“PANSIES”: Works by local artist Trisha Vergis are now on view at the Gratz Gallery and Conservation Studio in Doylestown, Pa. The exhibit runs through the end of the year.

Gratz Gallery and Conservation Studio in Doylestown, Pa., now presents a special summer exhibition of works by local artist Trisha Vergis.

Vergis, born in 1962, is an American painter, master woodcarver, and conservator based in Hunterdon County and Bucks County, Pa.

Having studied her craftsmanship and painting skills at institutions including Ursinus College, PAFA, Moore College of Art, and Philadelphia College of Art, as well as in her apprenticeships with master carvers, painters, and conservators, her talent was awarded with the 2017 Best of Show at Ellarslie, Trenton City Museum; Best of Show and First Place awards at Tinicum Arts Festival; and numerous inclusions at Phillips Mill Exhibitions. In addition, she has exhibited in solo shows throughout her career.

As a realist painter, she paints her surroundings; local landscapes; activities; people; and seasonal fruits, flowers, and vegetables. This realist approach to painting ranges from Fauvism, heightened colors with aggressive brush work, to trompe-l’oeil (trick of the eye), realistic imagery creating the optical illusion of three dimensions.

“I feel my job as an artist is to bring joy,” said Vergis. “I try to become very close with my subject, creating an intimate and parallel presence for the viewer. Painting, like dreaming, becomes about making personal connections to observations, memories, and impressions. My intention is to engage the viewer to experience the nuances of the subject.”

To create color harmony in her paintings, Vergis paints with a very limited palette and sculptural brushstrokes.  As a plein air and studio painter, she prefers to paint alla prima (wet on wet).

Trisha Vergis’ special exhibition will be on view through the remainder of the year at Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio, 5230 Silo Hill Road, Doylestown, Pa.  Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 12 – 6 p.m., and by appointment.