Artists and audiences have long been fascinated with the appearance of luminosity – an inner glow, or sense of light emanating from a painting. This quality is what has made paintings by Impressionist painter Claude Monet such favorites over the years. Yet few artists are able to achieve this effect reliably. It is usually an accident and can’t be repeated.

Every piece in the upcoming Viewpoints Gallery show, “Seeing the Light,” was chosen because it exemplifies this elusive quality of luminosity. It features the work of Kula resident Dick Nelson and some of his many students.

Dick Nelson has been teaching the secrets of color relationships to generations of artists since the 1960s. If you have ever taken a class with Dick, you will have heard him say, “There are only two ways to achieve luminosity: halation, and vanishing boundaries.” Truly understanding these concepts allows an artist to infuse their work with that alluring inner glow.

The current issue of On Maui! magazine features an article on Dick and the upcoming show. Read it for an engaging introduction to the artists and what to look for in the show. Pick up a print copy at numerous locations around Maui, or read it online (November/December 2019 issue, pages 22-25).

If you appreciate artwork with a fascinating inner glow, make sure you visit Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao between December 7, 2019 and January 17, 2020!