Upstate artists Patrick DeCrane and Gale Roberts recently enjoyed a visit to France, especially an excursion cruising down the Rhone River. Now, they are presenting a joint exhibition of their art inspired by the experience in “Cruising Through France” April 1 through 26 in Gallery III of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg.
An artists’ reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 17, and a second one will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. the same day as part of Spartanburg ArtWalk. The receptions and exhibition viewing are free and open to the public. The art in the show will be offered for purchase with prices ranging from $50 to $300.
“We want the visitors to the exhibit to see a variety of unique things and places in France interpreted by two artists,” says DeCrane, primarily a watercolorist.
In the upcoming exhibit, the two want to convey that they have “provided an enjoyable interpretation of France,” says Roberts, who works in acrylics and oils. “They will see a variety of unique things and places in France interpreted by these two artists. The exhibit shows the different views that each artist experienced in the country of France.”
DeCrane, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has been painting and drawing most of his adult life, using acrylic, pastels and watercolor, his favorite. “I also find great satisfaction with drawing with pencil. My subject matter generally includes flowers, trees and still life.”
He began his formal art classes in high school. A graduate of Park College and retired from the U.S. Army, he spent 11 years working for the Military Officers Association. Prepared for a new adventure, he then opened and operated a bed and breakfast for 10 years with his husband, Michael Thomas.
Roberts, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been painting for about eight years. “I am continuing to take art classes and continuing to learn from a local artist. I love to paint things that are bright and beautiful. I’ve decided that painting dogs is a favorite of mine and will continue with painting them as I develop my skills as an artist.”
DeCrane has been a member of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg since 2016; Roberts joined in 2022. They have exhibited jointly many times at the Artists Collective. “Our individual interest in the arts has drawn us together for a number of years,” DeCrane says. “Consequently, we have shown our exhibitions for over four years. Our history at ACS is substantial proof it is home for our artworks. As members of ACS, we have many opportunities to show our artwork and enjoy the comradery with other artists,” DeCrane says.