Using small, loose brush strokes and numerous layers of paint that he reworks over time, Paquette creates richly colored and textured compositions that appear to glow with light. The subjects of his paintings are often rooted in his many travels throughout North America and Europe. Paquette is inspired by the vastly varying landscapes of his journeys: swirling, silvery rivers and tall, thick pines; sun-dappled forest paths; a quiet, rural countryside bathed in golden sunlight. The artist explains:
"I travel far for my work as a self-appointed appreciator of nature. The paintings in this show are inspired by places I’ve been. Some of my images come from the northern wilds or farmlands that may look familiar to viewers, but some of these landscapes were discovered in Europe. I do not paint simply to relive a place or a moment in time that appealed to me, but to live again a journey of discovery that is a large part of each successful painting. You might think that after twenty-four years of painting full-time, this could be done in my sleep. Instead, the painting process is more engaging as time goes on, like any good adventure-filled journey."
The artist will be present at the opening reception Friday, June 1 from 5-8 pm. This opening reception and exhibition run concurrently with The Clearest Way, a three-person exhibition of paintings, prints and sculpture in the Annex.
