Lexington, KY — The New Editions Gallery is showcasing a new exhibit titled “A Walk in the Woods”, featuring the latest work of artist Lynn Sweet. The exhibit will be open to the public through November 2, 2024. Sweet’s new collection marks a significant transition from his well-known fresco-style paintings to a fresh technique he hasn’t employed since his teenage years.
Sweet, a seasoned painter, is renowned for his intricate fresco-style artwork, which involves mixing earth pigments with marble dust and acrylic medium. This labor-intensive process involves layering and sanding to create depth and texture. However, following a series of surgeries on his hands due to strain from his painting technique, Sweet found it necessary to pivot his artistic style.
While the new pieces retain the familiar subject matter of landscapes, the artist employed acrylic paint and a brush—methods he last used in high school. “I thought [these paintings] would be easier,” Sweet stated. “They aren’t easier — they are just a different kind of work.” This adjustment was necessary as the physical pain from his previous technique did not allow him to return to his beloved fresco style.
The inspiration for Sweet’s landscapes comes from his personal experiences and nature explorations, particularly his motorcycle rides through central Kentucky. Many of the images are derived from photographs taken by Kentucky photographer David Allen Fitts, including detailed depictions of the Red River Gorge. The artist continues to draw inspiration from New Mexico’s landscapes, a location that has long influenced his work.
Preparing for this exhibit took Sweet nearly 20 months, beginning with what he refers to as a “cartoon” or initial sketch, which he meticulously grids for reference in creating larger paintings. This initial phase can consume dozens of hours, yet he embraces the new challenges that come with this artistic shift.
Despite the obstacles posed by his hand surgeries, Sweet has found a sense of freedom in using a new technique. He describes the journey as rewarding and energizing, allowing him to explore different aspects of his creativity.
The exhibit at New Editions Gallery invites art enthusiasts and collectors alike to experience this evolution of Sweet’s work, while reflecting on the dynamic relationship between creativity and personal challenges. Each painting tells a unique story, capturing the beauty of nature and the artist’s journey.
