Artist's work powerful in three-dimensional showcase

March 16, 2007

On March 3, the Contemporary School of the Arts & Gallery Inc. in Hagerstown hosted a reception opening to showcase the artworks of David F. Heatwole.

Titled "Prayers in Paint" from the Zero Point Field, the collection features 28 all-new art pieces by Heatwole.

The unique larger-than-life pieces, with their deeply rich and fluid colors, unexpectedly become even more vivid and powerful with the aid of 3-D glasses.

"It really does become 3-D and come alive ... almost surrounding you," said Sevan Birky of Boonsboro. "This is the first time I've seen his work, and I really didn't know what to expect when I was handed the glasses. It is truly beautiful and inspiring."

"It's the effect of layering ... lots of, lots of layers and the proper angle strokes to produce the dimensional effect," Heatwole said. He also pointed out that recently he has been employing the technique of using the pallet knife first to set the stage for his artwork and then proceeding with the brush.

Heatwole said the artistic gift for craftsmanship runs 11-generations strong in his family; a variety of craftsmen from his great-great-grandfather, called "Potter John" to grandfather John, who made furniture. His father, John L. Heatwole, was a master woodcarver, who was referred to as the Wizard of Wood.

As for David Heatwole, himself, he said that his main inspiration is water. "I love water. It is the key element in my work. Water has so many mysterious qualities ... and they are discovering more and more about it as they do research."

His use of rich colors, with fluid swirls and stroke elements testify and express his statement. They have a mysterious yet connecting element, almost drawing you in and within.

Heatwole's art will be showcased throughout the month of March at the gallery.

The gallery is also showcasing the photography of Matthew Prince, titled "American Heritage." It features mostly landscape of local areas, along with some scenery from Germany and Austria. American Heritage also features Civil War battlefields and landmarks.

The Contemporary School of Arts & Gallery is at 4 W. Franklin St. in Hagerstown. It is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The gallery also offers classes and other community projects. Check them out at www.csagi.org or phone 301-791-6191. Ron Lytle is founder.

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