Bella Vita: Paintings from Ascoli Piceno

INSPIRING WORKS BY INSPIRING ARTISTS, NO. 3

Only one more week before Bella Vita, the current show in my gallery, comes to an end.

Created in the plein air style, by University of New Hampshire Fine Art Graduates Jason Bombaci (BFA '07) and Kathi Smith (MFA '08), the show is a wonderful combination of works from an art history/art study class they attended in Italy during the summer of 2008.

Detail of Georgia's Window by Jason Bombaci

Pink Balcony by Kathi Smith

In addition to the 28 yummy paintings on display, visitors have also been treated to glimpses inside Smith's journals, which are works of art unto themselves.

A spread from one of Smith's art journals

It seems no one can resist the juxtaposition of Bombaci's warm and cool color palettes and his uncanny ability to portray light and shadow in his works. Or Smith's seemingly effortless and spontaneous brush work in response to changing light. Both artists have sold paintings from the show—six in total, which is remarkable given the current economy. As always, our little non-profit gallery is grateful for the public's show of support for the arts in our community.