Current and Coming Exhibits
"Finding Venetian Angels," the Paintings of Cherry Sweig
“High Altar Echoes” San Giorgio Maggiore, 16thc Benedictine Church. This painting depicts my viewpoint below the High Altar by Andrea Palladio in 1566. Life-sized deep hued angelic sculptures reflect and surround the bronze globe. 36x36” Oils on Canvas
The most recent major exhibition at Gallery by-the-Sea was of Cherry Sweig's paintings done in Venice, Italy, fall of 2019, under the theme entitled "Finding Venetian Angels." The exhibition opened with a reception February 28 and was to continue through April 12. Despite closing early because of COVID-19 restrictions, the show was enthusiastically received and well attended. Gallery hours are temporarily suspended due to the Coronavirus restrictions. See normal gallery hours below when we return. The artist offers this personal look into her trip and the wellspring of her paintings.
Finding Venetian Angels
by Cherry Sweig
A spirited shadow cast over the dome of St Mark’s Basilica caught my eye. It was an angel’s likeness, echoing with emotion, that has stayed with me since I first saw it in 1984. I wondered about its origin up on the roof. Last September, I returned to charismatic Venice with an easel, a watercolor journal and my intuition, dedicated to an angelic quest.
Surely, depictions of angels were evident in the obvious sites. A virtuosity of art, history and a unique relationship with the sea are abundant in Venice. I headed out each day into the six Venetian districts without a strategy. I was open to embrace what would simply come to me. Getting lost, by design, disclosed treasures from an artist’s perspective. And angelic imagery began to unveil in extraordinary themes.
I returned to St Mark’s rooftop to follow shadows and sketch the architecture in my journal. Inside the Basilica, I gazed up at the ceiling mosaics and through glowing prayer candles. Light rebounded, suggesting wings and radiant shapes. All of these were ideal to translate from my watercolors to oil paintings.
Finding Venetian Angels
by Cherry Sweig
A spirited shadow cast over the dome of St Mark’s Basilica caught my eye. It was an angel’s likeness, echoing with emotion, that has stayed with me since I first saw it in 1984. I wondered about its origin up on the roof. Last September, I returned to charismatic Venice with an easel, a watercolor journal and my intuition, dedicated to an angelic quest.
Surely, depictions of angels were evident in the obvious sites. A virtuosity of art, history and a unique relationship with the sea are abundant in Venice. I headed out each day into the six Venetian districts without a strategy. I was open to embrace what would simply come to me. Getting lost, by design, disclosed treasures from an artist’s perspective. And angelic imagery began to unveil in extraordinary themes.
I returned to St Mark’s rooftop to follow shadows and sketch the architecture in my journal. Inside the Basilica, I gazed up at the ceiling mosaics and through glowing prayer candles. Light rebounded, suggesting wings and radiant shapes. All of these were ideal to translate from my watercolors to oil paintings.
“Angelic Shadows” St Mark’s Basilica Italo-Byzantine Cathedral. Climbing up to the rooftop provides spectacular views. Walking around to the left, one is eye-to-eye with the domes, sculptures and spires. It feels as if you are immersed into the intricate architecture. As I stood in awe, the angel’s silhouette cast all the way down to my feet. 36x36” Oils on Canvas
In the Galleria dell'Accademia, I studied the gold-leafing and authentic pigments of Byzantine Art. Just outside, similar fluid hues reflected from the water of the Grand Canal were enchanting. I purchased the pigments and sheets of gold after learning these masterful techniques.
And at St. George’s Anglican Church service on St. Michael's Day, more inspiration came. I am convinced that hearing The Rev. Canon Bradshaw’s sermon was not by chance. He described from his own experience that angels can be anyone, anywhere & anything. When we were introduced, he graciously gave me his copy of the sermon for this exhibition.
Back in my La Jolla studio, Venetian angels re-emerged in twenty oil paintings. The main gallery will showcase ten larger pieces with angelic images either evident or hidden for the viewer to locate. The library space will demonstrate how I found my subjects. To look up, over, through, upon, forward and backward was how I found the miraculous. For me, the search revealed itself as the main theme of the journey.
Gallery Hours: (Suspended)
Each Sunday After church services Art Demos throughout the exhibition.
Wednesdays: 12:30-3:00 pm
Saturdays: 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Sundays: 8:30-10:00 am & 11:00 am-2:00 pm
and by appointment
An original oil painting, selected by the artist, will be offered through an Auction.
Art proceeds: A percentage will be donated to St.James and The Episcopal Community Services Art Classes.
For Art Info List and more: www.cherrysweig.com
And at St. George’s Anglican Church service on St. Michael's Day, more inspiration came. I am convinced that hearing The Rev. Canon Bradshaw’s sermon was not by chance. He described from his own experience that angels can be anyone, anywhere & anything. When we were introduced, he graciously gave me his copy of the sermon for this exhibition.
Back in my La Jolla studio, Venetian angels re-emerged in twenty oil paintings. The main gallery will showcase ten larger pieces with angelic images either evident or hidden for the viewer to locate. The library space will demonstrate how I found my subjects. To look up, over, through, upon, forward and backward was how I found the miraculous. For me, the search revealed itself as the main theme of the journey.
Gallery Hours: (Suspended)
Each Sunday After church services Art Demos throughout the exhibition.
Wednesdays: 12:30-3:00 pm
Saturdays: 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Sundays: 8:30-10:00 am & 11:00 am-2:00 pm
and by appointment
An original oil painting, selected by the artist, will be offered through an Auction.
Art proceeds: A percentage will be donated to St.James and The Episcopal Community Services Art Classes.
For Art Info List and more: www.cherrysweig.com
“Heaven’s Halo” I set up my gear early in anticipation of the sunset over the spirited Venetian Lagoon. Then a boat blocked my view, so I moved to another bridge much lower, with this serendipitous view of the heavenly glow. 36x36” Oils on Canvas
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Plein Air painting dusk to dark on the Accademia Bridge. Using my watercolors,
I was able to quickly capture the color of the sky as it changed. My studio-made easel is a lightweight set-up so I can stand, draw & paint while taking up very little space in a crowded area.
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