By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The gallery at Bookplace in Oxford pops with color this month for “Fur, Feathers and Furlongs,” a solo exhibit of animal-themed paintings by Reenie Chase.

Her subjects – animals, birds and equestrian action – share a lively spirit and a sense of humor, particularly in the titles of the works.

Several horse racing oils have an immediacy and drama, especially the mounted polo players in “Blue Team,” and the headlong rush to the finish in “Winner By A Nose!”

Among Chase's views of barnyard animals, “Traffic Jam” (a fun closeup of wooly sheep packed together) and “Cow Gossip” (two cows with inquisitive expressions) get the most character out of their subjects. “Night Watchman,” a nighttime view of an owl on a shadowy branch, has a nice touch of mystery. Chase's view of two crows, titled “Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?”, gets to the essence of scraggly feathers and piercing gazes.

“Meerkat Love” is a cute addition, and Chase's views of people with their horses have a special sensitivity to the subject matter.

Taken as a whole, the show offers nicely rendered portraits of animals both domestic and wild, with some deft brushwork that keeps the mood consistently light and inviting.

“Fur, Feather and Furlongs,” by Reenie Chase, continues at Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) through June 18. The gallery and book shop is open Friday through Sunday. Visit www.bookplaceoxford.com for more information.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].