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Arts & Entertainment

Oswego Artist Featured at Nearby Gallery

Paul Nickless explains how Oswego's parks inspired his work that hangs at the Proud Fox Gallery in Geneva.

Oswego’s own internationally known artist Paul Nickless is being showcased just up the river at the Proud Fox Gallery in Geneva.

Proud Fox Gallery features one artist's work each month and has chosen Nickless’ paintings as their May feature.  

“With the weather finally breaking we felt that we needed something big and bright.” said gallery owner David Frydrychowicz.  “(Nickless) has good control of his pallet.  Plus we love his work.”  

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The month began with a Meet the Artist reception May 6  The personable and energetic Nickless greeted visitors cheerfully and proudly discussed his work. The dozen or so pieces displayed at the gallery are drawn both from his Vancouver work and work he completed after moving to Oswego.

While discussing Under Heavy Cover, which is not stretched over a frame, Nickless said he prefers to work with unstretched canvas.  He attaches a canvas to the wall of his studio to paint.  Once a piece is complete he transfers the work to the ‘drying wall.’  Nickless said he finds this the easiest way to work in his style that he describes as “hammering on the canvas.”  

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In addition to brushes, Nickless works with pallet knives to give the pieces texture and depth.  Galleries like Proud Fox usually stretch them onto frames for display. 

“How has moving to the Fox Valley affected your work?” Nickless was asked during the reception.

“I believe it has had a very positive influence," he said.

He goes on to explain that two things happened simultaneously during his move. The family was moving and he took a break for painting.  

“I had a four month vacation during the move because we stayed with family for awhile and I had no place to work," he said. “After such a long break, I felt as if I had a fresh start.”  

Nickless points out the difference between his earlier work and work completed after his break.  One can see the newer work has more physical depth which gives the pieces more texture.  

Now that his family is settled in Oswego, Nickless is a stay-at-home dad.  His daytime is spent with his 2-year-old son.  He said this at home time keeps his head clear and allows him to focus on his art.  Nickless also feels that being in a completely new environment has had a positive influence on his work.  He speaks glowingly of Oswego’s many parks and riverfront areas open to the public.  

“The money spent on parks by Oswego is money well spent.” Nickless  said. “I do miss the mountains, but I lived near them for 12 years and soaked it all up. Here everything is fresh.  Maybe in 12 years I will have absorbed all I can from the Fox Valley, but for now it is all new and inspiring.

Nickless will be the featured artist through the end of hte month. The Proud Fox Gallery is located at 213 W. State St., Geneva. Check its website for gallery hours.

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