The Sylvan Gallery in Charleston, SC, will present the exhibit, Spring Fever, featuring new paintings by Shirley Novak, on view from Apr. 22 through May 31, 2011. A reception will be held on Apr. 22, from 5-8pm.

Novak’s passion for gardening and plein air painting is what inspired this new collection. Her focus on nature and specifically flowers opens up her painters’ palette in fresh personal ways.

“For this show at the Sylvan Gallery, I am excited to share a group of new paintings from my garden in Colorado,” says Novak. “Within the group I have several paintings of Zinnias. Last summer I finally succeeded at growing a mildew-free crop of Zinnias to paint.”

“Most of my career has been focused on the delicate, graceful and whimsical nature of Iceland Poppies. It has been a magical journey getting to know Zinnias up close, painting them large and understanding their structure. Iceland Poppies are fluid as compared to the stiff and solid structure of Zinnias.”

“Zinnias look almost prehistoric and sculptural,” adds Novak. “Their color is as intense as Iceland Poppies, but their personalities are not as playful, because the breezes do not bend, wind and wiggle their stems into curlicues. But, there is something proud and determined in the way the Zinnias reach straight up to the sky. My show also includes Tulips, Sunflowers, Cosmos and plenty of my beloved Iceland Poppies.”

The Sylvan Gallery is a member of the Charleston Fine Art Dealers Association and is located on historic King St. in downtown Charleston.

For further info check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call 843/722-2172 or visit (www.thesylvangallery.com).