The Atrium Gallery: Barbara T. Preston and Priscilla Young

Paintings by Priscilla Young and Barbara Thelin Preston are featured in the Headquarters Library Atrium Gallery through May.

Priscilla Young

In my memories, moments of delight have involved an observation, which often occurs during an insignificant event; the emergence of a cicada from its cocoon, the motionless stance of a prayting mantis, the wild flight of horned beetles around a solitary night light from my bedroom window, or the translucent body of a small putty colored lizard in my hand.

The first decade of my life was spent in Southeast Asia where some of my most vivid images are of insects. I recall unworldly colors and shapes, and the constant background song whose volume rises and falls as the day unfolds.

My most recent watercolors are an attempt to celebrate these memories, which were triggered by visits to the Naturalist Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Currently, I have been consolidating a collection of naturally expired insects for reference in the studio.

Praying Mantis
Acrylic on canvas, $550

Barbara Thelin Preston

Seaworthy - "Recording a view of each coast line as I traveled."

Edges of Ireland
Oil, $400