Accessible expression and lasting artistic records blossomed from the negativity of this pandemic in the form of the online Bertha V.B. Lederer Gallery, which began presenting the virtual exhibition of “Between the Moors and Sea” by Leslie Stroz on Sept. 16.
Stroz is familiar with the town and Geneseo because she taught drawing and painting here from 2010 to 2014. She has also worked with SUNY Brockport, Moraine Valley College and Joliet Junior College. Stroz is currently an assessment specialist for art with Cambridge-Oxford as an affiliate of both Universities.
According to the Inaugural Artist Interview with Leslie Stroz for the Bertha V.B. Lederer online Gallery, Stroz has been an artist for practically her entire life, beginning with oil painting lessons at the age of 6.
“I think I always wanted to be an artist,” Stroz said. “For me, growing up, I had … a few different loves. I love all of the arts, but visual art was one of the first I became enamored with.”
This particular exhibit is made up of plein-air oil and watercolor paintings. Stroz explained that this method of painting suits her life in Devon, England because she enjoys capturing the scenic rolling hills and quaint villages there.
“A la prima … means painting all at once,” Stroz said. “Plein-air painting means painting in the open air. What Plein-air painting does really is, it marries the two things. So, you’re painting outside, you have to complete a painting … usually in the space of a few hours … It’s been a new love for me since I’ve lived here.”
Stroz has 46 photos in the online gallery collection. Some are watercolors, others are oil paintings. Stroz confessed that she is more experienced with oil paintings than watercolors.
“Watercolor is not something I’ve ever taken a course in,” Stroz said. “I just try to keep it what it is—just try to be honest with it and explore different techniques … I want them to be a lighthearted expression of a moment, not too married to technique.”
Stroz admitted that she didn’t use top quality paper for her watercolors, and that she plans to use cotton paper in the future. Gallery coordinator Cynthia Hawkins-Owen found particular interest in one of Stroz’s watercolors called “Thatched Descent.”
“So, even in this one, I love the diagonals that you use in the work,” Hawkins said. “It really impacts, to me, the way I receive it … Even though it’s not the best paper, you really get your point across.”
In a written summary of the exhibit, Hawkins commented on the reason behind Stroz’s choice of media.
“The different treatment of the oil paintings versus her watercolors denotes the uses to which she puts both medias,” Hawkins wrote. “The watercolor paintings are to a large extent studies for future paintings.”
In regard to why she paints what she does, Stroz noted that a few key elements make the difference in a painting.
“When I choose a scene, it can be anything that moves me,” Stroz said. “I try to always think about composition, as a teacher … It’s all about the value, and it’s all about having a solid composition.”
These beautiful images are quiet, peaceful reminders of the serenity that scenery and nature can bring, which is useful in a time of social isolation. This exhibit will be available until December 12. Visit Lederer Online Digital Exhibitions to learn more about the virtual gallery and this exhibit.