Quiet Glances: Considering the Subtle Gesture: Oil Paintings by Claire Hardy

Quiet Glances: Considering the Subtle Gesture

Oil Paintings by Claire Hardy

September 15, 2011 (Coraopolis, Pennsylvania).Gentle, yet powerful images emerge in this new collection of figurative oil paintings by popular Pittsburgh artist Claire Hardy. She demonstrates her mastery of the painterly brush once again in these compelling feminine compositions. "Quiet Glances" opening reception is Thursday, September 29, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at The House of Two Sisters Gallery (507 Beaver Street in Sewickley). It will also be the feature exhibit there for the Sewickley Fall Gallery Walk (www.sewickleyartsinitiative.org) on Friday, September 30 and will remain on view through October 14, with a closing reception planned for that evening.

With an eye to the aesthetic of classicism, Claire Hardy brings a fresh and honest attitude to her paintings and continues to discover contemporary combinations of color. "With this series, I strive to reach a new level of competence in figure painting while uncovering new contrasts in my palette of vibrant reds to smoky grays. This collection particularly allows me to explore the sense of the immediate found in the works of Degas, Morisot and Cassatt. Subtle poses, gestures and fleeting moments are meant to permeate the work."

"Quiet Glances" evokes contemplative mini-scenarios that invite the viewer to imagine the character's non-verbal intentions. Shakespeare wrote, "Imagination bodies forth the forms of things unknown . the poet's pen turns them into shape;" or, in this case, the painter's brush. After all, doesn't the best art engage the viewer in active thought, thus allowing him/her to participate in the animation of the artist's intent?

Claire Hardy's portfolio can be viewed at www.clairehardy.com. Her works can also be seen locally at Galerie Werner at the Mansions on Fifth in Shadyside as well as at The House of Two Sisters in Sewickley. She is available for commissions and invites visitors to her Open Studio every 2nd Friday of the month at Studio C, 845 Fourth Avenue in Coraopolis. For more information about "Quiet Glances", contact 412-567-2707 or e-mail your questions to <mailto:art@clairehardy.com; art@clairehardy.com.

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The Pittsburgh Art Blog

The Pittsburgh Art Blog features selected pittsburgh artists and upcoming exhibits with photos from the artists and galleries. since the major press outlets do not go beyond a directory listing of exhibits, blogs are needed to promote pittsburgh artists and their work. the blog also calls attention to the inferiority complex of pittsburgh art and how it's perpetuated by the major players in town. Started on August 20,2007. pittsburgh area galleries and art venues are listed at the sister site www.PghGalleries.com.

the blog and website are volunteer projects from fine art photographer and pittsburgh artist advocate rick byerly.