PLAINFIELD — “Pastel Perspectives III” is part three of Nancy Brangaccio’s ongoing series of interior still life pastels. Her solo show at Swain Galleries opens May 2 and runs through May 30.
Brangaccio is noted for her tight composition and the intense colors achievable with pastels. The artist aims for a very clear, elegant simplicity to invoke serenity and a sense of the permanent. “There is no enigma,” Brangaccio says. “When I paint an apple or strawberry, that’s exactly what you see. One apple may require 10 different pastels, not by color, but from hard to very soft. I like to rub in my colors to make objects look real enough to touch.”
The exhibit features soothing tablescapes and florals done with artist’s usual careful attention to fine details.
Brangaccio is a signature member of the Pastel Society of American and has won many PSA exhibition awards. In September of 2012 she won the Connecticut Pastel Society Award at the Pastel Society of America show in New York City Gramercy Park. In November she won the Award of Excellence at the Mountain Art Show in Bernardsville, and the Best in Still Life Award at the Pastel Society of New Jersey Members show.
The opening reception hosted by Swain Galleries is May 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. Brangaccio will do an artist demonstration, also at Swain Galleries, Saturday, May 9 at 1 p.m.
Swain Galleries, family owned and operated for 147 years, is located at 703 Watchung Ave., in Plainfield’s Crescent Historic District. Hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For Details call 908-756-1707 or visit www.swaingalleries.com.
Congratulations on your show, Nancy!