ART EXHIBIT

“Murmuration”, oil on canvas by Nancy Lane

Figurative Landscapes at the Little Cafe

As a resident of the Bristol Hills, artist Nancy Lane never lacks for beautiful landscapes in her realistic paintings. But the longtime picture book illustrator adds a narrative twist to her outdoor scenes, often placing people in the frame in ways that evoke a narrative that is left to the viewer’s imagination. Sixteen of her paintings in this genre will go on display in “Earth Calling” at The Little Theatre Café throughout July.

Lane, who grew up in Webster and now lives in Bristol after living and working for many years out of the area, was invited to exhibit her work at the Little by the café’s art curator, Zanne Brunner, who was Lane’s high school art teacher more than 40 years ago. That connection adds to the sense of story that the show’s watercolor and oil paintings are meant to inspire.

“My paintings are a response to my sense of wonder at being part of the natural world,” Lane said. “Using the ‘figure in a landscape’ theme provides a point of departure to contemplate and express the many open-air experiences I have had. I hope my paintings encourage viewers to recall their own experiences with the outdoors, to awaken that connection and inspire concern for the natural world and its creatures.”

In her more than 30 years as an illustrator, Lane illustrated two dozen books before focusing most of her work on fine art. She is vice president and a signature member of the Rochester Art Club, a signature member in Genesee Valley Plein Air Painters, and a founding member of the artist-run Pittsford Fine Art gallery. Among her many awards are best of shows in the Rochester Art Club member and signature member exhibitions and a finalist honor for non-commissioned portrait in the Portrait Society of America Members Competition. Lane, a 1979 graduate of Webster Schroeder High School, earned her B.F.A. in illustration and design from the Maryland Institute, College of Art.

“Earth Calling” goes on exhibit Friday, July 2, through Wednesday, August 4. The artist will host a reception on Sunday, July 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. The café, at 240 East Avenue, Rochester, is open 5-8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

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