Located on the popular Newbury Street and in the historic Copley Square, Co|So is proud to be based in Boston. With its art, culture, and picturesque scenery, it is no wonder that many of our Boston-based artists tend to find artistic inspiration from the city itself. From landscapes, to iconic figures, to abstract art, our two shows, “Small Works: Autumn Aura” and “Sense and Essence,” expertly capture Boston’s artistic lure.
Jim Connelly, CA, Beacon Hill Purple. Oil on paper, 11 x 8”
For “Small Works: Autumn Aura,” Copley Artist Jim Connelly painted two famous Boston neighborhoods: Beacon Hill and Fenway. In Beacon Hill Purple, Connelly paints those recognizable yet rare purple windows that can be found around Beacon Hill. By heightening the colors of the purple windows and the red brownstones, Connelly managed to perfectly portray the quirks and charms found on Beacon Hill.
Jim Connelly, CA, Big Papi Thank You. Oil on paper, 8 x 6”
What could be more quintessentially Boston than attending a Red Sox game? Jim Connelly’s Big Papi Thank You (sold), is a salute to the former Red Sox player, David Ortiz (nicknamed “Big Papi”), whose No. 34 jersey was retired this past summer. Connelly’s oil painting does not merely show Big Papi’s banner draped alongside Fenway Stadium, but it shows Boston’s gratitude and pride for him as an exceptional Red Sox player.
Thomas Darsney, Museum Series – MFA Boston. Oil on canvas, 16 x 12”
Boston is also known for its art museums—particularly the MFA, which displays a wide variety of artists, styles, and genres. In his painting, Museum Series – MFA Boston, Thomas Darsney focuses his attention on the Bust of Jules Dalou and its curious onlooker. In this moment, Darsney captures the contemplative atmosphere that the MFA—and all art—fosters.
Dianne Panarelli Miller, CM, Falling Leaves. Oil, 9 x 12.”
The single-most painted Boston landscape in our small works show is the Boston Public Garden. Falling Leaves by Dianne Panarelli Miller, Autumn Light Public Garden by Gary Tucker, and Boston Public Garden by Kristin Stashenko showcase different points of view and styles from each artist. While Gary Tucker and Dianne Panarelli Miller both emphasize the autumnal season in their pieces, Gary Tucker’s watercolor takes neutral colors and an empty Public Garden Footbridge to give off a deep sense of mystery and solitude. This is in contrast to Dianne Panarelli Miller’s light, multicolored landscape, which exudes a welcoming atmosphere.
Gary Tucker, Autumn Light Public Garden. Watercolor, 13 x 15”
Like Gary Tucker’s watercolor, Kristin Stashenko’s Boston Public Garden also shows a scene at the Public Garden Footbridge. But Stashenko’s painting takes place at dusk as people casually walk across the bridge, which is magnificently framed by the Boston city skyline.
Kristin Stashenko, Boston Public Garden. Acrylic, 14 x 14”
Todd Montanaro’s two paintings, Carson Beach Pavilion and Union Church give attention to South Boston and the South End. Carson Beach, located in South Boston, bustles with activity as it attracts many beach-goers every summer. But in his piece devoted to the seaside landscape, Montanaro paints a calm and quiet scene during low tide.
Todd Montanaro, Carson Beach Pavilion. Oil on canvas, 6 x 8”
In Union Church, Montanaro paints the church’s façade in an alluring, heavenly light. This church, located in the South End, has a long history dating back to 1796 when a group of African-Americans began a faith community on Beacon Hill. Since then, Union Church has moved locations repeatedly, but has continued its legacy of social justice.
Todd Montanaro, Union Church. Oil on canvas, 6 x 8”
Gary Tucker chose another famous Boston scene for his watercolor, Autumn Light Kenmore Square (sold). Painted in a wash of blues, this famous street center appears to take place during a light rainfall. Despite the damp weather, Tucker paints the well-known CITGO sign in a beacon of white light.
Gary Tucker, Autumn Light Kenmore Square. Watercolor, 13 x 15”
Not too far from Kenmore Square is Boston’s Back Bay Fens. Mary Hughes’ entire solo show, “Sense and Essence,” is devoted to depicting biological and man-made elements that can be found in this city park. Her abstract piece, Urban Wild, specifically touches on how the Back Bay Fens’ urban and natural landscape come together to make a cohesive whole.
Mary Hughes, CA, Urban Wild. Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36”
Our artist members are wicked talented at painting Boston scenes. See these Boston-themed paintings up close and in person in “Autumn Aura,” on view through November 2nd, and in “Sense and Essence,” on view through October 5th.