Verron Plymouth: The Brushstrokes Breathing New Life into American Impressionism

New Lyons, March 20, 2024 — In a sunny studio high above the lively streets of New Lyons, 32-year-old Verron Plymouth stands before a huge canvas, his palette a whirlwind of color. With each brushstroke, he brings American Impressionism back to life, capturing ordinary moments with a vibrancy that has critics and art lovers buzzing. Plymouth has quickly become a leading figure in the art world, celebrated for reviving a genre many thought was long gone. His journey from small-town dreamer to renowned artist is as vivid and compelling as his paintings themselves.

Growing up in the small town of Riverbend, Plymouth was fascinated by light from an early age. “As a kid, I’d watch how light danced on water and leaves,” he says, his gaze as intense as the colors on his canvas. This early love for light led him to the New Lyons School of Art, where his talent was immediately recognized. After graduating, he headed to France to immerse himself in the landscapes that inspired Impressionist masters like Monet and Renoir. “France taught me how to see light,” he says with a smile, “but America gave me the stories to tell.”

Back in the U.S., Plymouth turned his focus to capturing the American experience through his own lens. His paintings show bustling city streets drenched in golden sunlight, quiet countryside scenes, and intimate glimpses of everyday life. His latest collection, Whispers of Light, debuted last night at the Grand Gallery of New Lyons, drawing a crowd of fellow artists, critics, and admirers. The collection features over thirty paintings, each one a testament to Plymouth's ability to evoke a sense of place and emotion through color and movement. Art critic Marjorie Ellis, attending the opening, remarked, “Plymouth doesn’t just paint scenes; he captures moments that feel alive. His work is like a dance of light and shadow, reminding us of the beauty in everyday life.”

While his style is rooted in classic Impressionism, Plymouth isn’t afraid to take risks. He experiments with bold colors and dynamic compositions, giving his work a fresh, modern edge. “Art has to keep moving forward,” he says. “I want to honor the masters but also bring something new to the canvas.” This approach has caught the attention of younger artists. Linda Martinez, an aspiring painter at the exhibition, shared her admiration: “Verron’s work is inspiring. It feels timeless and modern all at once, like it speaks to both the past and the future.”

Plymouth’s influence has started to extend beyond just the art scene. Recently, he collaborated with Rhodes & Clark Advertising on their Echoes of Heritage campaign for the New Lyons Jazz Festival. His artwork brought a visual layer to the festival, celebrating cultural heritage in a way that resonated with the community. “Art and music are like family,” he reflects. “Both have this incredible power to tell stories and stir emotions without needing words.”

Despite his growing fame, Plymouth remains grounded. He lives in a modest loft in the Arts District of New Lyons, surrounded by paint-splattered canvases and the faint scent of oils. When he’s not painting, you’ll often find him wandering through Central Park, sketchbook in hand, or at a local jazz club, soaking up the atmosphere. “Painting, for me, is a conversation between what we see and what we feel,” he says. “It’s about capturing a moment—not just the image, but the mood and the meaning behind it.”

With international galleries expressing interest in his work, Plymouth’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. But he’s focused on his mission to bring American Impressionism into a new era. “I’m excited for what’s next,” he says. “There are so many stories waiting to be told, so much beauty to discover.”

Verron Plymouth’s work marks a turning point in American art. He blends traditional techniques with a modern sensibility that speaks to a world craving both nostalgia and innovation. In a fast-paced society, his paintings invite us to pause and savor the small, fleeting moments—the way light filters through trees, the quiet hum of city streets at dusk, the reflective calm of a solitary figure. Through Plymouth’s eyes, we’re reminded to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Eleanor West is an arts correspondent for the NL Sentinel, passionate about uncovering the stories behind the canvas. She brings readers into the studios and minds of today's most intriguing artists.