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Take a stroll through Westport's Parker Harding Plaza today, July 17 and tomorrow, July 18 and you'll notice how quickly your pace slows. You'll be stopping at one after another of the booths there to inspect art work of over 145 artists. The 37th annual Downtown Merchants Association's Fine Arts Festival is an art lover's power viewing experience. With the Saugatuck River as backdrop and downtown Westport steps away, you'll discover new, distinctive artists exhibiting dynamic works in many different styles.One of the compelling artists showing paintings at this year's Festival is Brian Eppley of Harrisburg, Pa. On his website, he describes how he approaches his work. "I find that doing still life studies with a controlled light source juxtaposed to the rapidly changing light conditions experienced while painting en plein air helps to engage my art spirit and provides a continually fresh approach," he says. He works with a palette knife for application of paint and conceives his projects entirely from direct observation. His catalog is divided between still lifes and outdoor plein air landscape work that has depicted many locations, from sleepy harbors to urban highrises. A Pennsylvania studio tour description details his preferred painting technique. "He'll often use a thick paint application and free, loose knife work to aid in achieving a vibrancy and energy within the work and on the surface of the work," it says. Be sure to stop by booth # 50 to meet Eppley and view his paintings.The Festival's art focus also embraces kids. Westport Arts Center keeps budding artists busy with "Emerald City" themed projects. Kids can create tie-dye rainbows, tin men, witch hats and more. Festival hours are: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 17 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 18. Admission is free. For more information, visit the festival's webpage.
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