Tom Annear

Artist Tom Annear is currently exhibiting his plein air paintings of Chautauqua County at Living Glass Gallery, Westfield.

Many know Annear’s work for his exquisite and typically delicate depiction of nature and his notable representation of sunsets and prepossessing skies. “Paintings of Repose: Exploring Chautauqua County” focuses on the changing light and weather conditions that transform our area throughout the course of the year. His artwork allows the viewer to feel and encounter what it is like to live in Chautauqua County, to indulge in our unpredictable weather, yet love our topography seemingly unconditionally. He admirably depicts the sky, and light in a deliberate approach to make every painting appealing, giving the viewer a place to pause in restful contemplation of memories in having experienced the view of Lake Erie shores or the vineyards and orchards from local farms, and those hikes through the SUNY College Woodlots.

Originally from Alexandria, Va., Annear moved to Fredonia in June 2000. He graduated with a BFA in painting from Rutgers University. His work has shifted from political and abstract pieces to paintings that explore contemporary uses of our environment.

“Over the past 24 years, I have been completing a series of plein air paintings that celebrate the beauty and history of Western New York. Through these works I have sought to capture the unique geography, weather patterns, and natural resources of Chautauqua County and beyond. Increasingly conservation, land-use, and sustainability issues have become central to my work.

Instead of simply recording these landscapes, I’ve allowed the contours of the shoreline, fields, and hills; the trees and vineyards; weather; and the seasonal changes of light and color to inform the works. I hope this exhibit will give viewers insight into both the subtle and dramatic interplays of light and shifts in weather that are happening all around us.”

His artist reception will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Living Glass Gallery, 50 Main St.

For more information, please visit www.LivingGlassGallery.com