New works by Thom Ross
Mary Anning
Mary Anning is one of the world’s greatest fossil hunters. Born in 1799 in Dorset, England, Mary excelled at collecting from a very early age. By the time she was twelve, she had discovered the world’s first ichthyosaur skeleton. Twelve years later, she uncovered the first complete skeleton of a plesiosaur, a long-necked marine reptile. Often risking her own safety, she worked the treacherous cliffs of Lyme Regis in the dead of winter when violent storms helped to uncover what lay buried millions of years ago. Despite her immense contributions, she was largely excluded from 19th-century scientific society due to her gender and social class. It wasn’t until twelve years after her death that Darwin would publish his theory of evolution in 1859. Today, it’s hard to overstate the magnitude of her discoveries. Her work sparked a new way of thinking about the world, and she is now regarded as the “Mother of Paleontology.”
Best known for his striking depictions of the American West, Thom Ross describes himself as “a storyteller who paints.” For over forty years, he has delved into the overlooked corners and footnotes of history for inspiration. In March, Hemmings Gallery will unveil two large-scale acrylic paintings of Mary Anning by Ross. With this larger-than-life subject, Ross has once again found the perfect muse.
Idaho landscapes by Melissa Graves Brown
Rooted In Color
Opening Night Friday, March 6, 5-7:30pm
Melissa Graves Brown work is inspired by a deep connection to nature and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. As a native of Fort Myers, Florida, she spent much of her childhood outdoors, fostering a love that continues to influence her paintings today. She earned her BFA from Auburn University and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania, where she received honors in color achievement. For the past 26 years, she has lived in Idaho, where her love for nature and color can flourish.
“I’m inspired by Idaho’s majestic landscapes and seasons. My favorite moments are in fall, when the leaves catch the wind and lift off the trees against a big blue Idaho sky. I work with acrylic paint which allows me to quickly layer washes, drips, and brush strokes. I will often lay my canvas flat and splatter paint from above to create a sense of motion and life within each piece. My aim is to create compositions that transport viewers into a daydream or allow people to simply experience joy,” says Brown.
“Nature is the main inspiration for my work, especially trees and the way they embody life’s quiet resilience. I never tire of exploring the vivid spectrum of colors that nature offers and how to use them as a visual language to express my imagination and emotions. My intention with each piece is to create a dialogue between the viewer and the natural world, to invite others to see beyond the surface and delve into the wonder and mystery that lies deep within ourselves and the world around us.”
Captions:
Mary Anning and Ichthyosaurus
by Thom Ross
acrylic on canvas
48” x 95”
Standing Strong
by Melissa Graves Brown
acrylic on canvas
72” x 48”
Whispers of Autumn
by Melissa Graves Brown
acrylic on canvas
60” x 36”
Follow the River Home
by Melissa Graves Brown
acrylic on canvas
84” x 60”
Hemmings Gallery
340 Walnut Ave. | Ketchum
208.254.1097
hemmingsgallery.com
