Painter Peter Van Dyck studied at Wesleyan University and at the Florence Academy of Art, and is currently a member of the faculty of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
His academic background shows in his dynamically balanced compositions, superbly handled color and refined draftsmanship.
Though his subjects include portraits and still life, he often focuses on interiors, in which the play of light though windows, in mirrors and across geometric arrangements of objects takes a central role.
His application of paint can vary from smooth to brusquely textured surfaces, on which his fascination with reflected and refracted light also comes into play.
His interior paintings can have some of the light infused stillness and rich reflections off dark wooden surfaces found in the interiors of Edmund Tarbell, and of the Dutch masters of interior painting like Vermeer and De Hooch who likely inspired both artists.
Van Dyck sometimes chooses subjects that other artists might see as unlikely to be rewarding, like a house heating system, a garden tractor or electric heaters, and finds in them patterns of color, texture and shape that make them seem as natural for subjects as traditional bowls of fruit or arrangements of pottery.
There are two galleries on his web site, recent work and an archive. You can also find his work represented by The John Pence Gallery, Eleanor Ettinger Gallery (work here), Grenning Gallery and Artists’ House Gallery here in Philadelphia, where he is currently part of a group exhibit that is on view until January 16, 2011.
Thank you for drawing my attention to this young artist.
I like these paintings very much, almost every single one.
It is an education to follow your postings.
Reminds me of the brilliant Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershoi.
Thanks. I wasn’t aware of Hammershoi. Very nice work.
You can tell just by looking at these pictures that Peter is a fantastic painter. Here’s a couple of things that you can’t tell from the pictures that might add to that enjoyment. Peter is also a fantastic teacher. I was only able to take one class with Peter and yet somehow, Peter managed to cultivate both my friendship and respect during that small amount of time. He’s a bit partial to nautical metaphors and one of my favorite was his statement that when painting from observation we want to identify the prevailing conditions like a sailor identifies the prevailing wind. I love the fact that his paintings always remind me to pay attention to the importance of large relationships and connections and how small stuff just doesn’t matter. I am very glad to see this post.
Thanks,
Dave
Thanks for the personal insight, David.
Oh wow! Peter Van Dyck is amazing! I love reading your blog and being introduced to new (to me) artists! Thanks!!
Thanks, Karen. That’s what I hope to do as often as possible.
I’ve been reading your blog and rather enjoy your thoughtful articles about artists and art in general. Thanks for introducing me to the work of Peter van Dyck. His interiors are wonderful, and he has a masterful handling of light and color. I look forward to seeing more!
Mark Nesmith
http://www.MarkNesmith.com/blog
Never heard of this guy-Another thanks to your sharing-The guy is true to life! Great use of colour!