Artists Miguel Peidro and Jesus Navarro both turn to the outside world for their painting inspirations. Peidro is drawn to serene and lush forests, while Navarro paints the hustle and bustle of metropolises. Hanging together at Lotton Gallery in Chicago this November, the artwork will allow viewers glimpses into rural and city life—escapism and the every day.

“I am a lover of nature and nature is a part of my daily life, whether [I am] hiking, running, painting or practicing photography,” says Peidro. “I am fascinated with finding the most beautiful rolling hills, mountainscapes, trails and streams that nature provides. With each of these new works, I want to share with the viewer the most tranquil spots from around the world. In these places, where the beautiful colors of autumn are on display, is where I find the most peace. I hope to bring this sense of tranquility to the viewer too.”Jesus Navarro, London Flower Market, oil on canvas, 24 x 35"

Most of Peidro’s works begin with a plein air sketch, because he believes he can capture the intimate moments found in nature—changes of light or atmospheric elements—more accurately. He supplements these sketches with photographs before heading back to the studio to paint the final composition. Spring and autumn are the seasons he paints regularly since the colors “seems so unreal, as if you are in a fairy tale.”Miguel Peidro, Water’s Reflection, oil on canvas, 18 x 26"

Among his works is Water’s Reflection, which shows the autumn colors at a lake in the Pyrenees. “This is one of my most favorite places to paint,” he says. “It’s a magical place where you can imagine the elves, gnomes and witches live. In autumn, the beauty of this place is intensified with the diversity of color and light.”

Another painting, Autumn Glow, was conceptualized during a trip to Picos de Europa, a mountain range in northern Spain. “As an avid nature runner,” he says, “these are some of my favorite trails to find where the beautiful colors of fall are on display.”Jesus Navarro, Arco del Triunfo, Barcelona, oil on canvas, 24 x 39"

Miguel Peidro, Still Waters, oil on canvas, 22 x 18"

Navarro’s artwork at Lotton Gallery highlights his interest in capturing everyday life and the emotions people feel when visiting destinations around the world. “I hope to transport my viewers to these destinations while capturing their imagination. The figures in my cityscapes tell their own stories while the viewers help those stories come to life,” he explains. “With the same illusion with which I began to paint as a young man, I carry out in my works the intent to communicate with people on an emotional level and transmit my feelings and experiences through painting. I simply try to express the beauty and strength within people and things.”Jesus Navarro, 8th Avenue, NYC, oil on canvas, 28 x 39"

His artwork begins with photographs, but he changes various elements to heighten the composition. “In my cityscapes I aim to capture the nuances and the sensations felt when walking down a busy city street,” he describes. “The reflections in the glass, the glow from the neon signs, the glances shared between strangers, the feeling and sounds of transportation all around you. Even the emotions that are transmitted between everything that is around you—what is seen and what is only intuited. The city holds so much beauty, one painting cannot contain it.”Miguel Peidro, Autumn Glow, oil on canvas, 20 x 20"

His paintings in the show include two of New York City: New York Minute and 8th Avenue NYC, while London Flower Market is a typical flower market that can be found in European cities. “This flower market, however, is anything but typical,” Navarro shares. “The greenery of this painting was a challenge, but I love the spontaneity of the scene.” —

Lotton Gallery
900 N. Michigan Avenue, Level 6 • Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 664-6203 • www.lottongallery.com 

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