The Parkers, father and son, exhibit at library gallery

MILLBROOK — A steady crowd of admirers filled the Gallery at Millbrook Library to meet artists Robert Parker and his son, Geoff. The exhibit includes many works of varied subjects, sizes and media. Two of the works sold almost as soon as the reception started; both artists are well known and widely admired.

Robert Parker was born in Virginia in 1927. He is still sprightly, has an excellent memory, and enjoys sharing stories with his fans. His art consists of paintings and prints, of animals, people and landscapes. His work as an illustrator of more than 90 children’s books is well known. He has also done set design for operas and films.

He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, and in 1956 was hired to play the hands of Vincent Van Gogh in the famous movie, “Lust for Life.”

Parker lived in New York in the 1970s, and while there he created a series of watercolors based on the poems of Keith Douglas, who wrote of his time in Egypt during WWII.

His works hang in prestigious museums and galleries, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

His son, Geoff Parker, was inspired by his father as well as Edward Sorel, a respected illustrator, and painters Edward Hopper and George Bellows.

He worked as a freelancer for The London Times, and was commissioned to create illustrations for music reviews, movie and author reviews. His favorite, he saids, was “Fargo.”  He has done illustrations for rock stars Patti Smith and Lou Reed.

With more than 30 works of art on display, wonderfully curated by Diana Bontecou, it is hard to pick just a few favorites. Mediums range from watercolors to etchings, oil paintings, monotype and lithotype. Subjects include planes, ships, people, animals, buildings. The works also cover many places: Australia, New Zealand, India and parts unknown.

The exhibit is a fascinating mixture of ideas, styles, mediums and subjects. One look around the room is not enough. Animals depicted include dogs, monkeys, antelopes, apes and hyenas.

The exhibit will be up through the month of October. The Parkers are well worth a trip to the gallery — the exhibit is different, fun and lively. The talent is unmistakable.

For the gallery’s schedule or more information, call 845-677-3611.