The Glimmering (2023)
Oil on Linen, 22 x 66″
SOLD
Shelley Zentner
About the Artist
Through painting, Zentner embraces life’s transient essence and the ‘eternal now.’ Her work, reminiscent of Caravaggio with its play of light and dark, eloquently addresses contemporary issues like global warming. With a classical foundation, Zentner’s art emotionally connects viewers to broader social and environmental narratives.
Continuous Acts of Beginning
A form of meditation, painting helps me embrace the transience of life. Observing seasons and light has become a portal to my understanding of the ‘eternal now’. For me, painting is an act of slow looking and responding. The process is a gradual opening, a dilation of the mind. A synthesis of experience, time and reflection. The slow unfolding of a fleeting moment.
“Shelley Zentner’s artwork, at first glance, calls to mind the Italian Baroque artist, Caravaggio, in its smokey tenebrism and focus on dramatic transitions of light and dark. Whether it is her figurative work, or this current series based on the South Upper Truckee River and the aftermath of the Caldor fire, Zentner’s work creates a strong emotional response through her use of color and light. Having known Shelley for many years, I see in her work the impressive background behind each piece – strong drawing skills, an understanding of Classical composition, keen use of color theory and a bravado brushstroke that packs a huge punch. How Zentner brings these traditional skills into the 21st century is partially due to her state-of-the-art content. Whether it is bringing to our attention the atrocities of human behavior or the plight of global warming, Shelley’s paintings speak eloquently to current issues that plague our time. “
Phyllis Shafer, Artist
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Shelley Zentner and her work for over twenty years and have admired her spirit and her art. Shelley has put her values out there on display and has contributed to the local community and many important causes. Her works allow us to make connections to ourselves, our community, the surrounding environment, and our collective histories.”
Lauri Kemper
“Shelley draws inspiration from many directions, including our shared wild neighborhood in Tahoe. Our community almost burned to the ground, but out of the ashes Shelley created beautiful artwork, some of which we’re fortunate to hang on our walls! She’s a true talent, and we love sharing her art with everyone who comes to our home!”
Kevin Price and Sarah Veneski
“So incredibly talented and diverse. Shelley paints more with emotions than mediums. Her paintings will quite literally stop you in your tracks as you view them in a gallery and feel the urge to stand closer. It’s easy to see the influence of so many of the masters in her work, Degas and Monet, yet all of her art is totally original, totally Shelley Zentner.”
Gary Edwards