Robert Beck (b. 1950), Sunday Morning, 1996. Oil on panel. 24 x 18 inches. James A. Michener Art Museum.
For the past three decades, Robert Beck has been an integral part of the Bucks County art scene. He paints what fascinates him, whether it be on land or sea; in Bucks County, New York, Maine, or around the world. His documentary style of plein air painting captures the vitality of everyday life, even if that life is on the set of Good Morning America, the annual High Heel Drag Race in New Hope, or in a village in Senegal. He challenges himself to create memorable works in unusual situations and this creative tension is distilled in paint. “The majority of my paintings are done directly from the subject in one sitting,” says Beck. “They depict where I am, what catches my interest, and what it feels like to be there…The reason why I was drawn to a subject became part of the image. It got very personal.”
It’s Personal: The Art of Robert Beck provides a comprehensive overview of this important local artist’s body of work, from his plein air paintings completed on site to his studio work. It is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue and a collection of essays written by the artist for ICON magazine, entitled, A Thousand Words: Essays and Art by Robert Beck.
This exhibition is generously supported by Amy Stewart Powell, Elise and John Rupley, and Barbara and David Stoller. Additional support is provided by Lucinda Avery Ayers, Rago Auctions, Jean Wilson and John Roberts, Joe and Judy Franlin, and Jacqui and David Griffith.
Public Programs related to this exhibition:
Artist and Curator Conversation, Thursday, September 9, 2021, 6:00 pm