Two local artists collaborate in “exuberant” show at the Emerald Art Center

(Above: Detail from an abstract painting by painter Barbara Weinstein, part of a show at the Emerald Art Center through January that also includes works by artist Nathan Nichols)

By Randi Bjornstad

Local artists Nathan Nichols and Barbara Weinstein — both who favor painting abstracts — will have their work on the walls at the Emerald Art Center in downtown Springfield through January.

The show, called Collaborations in Color … A Sonata of Seasons, will be introduced during an opening reception for the artists on Jan. 11 during downtown Springfield’s Second Friday Art Walk.

In his paintings, Nichols tries “to select colors for my work that will blend in with the seasons,” he said. “Hopefully, the end result will be a fine piece of work, as original as possible.”

Given Oregon’s fabled weather, “That means painting outside as much as possible, especially during the summers,” Nichols said.

Plein air painting also is one of Weinstein’s favorite methods, although she also enjoys portraiture and live-model painting. Her recent work has included abstractions using both acrylics and collages.

She began honing her art as she earned a bacheor’s degree in fine art and art history at Syracuse University, and she also studied at Cooper Union and the Art Students League in New York City, followed by a degree in health education and counseling psychology.

Collaboration in Color … A Sonata of Seasons

When: Through January; an opening reception for the artists will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 11, during downtown Springfield’s Second Friday Art Walk

Where: Emerald Art Center, 500 Main St., Springfield

Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Information: 541-726-8595 or emeraldartcenter.org