Great Escape: Before the Storm

This week's escape is partly cloudy. is opening an exhibit this weekend showcasing local artist Donald Cronkhite’s work. The show, “Before the Storm”, features oil paintings of a variety of cloud formations.

The exhibit opens Friday and runs through Nov. 30. There's an artist reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Cronkhite’s paintings are large-scale and capture images of the sky, mere moments before a storm. His art focuses on form, color and contrast.

Inspired by 17th century Dutch painters, particularly Rembrandt, Cronkhite has recently taken interest in the vibrant colors and brush strokes of early- to mid-20th century modern art.

"I like to use soft, fluid brush strokes in parts of my paintings, and loose, irregular brush strokes in other areas," Cronkhite said. "Sometimes loose brushwork presents a greater illusion of realism than a work that’s completely polished."

Come see the clouds for yourself this weekend and find a little calm before the storm.

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