Stanley Bielen's paintings (featured in the exhibit) have been compared to the late still life's of Edouard Manet. The works are loose, brushy interpretations of the subject matter rather than attempts at photographic realism. "Bielen's elegant oil on paper paintings [are] steeped in quiet contemplation. An intimacy is felt regardless of whether he is handling a still life or a landscape. The painter is masterful in capturing dramatic half-light, while employing loose strokes of translucent color from his simple yet seductive palette."

Stanley Bielen was born in the Podkarpackie region of Poland. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and is influenced by the long regional realist tradition called the Philadelphia School. He exhibits nationally and is represented in public and private collections including the Hirschhorn Museum and SculptureGarden and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Stanley lives and works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Bridgton, Maine.

FLOWER Invitational Exhibition :: opens Thurs. June 1st, 6-8pm