SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts Gallery in Saxtons River is pleased to present “Pencil Me In,” a selection of graphite drawings by Vincent DiBernardo, from July 6 to Sept. 1.
The artist’s reception is 3 to 5 p.m. July 6, in the Gallery at 35 Main St., with light refreshments provided by the artist’s daughter who creates “Smokin’ Bowls” at her site on Route 103 in Rockingham.
DiBernardo’s drawings feature various familiar scenes in the Rockingham area, some captured en plein air by DiBernardo and some inspired by old photographs of antique buildings, trains, covered bridges and life in Southern Vermont. Graphite is a black medium and DiBernardo is skilled at creating depth and drama with just his white surface and his pencils. Viewers will be tempted to name the local rivers, meadows, buildings and bridges featured in his work.
DiBernardo started drawing in the early 1980s after graduating from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and starting his own practice. He initially drew for enjoyment, then took some basic lessons from an artist friend and client.
“I practiced and practiced several variations of still lifes. I started a picture of a local sugarhouse and liked my progress. But then life and career happened! I didn’t pick up a pencil to draw for 30-plus years,” DiBernardo said in an artist statement.
After he sold his veterinary practice, he started drawing again, and even finished the 30-year-old drawing of the sugarhouse. He liked the result, and started drawing in earnest. He now mostly draws landscapes, waterscapes and local subjects.
“I draw mostly from pictures I have taken, other friends have taken, or old photographs I may come across that appeal to me,” he said in his statement.
“I only draw in graphite. I equate graphite art to black and white photography which, like black and white photography, is a study of darkness vs. light. The compositions, without color, allow the viewer to concentrate on contrast, texture and tones present in the scene.”
