Opening March 22, Principle Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, presents a sprawling showcase for its 30th Anniversary Celebrationexhibition. Approximately 40 works in a variety of subject matter are featured by nearly 30 prominent artists represented by the gallery. This diverse display of top quality, contemporary realism not only serves as a celebration, but an honoring of Principle’s stable of artists and the collectors that have helped pave the way for the gallery’s success.
Christine Lashley, Twilight Glow, oil on panel, 12 x 16"
“By standing on principle and maintaining an unpretentious, welcoming gallery, we’ve fostered long-lasting relationships and respect with our artists and patrons,” says gallery director Clint Mansell. “We’ve inspired countless artists to pursue their passion and, for 30 years, we’ve had the honor of doing what we love.”
Artist Christine Lashley adds, “Principle Gallery has been so great to work with and I’ve been with them for almost 10 years. Collectors should know this is a gallery that goes the extra mile for its artists and the show will be a celebration of that.”
Geoffrey Johnson, Italian Restaurant I, oil on board, 24 x 24"
Lashley’s oil paintings, for which the artist works from plein air or memory, often incorporating narrative elements are on display for the anniversary celebration—including her landscape Twilight Glow. “[This] painting…was a memory from my first visit to Principle Gallery’s Charleston [location],” explains the artist. “The gallery staff eagerly showed me around the town and the vast marshes nearby. Hearing the stories of the estuary wildlife, seeing the tide movement, and understanding the importance of the grasses and soil got me excited to make many paintings of a subject I might have easily driven by or overlooked.”
Geoffrey Johnson shares that Principle Gallery has been a vital part of his career. “I think I’ve been with them 25-plus years, and they are great to show anything I send,” he says. “I hope my work will compliment the other artists represented and reflect what a fantastic gallery Principle really is.”
Anna Wypych, Let Yourself, oil on canvas, 16 x 12"
While Johnson is currently based in North Carolina, he often travels to gather references for his urban landscape scenes, and admits to never tiring of New York City for inspiration. “How can you?” Johnson adds. “So, I suppose I’ll continue to paint that urban landscape, but more recently, New Orleans has made it into the mix. I also really enjoy interiors, especially old homes, moody bars and shops and restaurants.”
About his show piece Italian Restaurant I,a great example of his distinctive style that mixes realism with abstraction, he says, “It is a favorite restaurant in New York City. It is a small and authentic Italian place on the Upper East Side and I’ve been going there almost 30 years. Not only does it have great food, but atmosphere. As I said above, I love a moody interior and this place has that element. The painting is not an exact representation but [rather] an impression.”
Larry Preston, Cosmos, oil on linen panel, 14 x 11"
Other artists to look for are Larry Preston and his highly detailed still life scenes, illustrated in his floral show piece Cosmos; Anna Wypych, represented by her surreal figurative piece Let Yourself; Gavin Glaka and the moody street painting Getting Late (Athens at Night); and Lynn Boggess for his waterscape 18 June 2023, among many others.
The show will have a reception opening day, March 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and will remain on display through April 22. —
Principle Gallery 208 King Street • Alexandria, VA 22314 • (703) 739-9326 • www.principlegallery.com
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