Danger! Don't eat!

“Climbing Oysters” (watercolor and pastel), by Carolyn Newberger, in her two-person show, “Nature and Abstraction,’’ with Philip Gerstein at Galatea Fine Art, Boston, now closed to the public.

‘Nature and Abstraction’

“Uprising” (acrylic and mixed media on wood panel), by Philip Gerstein, in his joint show with Carolyn Newberger, “The Color of Seasons: Nature and Abstraction,’’ at Galatea Fine Art, Boston, April 1-26

The artists say:

“We approach nature from seemingly opposite directions, across the line that is supposed to divide abstraction from realism. Carolyn enters the forest with paints and watercolor notebook in her fanny pack and a folding stool on her back. She records in images and words the hidden treasures that she finds. In a studio, Philip finds form, rich texture, and emotive color as he creates vibrant abstract canvasses.

“Though the seasons of nature inspire both of us, Carolyn finds her inspiration within the living forest. Through distillation and interpretation she moves in her paintings from realism toward abstraction. For Philip, as form and color emerge, he finds nature revealed within, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese landscape painting and the rich achievements of 20th century abstract painters.

“Both of us search until we find that living vibration, the pulse of life, clearly heard emanating from beneath the layers of paint before solidifying into form. Hung together in pairs, our paintings converge and contrast, evoking nature in its many interpretations -- and creating a vibrant dialogue of form, color and emotional impact’’

At Galatea Fine Art

“Everything is Interesting’’ (watercolor and pastel), by Carolyn Newberger.

As painters, we approach nature from seemingly opposite directions, across the line that is supposed to divide abstraction from realism. Carolyn enters the forest with paints and watercolor notebook in her fanny pack and a folding stool on her back. She records in images and words the hidden treasures that she finds. In a studio, Philip finds form, rich texture, and emotive color as he creates vibrant abstract canvasses.

Though the seasons of nature inspire both of us, Carolyn finds her inspiration within the living forest. Through distillation and interpretation she moves in her paintings from realism toward abstraction. For Philip, as form and color emerge, he finds nature revealed within, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese landscape painting and the rich achievements of 20th century abstract painters.

Both of us search until we find that living vibration, the pulse of life, clearly heard emanating from beneath the layers of paint before solidifying into form. Hung together in pairs, our paintings converge and contrast, evoking nature in its many interpretations -- and creating a vibrant dialogue of form, color and emotional impact.