Polish artist Kinga Legg… "In Search of Paradise"

"In Search of Paradise' oil on canvas (2008)

The tease of light and shade connected together in perfect union by interlocking tones of color are what makes landscapes a favorite focus for Polish artist Kinga Legg. Her favorite subject is the theme of the thirty-piece show, In Search of Paradise, which opens Aug. 26 in The Society for the Arts, 1112 N. Milwaukee Ave. Legg will be present at the opening from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

"I don't want to shock the viewer. I don't leave anybody guessing, discovering symbols or hidden meanings. I'm taking a viewer on the unforgettable trip to the place full of peace, melancholy and relaxation," Legg says of her work.

“Prairie “ oil on canvas (2007)

"There is a beauty everywhere, in the simplest imaginable things. Beauty we so often ignore or just take for granted: in trees, grasses moved by the wind, shape of clouds in the sky, reflections of the surrounding area in the surface of the water, ever-changing color of the lake or sandy beach."

Her message is "take a break in your hectic everyday schedule and look around." She expresses that in her landscapes that are inspired by impressionists, particularly Claude Monet. She mirrors the "moment" and water's reflections.

“Morning Dew “ oil on canvas (2008/9)

"Rarely does the Society for Arts have an opportunity to display such perfectly executed traditional painting. A number of traces can be discovered in these works: architectural perspectives, a vibrant color typical to so many artists from the Cracow area, a European melancholy, and some kind of nostalgia for the ultimate esthetic experience. A search for paradise," says Krzysztof Kamyszew, President and Executive Director of the Society.

While studying for her masters in architecture at the School of Architecture of Polytechnic Institute in Cracow (aka Kracow), Poland, she took courses in her other passion - painting. Courses in painting and drawing aided in her development of a personalized style by using a multi-dimensional color palette.

“The Water Lilies at Chicago Botanic Garden , Autumn” oil on canvas (2007)

Legg worked for several architectural firms in Cracow before coming to the States nearly twenty years ago. She lives in Evanston with her family where she is CEO of her privately owned and founded architectural firm.

The exhibit continues at The Society for Art through Sept. 11. An exhibition catalog is available. For more information and gallery hours, call 773-486-9612 or email.