“REALISM IN COLOR AND FORM”: The new exhibit at the Pedersen Gallery in Lambertville features paintings by George Stave such as “La Belle Chocolatier,” above, and sculptures by Joe Brown, including “Counter Punch,” below. “Realism in Color and Form” runs July 15 through August 4, with an opening reception on July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The Pedersen Gallery in Lambertville presents ”Realism in Color and Form,” featuring paintings by George Stave and sculpture by Joe Brown. The exhibit runs July 15 through August 4, with an opening reception on July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

George Stave (1923-2011) is known for his realist landscapes and still lifes. His landscapes were painted en plein air without preparatory drawing in order to capture the unique evanescence of natural light. His still lifes were painted in his studio in a trompe l’oeil realism. Stave’s achievements in landscape painting were celebrated in 1981 with a one-man exhibition at the Newark Museum. His landscape painting is a kind of meditation. He connects the viewer to what is local, but through his art he lets us see it for the first time. Beauty, not fashion, guides his art. He informs our experience of reality by leading us with his artistic perceptions. The unique light of the Jersey Shore or the array of brightly colored bottles and tins that make up his art are delights that remain.

Joe Brown (1909-1985) first came to Princeton University as the newly-appointed boxing coach. Brown began boxing at Temple University in 1927, where he became captain of the boxing team and soon transitioned to professional fighting with his first bout in Atlantic City. In 1937 Princeton University approached him with the offer to become their boxing coach. Not long after this appointment, Dean Christian Gauss saw a small sculpture of an athlete by Brown and encouraged him to become the University resident fellow of sculpture. Brown is best known for his boxing sculptures. He knew firsthand how boxers moved and how they felt when they received a punch. His focus on the specifics of the motion of muscles and the expression of athletic determination in his sculpture gave rise to his recognition as a leading sports sculptor.

The Pedersen Gallery is located at 17 North Union Street in Lambertville. Hours are Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, call (609) 397-1332.