Wife comments on husband's work as part of new exhibit

HUNTINGTON --Take a look at one of Bruce Bowersock's paintings, and at first you might not see what he sees.

But stand there and talk to the man a moment, and you'll see that he's not so concerned about that, as long as you feel something.

"I put it out there, and I see what I can elicit from other people," said Bowersock, who moved from Baltimore to West Virginia about seven years ago.

There are several opportunities to test that theory -- about 30 of them, actually -- as 13 years of Bowersock's paintings are on display this month at the Renaissance Gallery. It opened during a reception Sunday afternoon at the gallery, which is located in the former Huntington High School building on 8th Street.

The exhibit is titled "He Said... She Said," featuring Bowersock's works, along with commentary on each piece from the artist himself and his wife and fellow artist, Lillianne Bowersock.

She doesn't always see things the way her husband does.

"A lot of my comments are kind of nutty," she said. "I was just playing it off and trying to keep it light."

She has one painting on display in the exhibit, and it's easy to spot because it's the most realistic work -- a painting of Bruce standing on the beach by an old pier, looking out over the water.

"A lot of the ideas for (his paintings) are born at the beach," she said. Hers is the one painting in the exhibit not for sale.

As for Bruce's, all of them are for sale and range in price from about $75 to more than $600.

His are inspired by the styles of some of his favorite artists, who include Kirchner, Picasso and Nolde. The subjects of the paintings range vastly, from 9/11 to Pullman Square to beach beauties. Some are dramatic black-and-white paintings, while others have an array of color.

"The energy is in the color," he said. "I like to get as much energy into a painted surface as I can."

Pat Bertoia of Proctorville, Ohio, was among the visitors to the gallery Sunday afternoon. Bowersock's paintings are unusual for this area, she said as she gazed around the room.

"It's very interesting -- very colorful and very thought-provoking," she said. "I quite like them."

"He Said...She Said" will be at the Renaissance Art Gallery from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through March 31. A layaway plan is offered for anyone who'd like to make a purchase. For more information, call (304) 525-3235.

Chris Harris/The Herald-Dispatch

Artist Bruce Bowersock puts the finishing touch on the "Beach Broad" at the "He Said... She Said” art exhibit Sunday. Bowersock is an award-winning artist, and his wife, Lil Bowersock, will give commentary on Bruce's art during the exhibit at the Renaissance Art Gallery.

Chris Harris/The Herald-Dispatch

Lil Bowersock gives commentary on Bruce Bowersock's art during the "He Said... She Said" exhibit at the Renaissance Art Gallery on Sunday, March 2, 2008.