Artist Michael Gallagher captures nature ‘En Plein Air’

PINE PLAINS — Synchronizing the awe (and art) inspiring changes in the local scenery, Gallery & Goods owners Josh Nathanson and Brett McCormack unveiled Michael Gallagher’s paintings in an exhibition entitled, “Michael Gallagher: Out of the Studio — En Plein Air in Dutchess County” this past October.

Originally from Great Britain, Gallagher and his husband, Mark, took up residence in Clinton Corners back in 2011, trading in the metropolitan vibe they’d grown accustomed to for a more grounded atmosphere.

“I feel like we were so lucky to find the place and to be able to settle there,” Gallagher said of his home in Clinton Corners. “It’s just a great contrast.” 

Gallagher first encountered Gallery and Goods this past summer when he saw an advertisement for Mary Bridgman’s “Portraits of Pine Plains” installation at Peck’s Market, and his interest grew as he admired the variety of artwork on display. Wondering if Nathanson and McCormack would be interested in exhibiting his work, Gallagher was surprised at how quickly they took an interest in his paintings.

“It felt like a really nice fit for the way I display my work,” he said, gesturing to the way in which the presence of woven baskets, tall reeds and vases of bamboo stalks and branches created a complementary symbiosis between his artwork and the gallery space.

Gallagher explained that the term “en plein air” is when one paints outdoors.

“I like the immediacy of it,” he said. “I’m never happy trying to rework it later: it never feels authentic.”

Gallagher said he used to channel his artwork using wax paper and watercolors before shifting to oil sketches on paper. He later found his true medium after trying a hand at artisan oil paints.

“They feel very personal to me because they’re of a particular moment,” Gallagher said of his work.

Now at Gallery and Goods, Gallagher’s work will be on display until Sunday, Dec. 22. Located at 3007 Church Street in Pine Plains, the gallery is open on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.