In a more than 70-year career as an artist, John Wissemann has explored many varied themes. “My subject is the History of Art,” he says. But  it is art history seen with a working artist’s eye, not the eye of an academic or historian.

John’s latest in colored pencil is informed by his lifelong study and deep knowledge of many various traditions and cultures of art. From cave paintings to the great classic modernists, Matisse, Kandinsky, deKooning, Stuart Davis, Italian baroque sculpture, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, Balinese puppets, Indian sculpture, African carvings and fabrics. All of these find their way directly or obliquely into his work.

His new drawings are largely abstract but use elements with strong natural reference. They are celebratory in feeling whether he is using floral shapes to evoke the exuberance of spring or leaf shapes to evoke an explosion of autumn color. In fact, explosion seems to be the right word for these drawings. A blast of shapes turn into a cascade of of fluttering confetti, that leave a scent and after image of the experience.

Gold/Smith Gallery is proud to present the newest works of John Wissemann from July 27 to Aug. 30. There will be an opening reception for Wissemann at the gallery Saturday, Aug. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m.  Please join us to meet the artist and enjoy this marvelous collection of creativity.

Gold/Smith Gallery is at 8 McKown Street, Boothbay Harbor across the street from the library. The gallery is open 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, call the gallery at 633-6252, goldsmithgallerybbh@gmail.com or www.goldsmithgallery.net.