Exhibition & Coincidence

Last week I read about a nearby exhibit of paintings by a young American artist named 
Jared Coffin.

What?!?

While that name will mean nothing to most of you, anyone who has lived on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts, as I once did, will recognize it right away. Two bothers Tristram & Jared Coffin were some of the original settelers of the island. But even  thoes who are not history buffs, know the name form the islands lanmark inn 

The Jared Coffin House.

Well since encountering Americans from any state is rare in these parts, I set out to find this young man & his art work.

On meeting, all I had to say was "Nantucket" & we had lots to talk about. Jared is actually from New Hampshire but is definitely related to the historic family & his infamous name sake. Jared has been living & painting in none other than St. Antonin for the past two years.

What a coincidence!

What I was not prepared for though was how beautiful his paintings are. His show consisted of works that he has completed since living here in France & they are lovely. His masterful use of oil glazes adds a wondrous depth & luminosity, while his use of color is simply sublime.

He had a combination of both familiar French scenes & subtle abstract  offerings. Unfortunately these photographs in no way do justice to the beauty of his work. These are paintings that are best seen in person.

At first glance one might see an enchanting scene but on closer examination delicate detail draws you into the painting & a magical world beyond.

If you happen to be in the area & missed the show don't dispair, Jared & his lovely partner are opening a gallery in St. Antonin in the near future. So keep your eyes open, this artist really deserves to be noticed. And for all of those of you not in southwest Franec at the moment check out Jared's website here. 

It is always a pleasure to introduce a new & talented young artist & especially one that shares so many coincidental similarities.