Submitted by I Heart Art
"The Gore Range, 2009"
This unique exhibition features a series of recent paintings by Anthony Benton Gude, and will be the first to present Gude’s art within the powerful context of his family’s artistic legacy, as 10 works from the Thomas Hart Benton Estate will also be on display. Noted American regionalist painter Thomas Hart Benton is the grandfather of Anthony Benton Gude and remains a prevailing influence on the contemporary artist’s oeuvre.
Said Gude of his grandfather: “He’s part of my blood, part of my history, part of my family. He influenced me as an artist in my composition and color sense.”
The exhibition opens Sept. 9 at The Madden Museum of Art at Palazzo Verde and will be on display through Dec. 31.
"Rain in the Mountains, 2007"
It is sponsored by the Benton Trust & John Madden Co. Latitudes: Light & Lines in the Work of Anthony Benton Gude & Thomas Hart Benton, a publication on the art of Gude and the legacy of Benton, will be available for purchase in conjunction with the exhibition.
A free public opening with artist Gude in attendance will be from 5 – 8 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Madden Museum, 6363 S. Fiddler’s Green Circle, Greenwood Village.
For group tours, contact I HEART ART at 720-314-8133. For current museum hours, contact The Madden at 303-763-1970.
"Potash Road at Dawn, 2009"
Gude’s work and history are inextricably linked to that of his illustrious grandfather, though Gude’s own art distinguishes itself in expression and style. Gude spent many hours during his childhood in his grandfather’s studio watching the artist paint. Gude’s own canvases often reflect the landscapes that have been special in the histories of both Benton and Gude, namely the plains of Kansas and seascapes of Martha’s Vineyard.
Gude was encouraged to pursue his artistic leanings by his family, and attended the School of The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
The selection of works on display highlight Gude’s lifelong fascination with light as it varies according to location, season and atmospheric conditions. Gude takes pleasure in the exploration and discovery of the natural landscape and depicting those specific vistas at a precise moment in time. In seeking the locations for his current Rocky Mountain paintings, Gude’s own sensibilities were heightened as he found himself inspired by new beginnings and new places to discover.
With this series of Colorado works, Gude feels that his specific goals as an artist are fulfilled, knowing that he can go to each new area across the country and “paint it honestly.”
