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The Artist

Donald Sykes Lewis Jr. was born in Norfolk, Virginia where he grew up surrounded by great 19th century American and European painting in his father’s art gallery. Learning the discipline of fine art restoration from his father, he developed his technical skills. On buying trips, he developed an eye for quality and aesthetics. Upon graduation from prep school, he was accepted at Randolph-Macon College where he obtained his B.A. in Fine Arts. He then attended the University of Virginia receiving a Masters Degree in Art History.

After graduate school, Lewis went to work for his father at Auslew Gallery. During this time the art market was booming and his creative energy was directed toward sales, management, restoration and research. He published several articles on art history in national magazines and a catalog for the Brandywine River Museum. After more than twenty years with Auslew Gallery, Lewis retired and started painting professionally. He now spends most of his time in the studio and the remainder with his family and friends.

Lewis utilizes the American tradition of topographical art blending elements of luminism, realism, and impressionism. His sense of places and atmosphere transcends the everyday. It is art that seeks to expose the nonverbal realities of existence. While some contemporary artists promote themselves by being disciples of the crass to shock their viewers, Lewis shuns theatrics and digs for the truth and beauty that surrounds us all.

Chronology

1947

Born in Norfolk, VA December 13th

 

1963-1966

Attended Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, VA

Started working summers at Auslew Gallery, Norfolk, VA owned by his father. Began learning conservation of oil paintings from his father who worked with conservators in Colonial Williamsburg.

 

1966-1970

Attended Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA received B.A. 1970.

Instructed in Art History by Jon Longaker

 

1970-1973

Attended the University of Virginia, received M.A. in History of Art 1973.

Joined the United States Army Reserve, transferred to the United States Coast Guard Reserve.

Began writing the Herman O. Herzog Catalog for Auslew Gallery.

Settled in Norfolk, VA

Became Vice-President of Auslew Gallery

Retired as President of Auslew Gallery 1995

 

1974

Painted with Pennsylvania Academy trained artist James F. Yax

Wrote catalog for the Carolyn Wyeth show at Auslew Gallery

Member of the International Institute for Conservation of Historical Artistic Works, London, England

Member of the American Institute for Conservation of Historical and Artistic Works, Washington, D.C.

 

1975-1976

Wrote Emily Nicols Hatch Catalog for Auslew Gallery

Wrote article on Herman Herzog for Southwest Art Review

Wrote article on Herman Herzog for American Art Review

Instructor of American Art History, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Instructor of American Art History, Hermitage Foundation Museum, Norfolk, VA (1975-1979)

 

1980-1984

Plein Air Painting with Charles Sibley, Professor Emeritus, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

 

1981

Painting accepted at 57th Annual National Salon, Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT

 

1982

One person show, Auslew Gallery, Norfolk, VA

 

1982-1984

Chrysler Museum Advisory Fund Raiser Chairman, Norfolk, VA

 

1985

In three person show, Twentieth Century Gallery, Williamsburg, VA

Exhibited paintings with Charles Sibley at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA

 

1987

One person show, Auslew Gallery, Norfolk, VA

1988

Virginia Opera Association Adviser & Contributor, Norfolk, VA

 

1988-1995

Participated in group show, Gallery Mayo, Richmond, VA

Advisory Committee, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA

 

1991

Seminar – Cleaning Oil Paintings in Association with A.I.C. at William & Mary College, Williamsburg, VA

Chrysler Museum Advisory Committee, Norfolk, VA

 

1994

One person show, Art Works Gallery, Norfolk, VA

Began painting in Bath County, VA

 

1995

Retired as President of Auslew Gallery

 

1996

One person show “Interpretation of Realism” Hermitage Foundation Museum, Norfolk, VA

 

1997

Exhibited paintings, Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Newport News, VA

 

1999-2007

Exhibited paintings, Warm Springs Gallery, Warm Springs, VA

 

2000-2003

Exhibited paintings, Beach Gallery, Virginia Beach, VA

 

2002

One person show, Warm Springs Gallery, Warm Springs, VA

Painting accepted Pleiades Gallery, 20th Annual Juried Show, New York, NY

Paintings accepted 25th Annual Non-Member Juried Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY

 

2003

Painting accepted American Artist Professional League, Inc. 75th Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY

 

2003-2007

Exhibited paintings, Main Street Fine Art and Antiques, Kilmarnock, VA

 

2005-2007

Exhibited paintings, Greenleaf Gallery, Duck, NC

Exhibited paintings, Gallery C, Raleigh, NC

One person show, Warm Springs Gallery, Warm Springs, VA

 

2007-2018

Exhibited paintings, Greenleaf Gallery, Duck, NC

 

2010-2016

Exhibited gallery on Merchant Square, Williamsburg, VA

 

2018

One person show at Warm Springs Gallery, Warm Springs, VA

Recognition

Jacques Cattell Press (ed) Who’s Who In American Art, R.R. Bowker Company, 1976-1980

 

Who’s Who In American Art, pub. Marquis, (editions 23-26th), 1999-2002

 

B. Greps (ed) Biographical Encyclopedia of American Painters, Sculptors and Engravers of the U.S., Dealer’s Choice Books Inc., 2002

 

Contemporary Personalities, Academia Italia

Publications

American Paintings of Herman Herzog, Brandywine River Museum, 1992