From staff reports
A good painting evokes a mood or remembrance of a special visit, vacation, or happening. It graces a wall in order to remind us of a favorite location, and leave us with a “souvenir,” as the French would say. Frank Gorman has painted local scenes that capture bright color and invite us to ponder nature and ease ourselves into these delectable saltwater scenes.
Gorman is Beaufort Art Association’s next featured artist, and his a collection of his coastal landscapes – Blue Horizon – will be the subject of a two-month-long exhibit at Beaufort Art Association from March 1 to April 30.
There is an opening reception to coincide with First Friday on Bay Street from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 4. The exhibit is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
The Lowcountry gives many opportunities to be close to nature and is the frequent subject of Gorman’s paintings. One sees ocean, rivers, marshland, and experiences moving waters and changing tides. Add to this Spartina grasses, Palmetto trees, and sturdy Live Oaks with Spanish moss, and one has a unique landscape of the Lowcountry.
These vast skies are home to Egrets, Osprey, Pelicans, and Seagulls, who soar high and skim low above the changing waters, searching for a variety of delicious seafood, and live in these canvases.
Originally from Chicago and having lived in Indiana, Michigan, Florida, and now South Carolina, Gorman has been a registered Architect for more than 50 years, designing buildings and living/working in more than 20 countries. Since retirement, he volunteers by architecturally designing/master planning schools, universities, and hospitals in developing countries, with Engineering Ministries International, a non-profit agency.
Gorman studied at the University of Illinois, the Art Institute of Chicago, and in France. In retirement, he expanded his love of painting to doing acrylics and oils on canvas. He has produced more than 130 paintings, and sold more than 40. His work is shown in galleries in Michigan and South Carolina.
WANT TO GO?
What: Blue Horizon: A collection of peaceful coastal landscaped by Frank Gorman
Where: Beaufort Art Association, 913 Bay Street, Beaufort
When: March 1 to April 30
Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 4