Two-Fer at the Chadds Ford Gallery

Posted by Emily Myers on March 7, 2013

Two artists were featured in the exhibit which opened at the Chadds Ford Gallery March 1. John Hannifin and William Basciani mingled with guests and talked about their works.

Basciani’s These Three Eggs was another two-fer. One side of the work is a formal still life. On the other side is a sketch of a well known local Victoria Wyeth. Gallery director Barbara Moore shows the flip side of the work. These Three Eggs shown in insert. Moore says she loves working with artists and these two artists are particularly “nice young men.”

Andrew Wyeth told Basciani that if you can paint an egg, you can paint anything. The still life was a challenge for the artist of "white on white on white."

Several of the pieces by Billy Basciani represent his return to more classical form. American Boar uses the classical technique with highlight to the eyes so that the eyes appear to follow the viewer around the room.

Having spent two months circumnavigating the U.S. painting in National Parks, Hannifin returns to West Chester in the current exhibit. The subject of the painting Bankers Row with its staid history is in contrast with its impressionistic portrayal.

3-2013 issue 014 — John Hannifin (left) poses in front of "Sunflowers" with Brian Noone.

The collaboration between the Hannifin and Basciani goes beyond this exhibit. Hannifin says that the two artists often paint together. The exhibit includes a sunflower painting done by each artist at Longwood Gardens.

Gallery owner Jackie Winthur said she especially enjoyed the colors in this exhibit which continues until March 24.

About Emily Myers

Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.