The Gilmore Art Center will open an exhibition of Colorado conceptual realist artist Michael Charron's work at its Denver location on November 17, 2014. The opening reception for "Pictorial Essays from Colorado Journeys 2014" will take place on Thursday, November 20 from 4-8pm, featuring over forty new paintings by the artist, refreshments, and live music.

"Pictorial Essays from Colorado Journeys 2014" is a group of scenes painted in Colorado, particularly within and around the Zirkel Wilderness. The artist, Michael Charron, accessed the Zirkel Wilderness backcountry via llamas throughout the summer of 2014 in order to develop alla prima, plein air paintings of scenes accessible by foot travel only. Charron also travelled between Crested Butte and Aspen in July, painting the wilderness landscape, and captured the Zirkel Wilderness area again during the pinnacle of fall. In these works the artist utilizes his unique, multilayered technical and spiritual approach to exploring and documenting nature.

Charron says, "I consider myself a realist working in the honored tradition of "plein air", which simply means that I work outdoors, on an easel, from direct observation."

Though he primarily focuses on the Zirkel Wilderness area, he continues, saying "I have painted within a number of Colorado wilderness areas, offering to the landscape collector views rarely scene and probably never painted. During these pack trips I make dozens of alla prima vignettes along with ink/pencil drawings that feature notations of colorways, value systems and events. In addition to the handmade references I take photographs to employ, during the winter months, when I create larger studio paintings."

Charron adds a spiritual element to his works, saying "Specifically, my traditionally approached landscape paintings are imbued with subliminal affirmations, or prayers, cursively written then masked by the organic nature of the paint application. My paintings, or “Sensory Communions” as I refer to them, are vehicles for my participation into the cultural value of enlightenment."

Charron has been the recipient of several awards and grants throughout his career. After completing a BFA in Sculpture, Charron turned his focus to painting, especially plein air in and inspired by remote wilderness settings. His works can be found in one museum and many private and corporate collections throughout Colorado, and he is currently represented by Valley Fine Art in Aspen. 

The exhibition will be open from November 17 through December 20 at the Gilmore Art Center, located at 2119 Curtis Street, Denver, Colorado 80205. For more information, visit www.michaelcharron.com or contact the Gilmore Art Center at 303.308.1270.