By Ann Nichols
annsnichols@aol.com
Sunrises, sunsets and the ever-changing horizon intrigue David McDowell and Brett Weaver. Their most recent works are featured in “Horizons,” an exhibition opening Thursday at Shuptrine Fine Art & Framing.
Mr. McDowell moved to Chattanooga from Boston, Mass. in 2003 and settled on Elder Mountain. From his deck, he began taking photographs that depict the Tennessee River, Williams Island, the Chattanooga skyline, Chickamauga Lake and Dam, Missionary Ridge and the Smoky Mountains of northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.
Living on the east side of the mountain, he is able to capture stunning sunrises, as well as approaching storms and fog above the river. His interests lie in the subtlety and explosion of color at the horizon line and the diffusion and diffraction of light as it passes through clouds and mist. He prints his photographs on chrome papers.
Mr. Weaver is a plein-air and studio painter who works in oils. Using a rich palette of colors, he strives to portray the continually changing sky and landscape at dusk and dawn. His style, influenced by Edgar Payne and John Carlson, is similar to that of the American Impressionists of the early 20th century. Initially employed in a “safe” day job as a civil engineer, Mr. Weaver followed his heart and became a full-time artist about 10 years ago. He said his engineering background does enhance his painting in terms of composition through the math principles of force and balance.
Both Mr. McDowell and Mr. Weaver feel that their artworks represent new beginnings or final endings.
“Horizons” will continue through May 26.
Shuptrine Fine Art & Framing, 2646 Broad St., is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment. Call 280-2403 or 266-4453.