Alexandria Couch, Mixed Media, Big Yellow Taxi

Painting and drawing always have been primary modes of expression. Painters often make an initial drawing on a surface, using graphite or charcoal, as a starting point to begin to envision their works. Since drawing produces lines, it is important to keep the mindset of a painter and allow other things to emerge. Painters traditionally rely on shapes, value and color to define their work, instead of the line of the draftsman—another topic in itself. One way of keeping the attitude of a painter is to use a brush and make things soluble. Whether by spreading pastel with a wet solution, or a watercolor underpainting, acrylic, oil or another wet start, that soon achieves the painterly aesthetic.

Threshold/Drawn to Paint features an array of wonderful artists taking risks and celebrating the tensions between these two approaches. The artists Anna Arnold, Lizzi Aronhalt, Davon Brantley, Ian Burleson, Alexandria Couch, Ryan Craycraft, Sarah Curry, Todd Hoak, Mark Howard, Morgan Mansfield, Lauren McKenzie, and Dan Miller explore these intersections with portraits, interiors, abstracts, and still-lifes that speak to the diversity of both the ease and tensions embodied in their work. Both approaches create richly tactile surfaces that contribute to the development and vitality of their work.

THRESHOLD/DRAWN TO PAINT | APRIL 3-JUNE 26

PLEIN AIR IN THE YARDS | NOON-3PM SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Come paint and draw in the YARDS.

Artists interested in participating, please RSVP to Liz Maugans at yardsprojects@gmail.com.