For Caleb Meyer’s solo show at Gallery Wild, owner Carrie Wild says that the new collection of work depicts “landscapes that feel open, balanced and quietly powerful.” In a nutshell, Meyer’s work speaks to the quiet, contemplative side of the West. In around 20 new paintings, the artist presents his distinctive landscape scenes that are often inspired by Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the nearby national parks, as well as his home in Montana.
Evening Fade, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 in.
“What has always stood out about Meyer’s work is his sensitivity to color and spatial balance,” continues Wild. “His compositions often feel expansive and restrained at the same time, allowing the viewer’s eye to rest within subtle shifts of light and tone. That sensibility comes from years of disciplined practice and thoughtful study of design principles, something Meyer often speaks about in relation to his early training.”
Building Light, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 in
As for the theme of the show, titled All Things Considered, Meyer shares that he attempts to capture the energy of a place. “Often times, this means trying to recreate the feeling of light, but it can also be the movement in the clouds or the rush of a river,” he explains. “I use transitions in hue, value and intensity to recreate the sense of energy that we see in vibrant light. I also use expressive palette knife work to recreate some of the life and motion we can see and feel in the world around us.”
Meyer’s style is loose and colorful, but he also wants viewers to feel like his landscape scenes are real places. He strives to find the balance between recreating the natural connection we feel to the earth while also having a lot of fun being expressive.
Winter Colors, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 in.
We see this come to life in works like Evening Fade, a work that includes trees, a mountainous backdrop and the light of a small fire. The scene is inspired by Lolo, Montana, about 15 minutes south of the artist’s home in Missoula. “I loved the interesting shadow lines raking across the warm August hills,” says Meyer. “I think it is one of the few paintings I’ve done where the shadows are the star of the show. I also love how the whole scene reminds me of when I first moved to Montana in 2014.”
Sunlight Fades, oil on canvas, 48 x 48 in.
For another show highlight, Building Light, the main feature is a dramatic, cloudy sky, which calls out to that “big sky” energy found in Montana. “The location is just south of Dillion, Montana,” the artist says. “I get to drive through this valley many times throughout the year on my way to Idaho and Wyoming. The size and scale of big summer cloud formations are so awe inspiring.”
Meyer features many additional landscape views, all worth viewing in person, for his Gallery Wild show in Jackson Hole from May 21 to 30, with an artist reception on the opening day from 5 to 8 p.m. —
Gallery Wild 80 W. Broadway Avenue » Jackson Hole, WY 83001 » (307) 203-2322 » www.gallerywild.com
Powered by Froala Editor
