Edina's Galleria Showcases Still Life Collection from Wayzata Painter

Openings in New York and Cape Cod are par for the course, but a chance to exhibit still life paintings in Edina is a special treat for Wayzata native Jeffrey T. Larson. Larson's latest collection of paintings, featuring 24 pieces made in 2010, graces the walls of  through Nov. 21.

Larson's work features everything from beets to peonies, drawing inspiration from the random items observed around his northern Wisconsin home.

"I paint what's around me," Larson said. "I guess I'm influenced by the Upper Midwest."

This set of oil paintings is different from those in past collections because Larson chose focus on still life for an entire year. Normally he would retreat to his studio in the winter. This time he made a commitment to the form for more than just the cold winter months. The result is a set of highly-realistic forms including fish and crackers, a tug boat and barge, peonies, beets and a yellow tractor to name a few.

In addition, he has included a couple of works that depict teapots placed outdoors with either bright blue sky or green grass backgrounds. In comparison with his still life work from 2009, these feel more graphic but still boast a complexity of hues and are incredibly lifelike. An early favorite is Open Boxes, which pictures a grouping of brown cardboard boxes alongside a small bird.

He paints in part to "reproduce the visual world and its beauty," though Larson said other times he is inspired when something catches his eye or has great value patterns.

"If the work ends up creating emotion, that's the icing on the cake," he said.

Larson's local art education was in the Old Masters style at the Atelier Lack, a Minneapolis studio started by the late classical realist, Richard Lack. There he was educated in draftsmanship and painting skills much in the way that art students of the late 19th century were -- learning from teachers influenced by the European art academies of the time. In addition to that formative experience, he has also studied human anatomy, done extensive museum art study throughout Europe and taught oil painting at Atelier Lack, Atelier LeSuer in Excelsior and the University of Minnesota.

Larson is proud of the fact that he is well-versed in the traditional methods of oil painting.

"Musicians are expected to study Mozart and composition, but visual artists don't always have that background," he said.

Despite this nod to the past, Larson thinks of himself as a contemporary artist who is trying to build something new on the shoulders of art theory and practice of the past.

Any public exhibit is an accomplishment, but showcasing his work at the Galleria has added significance. The owner of the Galleria is a friend and collector who Larson said encouraged him to put together the opening himself. Larson gets to control and manage exactly how his creations are displayed, the Galleria gets a high class event with a much lauded artist and shoppers can enjoy a serious art show in pleasant environs.

The collection is housed in Galleria's art showroom, between the shop and on the west end of the building. It is open for public viewing during regular Galleria store hours. For more information, visit Larson's website and the Galleria events page.

If You Go

Who: Artist Jeffrey T. Larson

What: "One Man Show" Oil Painting Exhibit

When: Regular Galleria store hours, Nov. 5 - 21

Where: The Galleria Gallery, 69th Street and France Ave, Edina, MN ‪55435‬

Cost: Free