather would make their way into the composition.

THE COLORED PENCIL SOCIETY of America provided Stroman with the opportunity to exhibit his work all over the country, and he was given “Signature Member” status in 1999. His work was published in numerous national publications including Art in America Magazine, American Artist Magazine, and the Best of Colored Pencil, volumes I and II. He received the coveted “Prismacolor Award for Outstanding Recognition” in 1998, chosen from 750 entries, exhibited at the Elipse Gallery in Arlington, Virginia. In 2002 he received the Colored Pencil Society of America, 5-year Merit Award, and the Strathmore Paper Company Award for Excellence, in Fort Worth, Texas.

CLEANING OUT FOR A MOVE to Black Mountain, North Carolina this winter, Stroman offered his personal archives to Lynden Gallery proprietor, Lisa Clemens. “This work,” she says, “simply conveys Brad’s message in a different language – his medium of choice has changed, but the message has not.” In Stroman’s own words, “it is through this intimate interaction between my work and the viewer that I hope a stronger understanding develops concerning our imperiled environment’s struggle against the daily ravages of man.” Will the move south create an opportunity to express this concern through yet another medium? “I can’t wait,” says Lisa.

LYNDEN GALLERY features central Pennsylvania’s largest Fine Art Gallery, offering Custom Framing, Art and Interior Design Consultation to a discerning clientele. Located at 117 South Market Street, in Downtown Elizabethtown’s original Fire Hall, the gallery is open Tuesday thru Saturday 9:00 to 5:00. Evening hours are available by appointment. Directions can be found on the gallery website, www.lyndengallery.com, or by calling 717-367-9236. The gallery is handicap accessible and offers convenient parking.