WORCESTER — The beauty of the natural world takes center stage in “A Brush with Nature”, a solo exhibition featuring the watercolor paintings of Princeton artist Barry Van Dusen, presented by the Princeton Arts Society.
The exhibition is on display now through Jan. 7, 2027, with gallery hours daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at The Gallery of Briarwood, 65 Briarwood Circle. The public is invited to meet the artist at a reception from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. Van Dusen will also give a brief presentation about his techniques for creating dynamic nature paintings in watercolor.
A resident of Princeton since 1982, Van Dusen is a founding member of the Princeton Arts Society and has spent decades developing an artistic style rooted in careful observation, strong draftsmanship and creative expression.
Although he has worked in a variety of artistic media, transparent watercolor remains his first love.
His connection to the natural world extends well beyond the canvas. During his early years in Princeton, Van Dusen volunteered at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, beginning a longstanding relationship with Mass Audubon.
In 2019, he completed an ambitious project to visit and paint at all of Mass Audubon’s sanctuaries throughout Massachusetts. The experience became the foundation for his book, Finding Sanctuary, published by Mass Audubon in spring 2020.
His more recent work includes illustrating “A Year of Birds”, a collection of writings about birds drawn from the journals of Henry David Thoreau. Published by Mercer Press in 2024, the book features more than 150 drawings and paintings by Van Dusen.
His artistic achievements have also earned international recognition. In 1994, he was elected a full member of Britain’s Society of Wildlife Artists and continues to contribute to its annual exhibition in London. In 2014, he was named Master Artist at the prestigious “Birds in Art” exhibition in Wausau, Wisconsin, an honor recognizing outstanding achievement in the use of bird imagery in art.
The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience the natural world through the eyes of an artist whose work reflects a lifelong appreciation for wildlife, landscape and the details of nature.
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