As seen in the July 2010 issue of

As seen in the July 2010 issue of

UPCOMING GROUP SHOW Up to 30 works July 2-18, 2010 Galleries West Fine Art 70 S. Glenwood Jackson, WY 83001 (307) 733-4412 Connections I n July, Galleries West Fine Art in Jackson, Wyoming, presents a two-person show featuring new works by Jennifer L. Hoffman and D. Lee. Titled Connections, the work in the show explores relationships between the artists, nature, the viewer and more. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. with both artists present to discuss their work. As gallery owner Debbie Bunch describes, At first glance the two artists styles are very distinct. Lee paints domestic animals, people, and wildlife in an earthy palette. She paints directly, often in one sitting (alla prima), using active brushwork and simplified backgrounds to focus on the energy and spirit of the subject. Hoffman focuses on intimate and quiet moments in the landscape. Using a subdued palette and soft edges, she will often work back into a painting multiple times, sometimes putting a piece away for months before pulling it out again to finish. The idea for Connections began with a discussion between Hoffman and Lee. D. was telling me that she had this concept of relationships for a series of works, specifically the relationships between humans and animals, says Hoffman. From there, the two artists began talking about how art can be a link in a series of relationships. The gallery was considering a show for the two of us, and it seemed interesting to me in that light. I didn t think most people would see our work as very related, and yet we feel very connected by our love of art and nature. To me, art-making is really a series of connections, from the initial emotional affinity I feel with a subject to my interaction with the materials as I create a painting. The act of picture-making ties SHOW LOCATION JACKSON, WY JENNIFER L. HOFFMAN AND D. LEE Jennifer L. Hoffman, Allegory, pastel on mounted paper, 16 x 12" 154

D. Lee, In the Meadow, oil on linen, 30 x 40" Jennifer L. Hoffman, This Dark, Fertile Land, oil on mounted linen, 12 x 24" 155

Jennifer L. Hoffman, The Shortest Day of the Year, pastel on mounted paper, 18 x 24" The Gallery Says... I think one of the reasons for their continued success with collectors is that they both paint what they know intimately. I m excited to see it all hung together. Debbie Bunch, owner, Galleries West Fine Art me to other artists both now and throughout history. And the artwork itself is a vehicle for connection to other people, which is the ultimate goal of my painting, explains Hoffman. Lee agrees. Every painting is a tremendous possibility, says Lee. I love being reminded of a place or a time, or of the joy an animal brings to me. I want to make great paintings that do that for someone else. I love being on the farm with all of my dogs, horses, cats and wildlife. I know other animal people out there get it by their reaction to some of my pieces. That s always very rewarding. For Connections, Hoffman has included paintings of places to which she has some emotional connection, with many of the subtle, atmospheric landscape scenes located within 10 miles of her home in Jackson. A couple of the paintings are special spots ingrained in my memory from childhood, says Hoffman. Pastorale is one of those paintings. A specific spot inspires it, but I think it has a certain universality it could be nearly anywhere. You might notice that about many of the subjects I choose. They are specific to me, but not necessarily recognizable as.pa particular place. A member of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters, Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, Hoffman began painting in plein air 156

D. Lee, Sundown, oil on linen, 12 x 9" when she first moved to Jackson 14 years ago. Since becoming a mother, she spends more time in the studio, though she still gets out in the field regularly. The Shortest Day of the Year is an example of a more visual and visceral connection with the landscape, says Hoffman. It developed from a 20-minute field study painted just down the road from my house on a 7-degree day this past winter. I spotted the last light of the day hitting the mountain behind this iced-over section of the Snake River and literally ran my car off the road. I only had pastels in the car but you can t wear winter gloves and use pastel. My fingers went completely numb trying to capture that fading light, and it really felt like the shortest (and coldest) day ever! A horsewoman and thoroughbred trainer, Lee began painting after taking a one-day workshop when she was 29. Her work has been included in the American Academy of Equine Art Fall Show, the Richard Schmid Art Auction, the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, the Master Foxhounds of America Traveling Exhibition, and the Phippen Museum Fine Art Show. A popular quick draw artist, she has been participating in the Jackson Hole Quick Draw since 2003 and set the record for high sales at the Phippen Museum Quick Draw in 2007. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America. The inspiration behind these works ties into relationships and connections. Animals have always been such an integral part of my life; they are such a part of who I am, says Lee from her home in the bluegrass country of Kentucky with husband Tim and their five thoroughbred horses. I know I, and others that know me, cannot imagine myself without animals. So when I started painting, they are what I wanted to paint. Whether I am in a field of mares and foals, or in the mountains waiting for a glimpse of something wild, that is where I am definitely happiest and most at peace. They are all so uniquely beautiful, and I try to capture even a small part of that. Both Hoffman and Lee have been represented by Galleries West since its doors opened. I think one of the reasons for their continued success with collectors is that they both paint what they know intimately, adds Bunch. They communicate that personal connection in their work and people are touched by that honesty. I m excited to see it all hung together. For a direct link to the exhibiting gallery go to www.westernartcollector.com D. Lee, Your Move, oil on linen, 14 x 18" 157