The Gilmore Art Center will open an exhibition of Colorado conceptual realist artist Michael Charron's work at its Denver location on November 17, 2015. The opening reception for "Pictorial Essays from Colorado Journeys 2015" will take place on Thursday, November 19 from 4-7pm, featuring over forty new paintings by the artist, refreshments, and live music.

"Pictorial Essays from Colorado Journeys 2015" is a group of scenes painted in Colorado, particularly within and around the Zirkel Wilderness. The artist, Michael Charron, accessed the Zirkel Wilderness backcountry via llamas throughout the summer and fall of 2015 in order to develop alla prima, plein air paintings of scenes accessible by foot travel only. In these works the artist utilizes his unique, multilayered technical and spiritual approach to exploring and documenting nature.

Charron says, "I consider myself a realist working in the honored tradition of "plein air", which simply means that I work outdoors, on an easel, from direct observation." Constantly refining his technique and experimenting with brushstroke, Charron reports that “I now draw my [philosophical and metaphysical] musings in vine charcoal or oil based pastel onto the unpainted canvas before I make the painting.”

Though he primarily focuses on the Zirkel Wilderness area, he continues, saying "I have painted within a number of Colorado wilderness areas, offering to the landscape collector views rarely scene and probably never painted. During these pack trips I make dozens of alla prima vignettes along with ink/pencil drawings...In addition to the handmade references I take photographs to employ, during the winter months, when I create larger studio paintings."

Charron adds a spiritual element to his works, and explores different aspects of the soul and nature. He says, "The contemplation and meditation work for this year was intended to glean insight on the metaphysical implications of "holy spirit."

In preparing this year’s group of paintings, Charron says, “A powerful experience occurred while painting the very last alla prima plein air painting of the 2015 season. That being witness and chronicler to the blood moon over Walden.” A studio version of this metaphysical moment will be unveiled in the exhibit.

Charron has been the recipient of several awards and grants throughout his career, including the Walter and Virginia Clark Memorial Award at the 24th Annual Juried Exhibition of the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center in Breckenridge, TX. After completing a BFA in Sculpture, Charron turned his focus to painting, especially plein air in and inspired by remote wilderness settings. His works can be found in one museum and many private and corporate collections throughout Colorado, and he is currently represented by Valley Fine Art in Aspen.

The exhibition will be open from November 17 through December 1 at the Gilmore Art Center, located at 2119 Curtis Street, Denver, Colorado 80205. For more information, visit www.michaelcharron.com or contact the Gilmore Art Center at 303.298.7122.