Opening on Friday, May 1, and on view through Sunday, May 31, The Golden Hours: New Works by Kathleen Stern showcases a collection of oil paintings that reflect both the artist’s lived experiences and her evolving relationship with the natural world. An opening reception will take place on May 1 from 5–7:30 p.m.
Sunset on Lake George. Kathleen Stern, artist
Stern’s paintings draw from places she has known—gardens, forests, waterfalls—but they are filtered through recollection rather than strict realism. Many of the pieces are rooted in specific locations, including botanical gardens and regional landmarks, yet they are rendered with an atmospheric quality that emphasizes mood and memory over exact detail.
Central to this body of work is Stern’s use of a metallic underlayer, a technique that adds both technical complexity and visual depth. As viewers move around each painting, light interacts with the surface, subtly shifting colors and tones. “Gold leaf has a rich history in sacred art, from Egyptian tombs to medieval manuscripts,” says Stern. “Real gold leaf is too expensive for me—I employ imitation leaf made from copper and zinc—but the modern alloys are remarkably convincing. I love the depth and luminosity I’ve been able to achieve.”
Twilight on the Lily Pond. Kathleen Stern, artist
Applying and sealing the leaf is a difficult and tedious process involving several steps. After this, Stern overpaints with thin layers of transparent and opaque oil paint. “Areas which I leave intact or paint transparently will reflect light in remarkable ways.” she says. “The paintings must be seen in person under varying light conditions for full impact. Working in this way has been very good for teaching me patience.”
That patience is evident not only in the technique but also in the subject matter. Stern gravitates toward quiet, contemplative environments—often near water and usually at sunrise or sunset.
Canopy. Kathleen Stern, artist
“My favorite locations tend to be places where I have felt at peace and deeply moved by Nature,” she says. “When I find a place I love, I usually do a series of paintings at different times of day and seasons of the year. This exhibit relies on my favorite theme: places where I love to linger and where I invite the viewer to join me.”
The Asheville Gallery of Art is located at 82 Patton Avenue in Asheville, across from Pritchard Park. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. To learn more, call 828.251.5796, visit AshevilleGalleryofArt.com or follow the gallery’s Facebook page.
