John Dilg’s Down-to-Earth Reverence
The tranquility of his views, the closeness of his tones, and the evenness of his light bespeak his continual wonderment at existence.
John Dilg's paintings remain remarkably consistent over the past ten years, prompting a deeper look at his latest exhibition at Peter Freeman Gallery. Consisting of thirteen works, ten of which were created this year, each piece measures 14 x 18 1/8 inches and is presented either horizontally or vertically. The palette of pale blues, celadon greens, browns, and off-white remains constant across all the pieces.
Regardless of the application method, the visibility of the canvas's nub through the thin layer of paint is consistent. Oil paint, charcoal, and graphite are the mediums Dilg employs to render his distinct natural forms. Excluding "Wild Life" (2024), each painting depicts a minimalist, tranquil landscape devoid of human presence, often under a full moon casting a perpetual twilight over the scene.
Despite the uniformity in size, color scheme, and technique, Dilg avoids repetition in his subject matter. In "Glenview Elm" (2026), "Bloom Watch" (2026), and "Sequoia" (2026), Dilg showcases his ability to convey the essence of nature through his signature style.
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