Asheville artist Richard Oversmith will have a show of his recent work at the Depot Room in Tryon beginning Friday, Feb. 1. The Room is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment at other times. There will be a reception on Friday, Feb. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., in conjunction with Tryon’s Fourth Friday event.

Western North Carolina has proven to offer infinite inspiration for Oversmith’s impressionistic landscapes. Whether at home or abroad, he surrounds himself in the elements of the scene while painting, in true “en plein air” fashion.

Oversmith’s purpose in painting is to provoke the viewer to interact with his pieces. He says “I’m not striving for perfection, for me it’s more about capturing a poetic feeling with light, shapes and color.”

Richard works in oil on linen. He strives to achieve a mood in every painting through the use of such visual stimuli as color, edges, value and drawing. He has derived his style from the lifelong study of past masters, the influence of contemporary painters he admires, and elements that have evolved from deep within himself.

Oversmith received formal training in Fine Art and Illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at Kendall he was invited to study at the Royal College of Art in London, England. There he gained experience in plein air painting and found direction in his work as an oil painter. He graduated from Kendall College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1995 and moved back to his home state of North Carolina to pursue his dream of becoming a professional artist.

If you would like more information or to make an appointment to see the show off hours, contact Rich Nelson at rich@richnelson.com or call 828-817-3784. The runs through March 31.

– Submitted by Rich Nelson