Grants Pass Museum of Art
SIX BY SIX, Group Exhibition
January 18, 2022 – February 19, 2022
Acrylic on Canvas
Plein Air Painting
6" x 6" x 1.5"
Brian Testa, 2022
Group Exhibition
Grants Pass, Oregon
January 18, 2022 – February 19, 2022
In the creation of my petite en plein air landscape, a mere 6 inches by 6 inches, I invite viewers to join me on a journey into the heart of nature—the Massapequa Preserve. This small yet vibrant piece captures the essence of a moment suspended in time, painted en plein air to encapsulate the immediacy and authenticity of the experience.
The Massapequa Preserve, with its tranquil waters, lush foliage, and harmonious interplay of light and shadow, serves as both muse and subject. Each brushstroke becomes a love letter to the natural beauty that unfolds within this oasis, a celebration of the delicate balance between the organic and the meticulously crafted.
Working within the constraints of a miniature canvas, I was challenged to distill the expansive beauty of the Preserve into a small, intimate space. Every stroke is deliberate, capturing the play of sunlight on leaves, the reflection in the water, and the intricate details of the landscape that might otherwise be overlooked in a grander composition.
The size of the artwork invites viewers to lean in, to engage intimately with the scene before them. In this miniature world, the Massapequa Preserve becomes a microcosm of serenity, offering a momentary escape from the hustle of daily life. The small scale challenges preconceptions about the grandeur of traditional landscapes, highlighting the profound beauty found in the minutiae of the natural world.
As the artist, I aim to convey not just a visual representation but a sensory experience—a breath of fresh air, the rustle of leaves, the subtle scent of nature. This plein air piece serves as a portal, transporting viewers to the serene landscapes of Massapequa Preserve, allowing them to momentarily step into the tranquility of this natural haven.
Through this miniature plein air exploration, I hope to inspire a deep appreciation for the beauty that exists in our local environments and encourage a connection to the landscapes that surround us. In the simplicity of a 6x6 inch canvas, the Massapequa Preserve comes alive, inviting viewers to savor the beauty of nature in its most intimate and authentic form.
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