The current show at the Providence Art Club features the work of an Art Club founder, self-taught 19th century colorist Charles Walter Stetson. Working in oils and water colors this Tiverton native had studios in California as well as Rome where he lived out his last years. From a profile at the Bert Gallery,
Stylistically the Barbizon School had a definite effect on Stetson’s early work, but he soon moved away from earth tones toward the use of vibrant colors.
In making the decision to use a more colorful palette Stetson hoped his landscapes would become a spiritual experience. Although, Stetson’s style differed from his fellow artists he continued to paint mystical and romantic landscape scenes. In his lifetime he achieved recognition as an innovative and significant American painter.
The Providence Art Club Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours on the weekend are 2pm to 4pm. Monday through Friday the hours are noon to 4pm, but this show is hanging where people eat lunch and is best viewed after 2pm. The show should run through the end of the year. (The real name of this painting is not ‘Woman in White’ but I forgot to write it down.)
Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, 331.1114