For several decades Oregon painter Michael Brophy has been painting the Pacific Northwest landscape as it actually exists, rather than the romantic version many of us still carry in our minds. That includes sumptuously rendered panoramas of clear-cuts, housing developments, and slag heaps, but it also celebrates the less-altered coasts, waterfalls, and deserts that still offer an alternative to those seeking relief from the “civilized” landscape. With a carefully-studied historical as well as environmental perspective, Brophy employs a bold, straightforward ala prima painting style that meshes perfectly with his matter-of-fact presentation of the “facts on the ground”. He is also prolific; his current “Multnomah County Quarantine series” contains 72 10” x 11” gouache paintings, most completed on location in the last year. We’ll talk to him about his explorations of man’s impact on the landscape, and how he continues to find new ways to explore familiar ground.

All art talks are virtual, and will be taking place via Zoom.

Art Talks are FREE to the public, but registration is required.