Westport River Gallery

Canadian Expressionist Reflects Protest & Liberty

Several original oils are now available at the Westport River Gallery by Canadian Exressionist Madaleine Bechard. She was born in Saint Pascal de Kamouraska, Canada where she began painting at an early age. Madeleine was initially inspired by her desire to capture her magnificent environment but it was not until later in life that she decided to devout all of her energy to a career in the arts. As Madeleine experienced life, her artistic inspiration constantly changed. Today she has developed a sophisticated style and feels that her recent work has enabled her to freely express her emotions. Madeleine is best known for her modern but polished groupings of women. Madeleine’s images convey a strong message with simple gestural forms and wonderfully blended backgrounds. She superimposes colorful stains, restraining shadows and lights and adding a touch of texture to create elegant forms. Her figures, although nameless, faceless and voiceless assert a quiet protest and a new found sense of liberty. Although the natural features gradually fade out to give rise to highly stylized figures with no specific identity, the strength of these women is apparent because they stand in united groups.

Everyday Life With a Fanciful Twist by Jan Balet

Jan Balet was born in Bremen, Germany in 1913. After receiving an education, Ballet settled in America in 1938. Jan Balet’s works are cited in articles and books worldwide. His works depict the joys in life as well as the irony and mystery that surround our daily experiences with a tad of fanciful lightness. Westport River Gallery in Westport, Connecticut has several signed lithographs by Jan Balet. Each is 20x24 and among only 300 created in the 1980s. Click for more works available. Notes: Works available within days.