Swenarton Gallery

 

Home Gallery Biography Giving Back Exhibitions Contact Links

Like Father, Like Son

My father, Robert Swenarton, had unwavering faith in me and offered endless encouragement. He was a compassionate man with an eye for natureâs simple elegance and a talent of his own â he was an accomplished amateur photographer. When Dad died in 2004, he left me a legacy of hundreds of astonishing pictures, mostly shot in black and white. Those photos inspired this collection done in vivid colors, reflecting my interpretation, my love and my eternal gratitude. This one's for you, Dad.

Italian Landscape

In 2006, I attended a plein aire (open air) workshop in Italy. That was quite an experience on several levels. My partner and I arrived in Venice in late July. We spent 4 glorious days there and then flew to Naples. We were greeted by a driver who took us to Sorrento where the class was held. The Italian hospitality was warm, the food was luscious and the vistas were the most dazzling I'd ever experienced. As an artist, I must sense a connection to my subject in order to translate my vision. I certainly felt that attachment in Italy and hope my viewers will take as much pleasure in seeing these landscapes as I did in painting them.

New Horizons

As of February of 2010 I have been exhibiting my work at the Kaw Gallery in Naples, Florida. I also use part of the gallery space (over 4,000 sq. ft.) as my studio where I paint in one of the windows. This new way of working has proven very beneficial as I have created a lot of interest in the way I paint, using the palette knife. So, in addition to painting, I am now teaching how to paint with the palette knife. The work my students have created is really remarkable. I am so proud of all of them and cannot wait for next season so I can fill my classroom with even more students yearning to learn more about this liberating way of painting!

I am also showing some of my work at the Botero Gallery in North Naples as well as their location in East Naples. They have two beautiful showrooms full of beautiful original artworks. Between the Botero and Kaw Galleries I stay busy creating new artworks and teaching. For more information please email me at swenartonfineart@aol.com.

Joseph's Garden

Key West will always be a very special place for me; it's where I really became an artist. When I arrived there in 1985, I was tired and discouraged. I wasn't old, but I wasn't a kid any more either, and it seemed I was still so far from realizing my dreams. There was no miraculous transformation, but the gorgeous tropical landscape inspired me each day. The warm sun and soothing sea breezes renewed my spirit. I fell in love, and that relationship gave me strength. I also began to explore my spirituality which, I truly believe, has helped me in my artistic pursuits.