John Newcomb’s art exhibition, “Journey,” a career of painting exploration, opens at Wilton Library Friday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. “Ocean Deep II” (acrylic, 2010) is one of the more than 90 paintings that will be on exhibit through Oct. 30 in the one-man show. The reception is free and open to the public. Proceeds from sales benefit the library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT, www.wiltonlibrary.org, 203-762-3950.
Wilton, CT - Art enthusiasts are invited to take a “Journey” with John Newcomb’s exhibition opening Friday, October 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wilton Library. With eye-popping color and dramatic images, the exhibition on display throughout October rivals Nature’s annual autumnal color burst. Mr. Newcomb’s showcase is an exploration of his work over the past 25 years, in which he has expanded his range, experimenting with style and color. According to the artist, “I use lots of color and I work in several styles, a method given legitimacy by Picasso and Matisse. Most of my early work is figurative, but lately I’ve discovered the pleasures of abstraction and experimentation.” He expects to have close to 100 pieces in this one-man show. The reception is free and open to the public.
Mr. Newcomb has been living in Fairfield County for the past 40 years. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, where he began drawing at the tender age of 2. He received his BFA in illustration at Kansas University, and then spent a year at the Royal Academy of Art in London on a Rotary Fellowship where he earned a National Design Diploma. He spent the next thirty years as an art director of magazines for such companies as Time, Inc. and The New York Times —but painting was always his passion. His paintings are now in private collections in most parts of the United States.
John credits many artists as influencers of his works. He recently noted, “I’m a student of western art and I gratefully admit to several influences—for form: Giotto, Chagall, Rouault, Picasso, Wyeth, and Minoan sculpture—for color: Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Derain and Kandinsky.” In describing his process, John references Picasso as a way of explaining his methods, “Picasso mentioned the “conversation between picture and artist.” I’m aware of the shifting needs of a painting as I’m working and I try to stay alert to these changes. This “dialogue” is a major source of satisfaction and creative renewal—and a way to avoid overusing a few favorite tricks.”
Mr. Newcomb was a lecturer in New York’s Publishing Week program and wrote a book on developing visual ideas for designers and editors. The book, The Book of Graphic Problem Solving (Bowker 1984), was used as a reference in art schools across the country. His local shows have included The Carriage Barn in New Canaan, The Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, two one-man shows at the Labriola Gallery in Stamford, and numerous shows mounted by the Loft Artists Association during the last four years in Stamford.
The exhibition runs through Sunday, Oct. 30. A portion of the proceeds from sales of his works benefits the library. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. The hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 10 – 8; Fridays, 10 – 6, Saturdays, 10 – 5 and Sundays, 1 – 5. The library will be closed on Monday, Oct. 10 for Columbus Day. For information or directions, please visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213.
