Vibrant colors, free flowing brushstrokes, enticing textures, and layers of interconnected geometry anchored amongst elegant shapes, this is the alluring realm of Steve Alderton. A true expressionist, Alderton, prefers for his paintings to speak for themselves. Figuratively, he lays out a colorful and emotive walkway, asks and demands nothing of the viewer, except to experience your own journey along his beautifully painted path.

Alderton lives in Washington, DC; he studied art at the Corcoran College of Art and Design. He has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows throughout the D.C. area. His works reside in both private and corporate collections. Touchstone Gallery is thrilled to show his solo exhibition this month.

Icon No. 10 By Steve Alderton

ICONS: Alderton's new dynamic series of portraits, is influenced by the the ancient icons of Eastern Christianity (the word “Icon” is Greek for likeness or image.) The series includes studies of the human form ranging from portraits to full-body nudes; focusing on how the sacred, minimalistic works manage to convey – with just the slightest suggestion – complex aspects of the subject's persona, spirit, and earthly accomplishments. With that in mind, he sought to capture the likeness of a subject, which alone can reveal much about a person, as did the ancient icons. One could say that in this series he blurs the lines between portraits and the still life of being human. He delivers impressionistic imagery that strips his subjects down to the bare bones of raw emotion, revealing unadulterated souls exposed on canvas.

Alderton's interest in icons extends to their symbolic imagery, in the form of seemingly random objects accompanying the central figure. A superlative stickler for detail: every stroke, color choice, and shape in Alderton's paintings have a meaning. What do his ICONS have to say; what insights and secrets shall be revealed to you? Join us at Touchstone to find out. This coming Thursday you can meet Alderton and enjoy the exhibition. There will be refreshments, music, and art aplenty.

Third Thursday: March 21, 6-8:30 pm

Icon No. 27 By Steve Alderton