Peninsula Gallery art exhibit opens in Lewes Oct. 1

Peninsula Gallery will present Same Image, Three Views with an opening reception set 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. Three popular local artists painted their own versions of eight different subjects. In order to achieve this, the artists, Jean Doran, Laura Hickman and Steve Rogers, embarked on a series of road trips looking for interesting venues and subjects. With only a general idea of where to go, they stopped when a place with possibilities appeared. Each artist then photographed what was of interest to them. A road trip might encompass six, eight or even 10 stops, and result in as many as 400 collective photos.

Each artist then printed out their particular group of images and they winnowed down the selection to eight subjects. Each artist then painted their own versions of those subjects. In order to allow for their varying areas of interest, each artist painted two further works of their own choice.

The works in the show are a selection from around Lewes and Deal Island, Md., and amplify how differently three artists can render a particular image and how uniquely each artist sees a subject. Hickman says, "It is a very fun way for artists to work together."

Doran was born in Hawaii and lived in eight different states before moving to Delaware. She paints mostly in acrylic or oil on canvas with occasional forays into painting on furniture. She received her undergraduate degree in art at the University of Maryland. Her work is represented in collections from Maine to California. Currently residing in Lewes, she loves to paint people, animals, and the beautiful and varied scenery of eastern Sussex County.

Hickman was born and brought up in Delaware, spending much of her formative years in Bethany Beach. After studying at Hood College, where she graduated with a degree in art, she went on to receive a master of fine arts degree from the University of Delaware. She went on to teach in Maryland and then at The Savannah College of Art and Design. She returned to Bethany in 1988 to realize her dream of becoming a full-time artist. Working on paper which she paints black, she has created well over a thousand pastel drawings based on her environment.

Rogers, who resides in Lewes, has long been known for his maritime scenes of older working boats presented with a clear and purposeful realism. These images reflect a past of hard work and tough times. In doing so he invites viewers to celebrate area history. Other paintings of farm buildings, farmland and marshes bear witness to Delaware's long farming heritage. He paints primarily in acrylic. In much of his work there is a strong focus on detail and an effort to provide an impressionist force as well.

This exhibit runs throughout October. The gallery is at 520 E. Savannah Road in Lewes, just across the canal bridge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday. To see mages from the show, go to www.peninsula-gallery.com. For more information, call 302-645-0551.