GLENN HARRINGTON: ONE-MAN EXHIBITION
	FOREWORD Encircled by a field of patterned roses, a young woman gracefully leans back in her chair. Elegantly elongated by a diagonal perspective, she glances up just making eye contact with the viewer. Entitled "Brooks," this painting by Glenn Harrington is so engagingly eloquent, so beautifully painted that the Portrait Society of America awarded the work this year's Grand Prize. Glenn Harrington is masterful at exploring the nuances of the human spirit particularly when seen in the context of the world that surrounds us. Not that he feels compelled to fully define the where and when for the viewer. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say he paints a relationship between the sitter and their environment. He explores the easy solitude one feels when comfortable in their surroundings. There is a gentle beauty in these unguarded moments, when simple truths can be seen in a wistful smile, in the tilt of a head or in a pair of daydreaming eyes. In this new body of work, Harrington has once again drawn inspiration from the bucolic country environs of his rural Pennsylvania home. In "Crossing the Stream" the artist's son is seen through the dappled light of a summer day. In the sun's spotlight and standing amid the rippled reflections, we sense this is moment of import; to ponder the passage of time and the journey from boy to man. In a more fanciful reality, almost as if we have just come upon her, the woman in the "White Ruffled Dress" is perhaps as yet unaware of our presence. There is a palpable mystery about her. Her face, her thoughts, even her time frame are questions that will remain unanswered, yet her allure and natural beauty will never diminish. Though to ponder a single flower or walk through familiar woods are scenarios filled with creative possibilities for Harrington, they are far from the only experiences that capture his imagination. This year the artist traveled to Spain, which provided the spark for works like "Street Cellist." Compared to the young musician, the architecture of the building is imposing, but her slight figure is bolstered by a companion, the cello upon which her hand is lightly resting. One might not recognize the cities, which is quite alright with the artist, but Harrington found a wealth of subjects in Seville, Madrid and Barcelona. Interspersed in this exhibition among the scenes of rural and city life are moodily lit interiors, gemlike portraits and even a seemingly shy French bulldog, all of which make this masterfully rendered body of work diverse as well as exciting. This past year was one of accomplishments and acknowledgement for Glenn Harrington, receiving recognition not only from the Portrait Society of America but honors from the Art Renewal Center and the Oil Painters of America as well. The artistic journey for Harrington began as a young boy under his father's tutelage with his formal training culminating in a degree from the Pratt Institute in New York. First embarking on a career as an illustrator, Harrington has had more than 500 book covers published including such classics as Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice and Room with a View. In addition, he has created two series of paintings on the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare and the poetry of William Butler Yeats. The transition to fine artist was a natural progression for such a gifted painter. Glenn Harrington is now enjoying even greater levels of success for his unique artistic vision, as well as his technical merits.
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