Back by popular demand, The Trippe Gallery will be opening a particularly unique exhibition on July 10. “Variations 5.0: 1 Photograph, 16 Paintings” will feature the work of 14 gallery artists.

The idea for the exhibition, now in its fifth iteration, developed from gallery owner and fine art photographer Nanny Trippe’s post on social media of a photograph of a high tide on the Tred Avon River with a sky full of clouds after a significant storm. Gallery artist Cynthia Rosen commented it would make a great painting. It spawned a call to the gallery plein air painters, current competitors and alumnae Plein Air Easton artists, to paint their variation of the photograph. No guidance, no rules, paint at will.

The subject of inspiration for this year’s exhibition of variations is a somewhat abstract composition of a stunning yellow goldfinch amongst sunflower stems. The resulting 14 paintings show an incredible diversity of interpretation, style and vision. Some are quite realistic, some impressionistic, abstract, several have other features added, or are simply a variation on the theme of a bright bird amongst foliage.

The fourteen artists participating in the exhibition are Olena Babak, Jill Basham, Beth Bathe, David Diaz, Vlad Duchev, Stephen Griffin, Stephen Haynes, Charlie Hunter, Christine Lashley, Georganna Lenssen, Len Mizerek, Elise Phillips, Crista Pisano, Cynthia Rosen, Mary Veiga and Paula Waterman. Each of these 14 artists has an individual style quite unlike the others.

Trained in the academic traditions of the French and Russian schools, the paintings of Olena Babak convey a significant emphasis on direct observation and pushing the limits of lighting and color in the process of capturing mood and enchantment in ever changing surroundings.

The goal of Jill Basham is to try and get the emotion of the scene across to the viewer by matching the mood of the scene with her brushwork, color palette and value/temperature range.

Beth Bathe’s representational paintings have been described by critics as evoking nostalgia, like that of an old sepia toned photograph, often with just touches of color.

The philosophy reflected in the work of David Diaz is stated as, “In all of this I find it difficult to label my work as one style or period. I think a more realistic approach for a practicing, evolving, painter is to let the work speak for itself on whatever level, or to whatever emotion the viewer is attracted…”

The art created by Vlad Duchev reflects “My painting process is very simple – I will only start painting if I can see a complete painting in my mind with all the steps from start to finish. Paint it in your mind first – then transfer it to the canvas.”

Known primarily for his distinctive skipjack paintings and classic portraits, Stephen Griffin’s piece will be a departure for those who know him. His impressionistic style is a revelation of light and color.

The work of oil painter Stephen Haynes displays the use of vibrant oil colors, mixed on the canvas, to convey light, shadow and form through thick impasto brushwork, evoking movement and abstract qualities.

“Color gets the credit, but value does the work!” is a direct quote from artist Charlie Hunter whose style stands out by simplifying forms and emphasizing composition.

Christine Lashley’s art is an ephemeral moment captured within a frame — a synthesis of the ambiance she has painted in person and the limitless creativity within her studio. From glittering pristine waterways to the glass reflections in cities, Christine is fascinated how transparency and light can abstract a scene and transport the viewer to a new environment.

The paintings of contemporary artist Georganna Lenssen explore nature through the language of colors, textures and marks. Her process is chaotic, bold, responsive and intuitive. It is a highly interactive process—a “trialogue” between the subject, herself and her work.

A colorful, luminous canvas of expressive brushwork, will be seen in the piece by Len Mizerek. In Mizerek’s words, “ Light alters the color of all objects and touches those nearby. It sets a mood and evokes emotion.”

Regarded for capturing the light, feel and atmosphere in her paintings, Elise Phillips is well known as an accomplished artist. Through her paintings she engages the viewer to see the beauty that surrounds them.

A special treat will be a variation by Crista Pisano who paints landscapes mostly en plein air as well as in her studio in Nyack, NY, and is known for painting on a small scale.

Renown for her palette knife paintings and in particular her colorful landscapes, Cynthia Rosen has achieved note for her modern take and interpretation of sights seen resulting in her creative and original art.

A soft impressionistic style is reflected in the variation by Mary Veiga. Her paintings are perhaps best described as a study of the various means light peaks between the leaves of trees, casts itself across expansive views, and reserves itself in quieter, more reflective moments.

Rounding out this exhibition by A-List contemporary artists is a painting by Paula Waterman-well known for her light filled depictions of wading birds, songbirds and other creatures of the natural world. A common thread in her work is the critical importance of light source and light color:in fact she feels that light is the true subject of her work.

During the reception, visitors will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite painting as well as test their knowledge of Plein Air Easton and Trippe Gallery artists by matching the artist to the correct painting! The winner will receive a gift certificate to the gallery.

There may even be last minute surprise additions!

This is an exhibition not to be missed for its intriguing theme and variety of artistic styles! There will be an opening reception and meet and greet with the artists from 5-8 on July 10.

The Trippe Gallery is located at 23 N Harrison St in the heart of historic Easton. For more information, please call 410-310-8727