Oil Paintings Seize the Delight of Engaging with the Outdoors
“ablaze rapt chorus beaming,” 2025
Showcasing vibrant foliage, misty sunsets, and serene blue waters, John McAllister’s vivid oil paintings conjure the spirit of an eternal summer day. He discovers his muse while cycling through the woods near his hometown of Florence, Massachusetts, but he goes beyond mere observation. Rather, he reimagines those commonplace instances as ethereal images, employing vivid shades and luminous light to convey the sheer delight of being in nature.
McAllister frequently likens observing nature to witnessing a performance through a proscenium arch—the boundary framing a theater stage. Initially, it reveals the allure of the vista, but then it pulls him inward, evolving into what he refers to as a “portal into your own interior.” He never captures photographs while outside; instead, he heads back to his studio to portray the sensation of being enveloped by the scenery. His artistry draws from the legacies of Impressionism and Fauvism, with distinct reflections of Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Pierre Bonnard.
A standout piece of the exhibition is ablaze rapt chorus beaming (2025), an enormous 9-foot by 14-foot canvas radiating with vivid yellow light. Central to the artwork is a half-crescent sun perched above the horizon, casting waves of color throughout the tableau, as foliage in hues of lavender, mint, and deep green encompasses the piece. The outcome is a cascade of shades and illumination that transforms the landscape into a surreal, nearly otherworldly realm.
Seven of McAllister’s artworks are currently showcased at his exhibition, titled sun sundry beguiles wild, at James Fuentes Gallery in New York. Visit to appreciate his exquisite canvases in person until October 4, 2025. If a trip to New York isn’t feasible, explore more of McAllister’s creations on Instagram.
Showcasing vibrant foliage, misty sunsets, and serene blue waters, John McAllister’s vivid oil paintings conjure the spirit of an eternal summer day.
“hued haughty rapt bawdy,” 2025
His captivating artworks are now showcased at his exhibition, titled sun sundry beguiles wild, at James Fuentes Gallery in New York.
“enchants abound ring out resound,” 2025
Featuring vivid colors and light, each ethereal tableau expresses the unfiltered joy of being amidst nature.
“vaunting haunting jaunts go romping,” 2025
“teaming serene dazzled dreamy,” 2025
“sometimes splendor sound,” 2025
“flourish flaunt havens,” 2025
Exhibition Information:
John McAllister
sun sundry beguiles wild
September 5–October 4, 2025
James Fuentes
52 White St, New York, NY 10013, U.S.A.
John McAllister: Website | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by John McAllister.
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