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| Casey Child’s self portrait |
I have been on the road in Utah the last few days and had a little extra time to stop into the Springville Museum of Art in Springville, Utah. If you ever have the chance to go to this wonderful museum, don’t miss it. Springville is not a large town, but it is big on art. It is nicknamed ‘Art City’ and I have seen some amazing works there over the years.
Today was no exception. I went there to see the show titled “Face-off: Portraits by Casey Childs”. If you aren’t familiar with Casey’s work then I am happy to introduce you. His work has a wonderful immediacy and ease to it. It never looks labored or forced, but lively and spontaneous. Casey is equally at ease painting alla prima as he is creating more developed work following the academic tradition of creating a series of studies escalating to the final canvas.
Casey continues to gain a broad audience and recognition for his work. I will resist my usual long winded writing and let his work take the front seat. Enjoy.
This painting (above) might be my favorite piece from the show. I love the simplicity of it as well as the large shapes of the hair and neck. Her profile and mouth are a great mix of angles and curves.
Casey did a series of drawings of influential figures. There were quite a few on display and many more in a book.
Memories, I was in a few of their Spring Salon and other shows. Vern Swanson was running things. I'm not sure if he's still a part of it. They really have a beautiful space.
Awesome portraits. I really like how 'calm' they are. While we are on this subject. Does anybody know some more good portrait drawing info? I'm following Loomis heads and hand book at the moment.
Vern Swanson retired about a year ago but is still on the advisory board for the museum. The new director is Dr. Rita Wright. From all indications, she is continuing to build on Vern's vision for this great small museum. The Spring Salon is a great juried show and I've been fortunate to get in and sell my paintings for the last few of years now. It's a great venue and I'm looking forward to getting down there to see the Childs show.