A Gallerist’s View

By Janelle McClain, Art Consultant and Gallerist

There was a time in the art world when landscape and all things representational were discouraged, a time when they were downright frowned upon. In my opinion and in the opinion of so many others, we are fortunate that Fred Easker ignored the trends.

As gallerist and art consultant, I shared the privilege of representing Fred Easker’s landscape paintings. I often prefer to call myself a matchmaker, an easy task with exceptional artwork and an enthusiastic audience. The public is willing lured into each Easker canvas… the connection almost hypnotic. It is not unusual for a an admirer to describe a view from their car window as an “Easker landscape” and to overhear comments: “I’ve been there”, “I know that place”, “I’d love to be there right now.”

Easker appreciators connect on varying levels of viewership. Some recognize his paintings as photorealistic, marveling a the detail and literal landscape. Other see the mood, the idyllic, the serenity and peace that his signature horizontal compositions beckon. Yet others look deeper to understand the subliminal compositional elements that are abstract in nature. Easker’s landscapes were allowing viewers to be virtually transported long before we recognized the virtual world. On every level, his paintings bring joy and reflection to the viewer.

I believe Fred’s focus on the horizontal dominance of the Midwestern landscape speaks to our current day search for serenity and calm. We pay for lessons…yoga, meditation, mindfulness.

Possibly all we need to do is look deeply into a Fred Easker landscape to be touched by Nature, inspired by Beauty and to bask in the talent of a gifted artist.

Thank you, Fred