Artists’ Reception: Kneeland Gallery, Friday, March 8, 5–7.30 p.m.
A native of Hailey, Idaho, and now residing in Montana, Caleb Meyer has always enjoyed the rugged beauty the Northwest has to offer. A graduate of Boise State University, he continued his education through an apprenticeship with renowned artist Robert Moore. Meyer compares his time in Moore’s studio to the laying of a strong foundation. “The painting process is like building a house; a painter must understand the principles of design to create a strong painting, and much like a carpenter must understand the principles of architecture to build a strong house.” Meyer is now an established artist in his own right and is featured in public and private collections nationwide.
Silas Thompson has quickly become a familiar name amongst our collectors. On annual backpacking trips with his father, he began to treasure the distinct birthmarks and icons of beautiful rivers, valleys and mountains that carve through the high desert and farmlands of the West. His desire to create work that evokes a memory continues to be a driving force, which pushes Silas to be innovative in his choice of subject matter and composition. Thompson’s work also shows the influence of his mentor, Robert Moore, through his use of textural brushwork and vivid color.
Bart Walker paints the allure of the wild land. He uses oil sketches done in the field to recollect nature’s beauty on the finished canvas. His radiant plein-air paintings are reminiscent of the early California impressionist landscapes, alive with deft brushwork and nuances of light. He and his wife Tracy have made their home in the dramatic setting of Teton Valley, which forms the inspiration for much of his work.