Stephanie Berube is a local artist, living in Thurman who studied art and art history at Hartwick College in Oneonta which happens to be near the Golden acrylic paint factory. Stephanie loves working with acrylic paints and as a student she took advantage of the Golden’s “Seconds Program” which offers paint that does not meet company standards at little or no cost to local artists.

While studying art, she became very excited about the ways in which new acrylics could be applied to her work. In particular Stephanie was fascinated with flow release, a concentrated surface-active liquid that allows her to control how the paint drips down the painting, pulling color along to create a look reminiscent of tie-dye.

Rarely are paintings meant to be touched but Stephanie’s are just asking for it. Much like the Angel paintings of Andy Lakey, many of Stephanie’s canvases have rich surfaces so raised the blind can appreciate it. Her balanced compositions combine areas of enamel-like smoothness contrasted with areas textured with sand

Stephanie’s palette is usually saturated with color but recently she is doing what many artists do; entering a period of relative retreat to explore new ideas. She has become interested in drawing and is strongly influenced by the biomorphic abstractions of Eva Hesse (German-born American). Her recent experiments express her appreciation for the Buddhist concept of sunyata or emptiness. She is exploring the very impetus behind the creative urge. Using black and white paint and various degrees of gray, Stephanie has started a series that is very quiet compared to her earlier work. It is like a staging area; a place to regroup and prepare for the next download of ideas that will find fulfillment in the form of a painting.

“Select Works by Stephanie Berube” runs until April 28. On Saturday, April 18 from 5 to 7 pm, there will be a reception followed by Local Talent Night at 7:30. Come and meet the artist and stay for a fun evening with lots of local talent. Refreshments will be served.

TPCC is located at 228 Main Street in North Creek. Gallery hours are 10 am – 4 pm, weekdays. Visit www.tpcca.org or call 518-251-2505 for more information.

Paintings by Stephanie Berube: Above, Mandala I, 20 x 20 inches, acrylic on canvas; and below, Raindrops in a Lake, 24 x 18 inches, acrylic on canvas.