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Chester County Press

See a new collection of paintings by Dave Eldreth

07/02/2019 02:09PM ● By Steven Hoffman

The next step in Dave Eldreth’s career arrives this weekend with the opening of his new studio space at 4351 Forge Road in Oxford.

On July 6 and 7 from noon to 5 p.m., the studio – set in the middle of panoramic landscape views – will be showcasing new paintings and a new series of affordable prints.

Eldreth's open-ended and dreamy abstract paintings are about as far as possible from the traditional pottery he produced over his long career with Eldreth Pottery. These contemplations of sky, earth and horizon – or whatever else they suggest to you – work in all sizes, from the smaller format, about the size of an LP cover, to the sort of statement pieces that would be the focal point of even the biggest room.

They work so well because they allow each viewer to make a connection with a place or a memory. Some people might see distant mountains under a brooding sky, while others could see a stormy ocean. And Eldreth isn't giving any clues. The works are merely numbered, not titled.

It's a testament to the appeal of the dreamscapes that you see more in them the longer you look. You'll need to bring your imagination to them, but you'll be rewarded with maybe a dozen little trips to your favorite places. Silent, calm and introspective, these paintings are a soothing balm for hectic daily life.

In his artist’s statement, Eldreth writes, “My work has evolved from realism to impressionism, and now to a semi-abstract style, appealing to an emotional response rather than the subjective. I make simple expressions of more complex emotions, expressing the inexpressible – similar to haiku. The essence of the work is between the canvas and the viewer. Some work has a soothing mystical, or ethereal appeal, while others are more experimental color studies.

“My landscapes consist of two planes with minimal detail divided by a horizon suggestion. The spaces are filled with color and light, starting with the basic forms of black and white, or dark color. I then layer paint in multiple layers of acrylic color, working generally from dark to light. The layering creates a certain luminosity, and deeper richness to the final color. Some of the colors seem to have a light from within. I use soft transitional edges to add to the subtle mystery, drawing the viewer into the work.”

For more information, visit http://daveeldreth.com.

Also featured at the open house will be fine jewelry by Eldreth’s daughter, Diana. Visit http://eldrethdesigns.com or call 1-484-702-9714.