Jody Mattison, Evening Light
I’m not generally drawn to realistic painting because if I wanted to look at realistic art, I would look at a photograph. But Jody Mattison’s work at the Epperson Gallery caught me off gaurd.
I’m not sure why I’m taken with her paintings, perhaps because the people she paints are ordinary people. They look like people I know. Maybe they’re people she knows. Her work make me think of the early 20th century realists like Edward Hopper though her style is different.
I like the color palette she uses. It’s clean, rich and bright. It feels natural. Her work has simplicity to it that betrays the difficulty of painting in the style of realism. And though the subjects feel posed, the poses are unpretenious.
Perhaps I’m drawn to her work because it suggests to me that it’s possible to capture the beauty, color, and dignity of ordinary life through the ancient and venerable art of painting. Camera be damned.
Hi Joshua,
I was vainly googling myself this morning and came up with your article. How nice of you! I really appreciate your thoughts on my work. It is encouraging to have people appreciate and understand my direction in art.
I read a few of your poems, they were quite enjoyable. Are you part of the poetry group in Crockett, along with Sherry Sheehan? Crockett is charming, and a perfect place for art and poetry.
Anyway, thank you for your post!
I’m glad that your vanity lead you to reach out to me. The best kind of curious self-interest is the kind that starts new conversations.
I’m not a part of any poetry group. It’s good to hear about the one in Crockett. I’m just laboring away in the wee hours of the morning by myself.
My wife and I love Crockett. A charming, relaxed place to hang out.