Selected works from the estates of the late American painters Gretna Campbell and Louis Finkelstein are set to be the first exhibition at the new BCK Fine Arts Gallery in Montauk. From July 20 to August 7, the gallery will showcase both artists’ work in a show called “Language of Landscapes," including their transitions of styles from natural realism to abstract expressionism and a personal combination of both. Though married, the two developed their very own techniques, which can be seen just by looking at the work included in the exhibition.
Artist and teacher Ms. Campbell, who passed away in 1987, is known for her large landscape pieces, made popular by alternative approaches, including her desire to work in nature. Although her work could be defined as abstract expressionism, she insisted on observing and experiencing the environment in its natural form. She experienced nature in various locations, including New Jersey, Maine, Connecticut, Brazil and France.
Her husband, Mr. Finkelstein, who passed away in 2000, was also a respected artist and teacher known for his lectures and critiques. He saw teaching and creating as two inseparable parts of his life, impacting the way he did both. He and Ms. Campbell met as students and he cited his wife as one of his artistic influences.
“The Languages of Landscapes” opens Saturday, July 20, with a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and runs through August at BCK Fine Arts Gallery, 87 South Euclid Avenue, Montauk. More information is available on bckfineartsgallery.com.