“Photo Expressionism” by Richard Stewart at Art Uptown

An exhibit of large, multi-panel diffused and soft-focus photographs on canvas by Tampa-based photographer and artist Richard Stewart opens March 28 at Art Uptown on lower Main Street in Sarasota. An artist’s reception is scheduled during the First Friday Gallery Walk, April 3, 6-9 p.m. at the gallery.

The exhibit, “Photo Expressionism,” features the unique fine art style of Stewart, who uses strong diffusion and diffraction techniques to soften lines and mute colors in his digital interpretations of landscapes, beach scenes and other “expressions” of natural beauty, he related.

Stewart prints his photographs directly on canvas using pigmented inks, which impart a painterly feeling. He stretches the canvases over deep wooden frames, finishing the edges with a gallery wrap for a contemporary look. Many of the works on display will be three- and four-panel triptychs and quadtychs. The panels add a dimension of depth when viewed from an angle, Stewart observed.

A professional photographer for more than 30 years, Stewart received his B.A. degree in Communications from the University of California at Berkeley in 1972. He also works as a business writer and marketing consultant.

Well experienced in traditional photography and darkroom processing, he has embraced digital photography in recent years because of the wide range of creative options it offers and the absence of strong darkroom chemicals going down the drain into the environment, Stewart said.

He feels that digital photography and printmaking offer greater creative control than film and chemical-based photography. He uses computer tools to simulate the way he used to make photographs in the darkroom, but with many more creative and artistic options, noted the photographer.

Stewart’s diffused photographs can be found in an increasing number of private, public and corporate art collections. The works of the gallery’s 27 other member artists will also be on display during Stewart’s featured exhibit.

Art Uptown is open Monday-Friday 11-5 and Saturday 10-4. During the monthly First Friday Gallery Walks on Palm and Main streets, the gallery is open until 9 p.m. Telephone: 941-955-5409. www.artuptown.com.

ABOUT ART UPTOWN

Art Uptown is Sarasota’s oldest cooperative fine art gallery, representing the work of 28 area artists. Abstract, realistic and expressionistic work is offered in acrylics, collage, encaustics, oils, pastels, photography, watercolor, fine art pottery, digital art, and wood. The member artists change the work on display monthly, so visiting is always a fresh experience.

Located on Lower Main Street in downtown Sarasota, Art Uptown provides a refreshing opportunity to see the work of a highly selective group of area artists. Continuously exhibiting work of its members for over 27 years, the gallery presents not only regionally flavored paintings and photography but also creative compositions in ceramic, porcelain and raku that have been collected and shipped throughout the country and internationally.

The monthly First Friday Gallery Walks on Palm and Main Street offer a wonderful opportunity to visit the gallery and meet many of the member artists.