Two exhibitions at the Hutchinson Art Center, 405 N. Washington, open this week. In them, you will find color, whimsy and eye-catching imagery.
Virgil Penner’s paintings are inspired by memories. Growing up on a Kansas farm gave Penner the background of appreciating the landscape. Penner was known for his ink drawings of mostly homes and buildings and later took up acrylic painting after his retirement.
His bright and cheerful use of color reflects the Kansas summer sun, illuminating the Earth and all who are on it. Penner often uses exaggerated perspectives that give the feel of wind on the prairie, which also exposes a playful nature in the work. The bucolic scenes hint at simplicity with a complex story.