Phillips Gallery opens impressionist exhibit

Phillips Gallery invites the public to meet the artist, Ronald Prestwich of Kalispell, during the First Friday opening reception for the new “Mad About Mountains and Aspens” exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m on Friday, Feb. 3. The exhibition will remain on display until Feb. 25.

This exhibition is full of explosive color and vibrancy done in an impressionist style of the landscape. Prestwich’s work in oil displays small, visible brushstrokes that offer the bare impression of form, unblended color and an accurate depiction of natural light.

Prestwich grew up at the base of Mount Timpanogos in Utah. He has wonderful memories of climbing among the aspens and resting by the cool mountain streams in that area. His love of the mountains is nurtured daily here in the local landscapes of Northwest Montana. The mountains and aspens have left an indelible mark on his heart and have become a major theme in his paintings, hence the title of his newest exhibition.

Prestwich’s mother Gladys Hooley was an artist as well. She nourished his love of art and taught him to paint at an early age. Prestwich enjoyed watching the show, “The Joy of Painting” featuring Bob Ross on television in his youth. He delighted in watching Ross paint and this inspired him to become more serious about his art.

Prestwich continues to study art under one of the most talented landscape painters in America, Mark Ogle. Prestwich’s painter friends have a nickname for him; they call him “mountain man.” He is influenced and inspired by Kalispell’s own Joe Abbrescia, recognized as one of America’s most accomplished impressionist painters.

Phillips Studio and Gallery is located inside the Kalispell Center Mall at 20 N Main St. For more information call 406-309-2335 or visit the gallery website at www.phillipsfineartgallery.com.