RJD Gallery | Opens 5/23 | Bridgehampton, NY

Moments in Time

RJD Gallery mounts its first exhibition for watercolor Philip Smallwood.

For the past 20 years, artist Philip Smallwood has built a successful career as a watercolorist focusing primarily on realistic narratives, as well as landscapes and still lifes. His work is an honest portray of the world, derived from reality as well as from his imagination and experiences. The scenes are not limited to one place, but often reflect slices of life that are moments relatable to everyone.

Smallwood, who goes by P. Smallwood for his art, grew up in Massachusetts and embarked on another career before turning to art at age 38. It was then he took his first watercolor course, followed up by workshops and classes from other artists. His main art education, however, was through his personal development with the unforgiving medium.Pigtails, watercolor on paper, 11 x 14"

“Because I’m primarily self-taught, I don’t have the traditional watercolor bag of tricks,” says Smallwood, who explains he is able to get crisp lines and bolder colors by working on the drier side of watercolor rather than wet into wet. He adds, “It’s almost going at it like an oil painter would approach the medium. A lot of that is because I found my own way through this journey. I’m thankful because it differentiates my work from a lot of others that I don’t have the traditional watercolor approach.”

The artist, whose studio is in northern New Jersey, got his start with figurative paintings and even though he delves into other subjects, it continues to be his main interest. Many of his works feature children and older people, showing these prime moments of life where youth and experience are on full display.Bold at Heart, watercolor on paper, 29 x 21"

“You can’t help, as an artist, when you’re painting young people, to be reflective of your youth and your childhood,” says Smallwood. “I grew up in New England in Massachusetts, and a lot of the water scenes remind me of those times.” One example is his painting Lunch at the Lagoon, which depicts a young boy lounging dockside as he eats his lunch. The moment is one many people can remember, when without a care in the world they could pull up a chair and enjoy the water.

On May 23, RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, will open its first exhibition for Smallwood featuring works from a variety of points in the artist’s career. “It’s a nice assemblage,” Smallwood explains. “One of the threads of continuity, and you’ll see that in most of my work, is I’m fanatical about the light, sun and cast shadows that the sun high overhead gives you.”My Turn, watercolor on paper, 29 x 21"

Smallwood adds that he is particularly drawn to the light between noon and 4 p.m., when he finds it is the most dynamic. He will take photographs of the scene, use sketches and notes, and then come back into the studio to make the finished works.

The show takes place just as summer starts, and many of the works in the show are geared toward that time of year. “Summertime is a magical time for every child and for the child in each of us. It brings a sense of freedom and self-discovery, of days with friends and family, when a sprinkler, an open fire hydrant or a garden hose provide squeals of enjoyment. The ice cream truck, music coming from open windows and cookouts—memories are made in the summer,” says Joi Jackson Perle, director of the gallery.Naelka, watercolor on paper, 10¼ x 14¼"

Lunch at the Lagoon, watercolor on paper, 13¼ x 9½"“Philip Smallwood is a visual storyteller, and through his timeless detailed paintings, with narratives that embrace ‘real people living,’ has been blending his imagination with reality for over 20 years,” Perle continues. “In this body of artwork, Philip offers the viewer a chance to watch and join his subject matter, children. He has captured their authenticity, vulnerability, laughter, tears and pure joy that they both indulge in and share. Being in the presence of a child we have the ability to be more present, and the heart softens, and we can then truly feel, connect and smile. Philip embraces children being in the moment, and not having another care in the world with the simplest of pleasures.” —