An ode to the Catskills at Jerico

CALLICOON, NY — There will be an exhibit of the paintings of Jay Brooks, “Catskill Scenes,” at Jerico Fine Arts Gallery from April 29 through May 20. The artist’s reception, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 29, will feature plenty of finger food and a large selection of wines.

Brooks documents the Catskill region much as the Hudson School did the Hudson River Valley. He grew up in Sullivan County on an 88-acre farm and expresses his love of the land and nature through his art. He started painting at the age of 14, with his early mentors being Charles Movalli and the British “maestro” John Piesley.

When Brooks works in opaque mediums such as oils and pastels, he starts with a broad umber earth tone as a platform. He then layers basic colors on top to build up a rich surface of colored marks. Up close, one can see the versatile vocabulary of brushwork that he uses to capture the many textures found in nature. When looking at Brooks’ work from a distance, the marks and colors merge together to form the brilliant light and atmosphere found in nature.

For further information call 845/887-5990 or email: jerry@jericogallery.com.