Artist Les Aldridge to début at Athenaeum exhibit
Local artist Les Aldridge will début his work of oils-on-canvas and realistic pencil drawings in his first public exhibit on July 1 at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum.
Aldridge draws upon his environment and Vermont’s natural beauty for subject matter and inspiration. His work has been influenced by the Canadian Group of Seven – famous for their 1920s paintings of the Canadian landscape – particularly Lawren Harris, and Tom Thomson.
“I strive for holographic integrity in my work. Each small piece of an overall work must have its own reason for being, its own pleasing composition – albeit possibly abstract – and must contribute positively to the overall work,” said Aldridge. “While I create only realistic depictions, I recognize each work is an assemblage of abstract forms.”
Born in Toronto, Les worked for many years as a software engineer in the U.S. and abroad. He now devotes his time to his craft. Initially self-taught, Aldridge studies at the atelier of Vermont artist/instructor, Edward Kadunc.
A reception with the artist will be held at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Friday July 15
The exhibit of Aldridge’s work will remain on display until Aug. 31 at the Athenaeum, 1171 Main St., which is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
