Entitled “Abundance” (Xenia), this group of new works by painter Genetta McLean is outstanding. Featuring as it does the millennia old theme of lush culinary supplies gathered together to be prepared for the delectation of guests, this artist’s virtuoso brushwork has produced a paeon to plenty. Avoiding the overloaded chiaroscuro of Baroque painters of similar subjects, the panels break new ground in the field. It is possible that eye level perspectives and clarity of rendering may, for some viewers, hint at slight affinity with some of the masterpieces of Pompeian painting.

The clear-cut definition of forms serves to intensify the viewer’s appreciation of the objects depicted: the succulence of golden plums and the subtly elegant blues of duck’s eggs; the timelessness reflected in a vegetable dyed linen cloth; the hand thrown stoneware. In each of the panels we are reminded that the earth has given us food, fiber and utensils for millennia.

Genetta McLean is a painter whose skills and integrity have allowed her to avoid over-employed idioms of much of contemporary art and create panels that, while reflecting aspects of painterly tradition, are totally contemporary in reference and style.

Related events: reception on Aug. 12, 2 to 4 p.m.

Learn more about Mclean’s paintings at a gallery talk on Aug. 16 at 2 p.m.

Book talk: You are also invited to hear Maine author and photographer Peter Felsenthal speak about his recent book, “New Growth,” on July 20 at 2 p.m.

Additional information is on the gallery website www.mathiasfineart.com/genetta-mcleanor call 633-7404.

Mathias Fine Art is located at 10 Mathias Drive in Trevett.