“Summer and Stone” by Jack Laycox is one of the late artist’s many paintings on display at Milinda Perry Gallery through Sept. 10. A reception will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
(Painting by Jack Laycox)

Art Review By Les Overlock
Special to the Herald

“A Painter’s Diary,” an exquisite art show at Milinda Perry Gallery represents the best of what a true artist is capable of producing. The artist is Jack Laycox, and I purposely shied away from any information about the artist so as to remain pure in my judgment. While there was an article in Benicia Magazine last month I chose to be viewing with virgin eyes. I knew he was related to Cydne Kaye, who draws with me on Tuesday evenings in Crockett, but I was totally in the dark about their relationship.
As I immersed myself into the art of Jack Laycox, I felt as though I was time tripping through a gallery that might be on the West Bank in Paris. It is as if I stumbled on a prodigy unbeknownst to the world.
The exhibit at the gallery was a collection of abstract gems meshed into the figurative world of a skilled craftsman. Cydne Kaye graciously chose to display her uncle’s work with breathtaking results allowing a master painter to be recognized in Benicia. His technique is to etch into the oil with a palette knife the juxtaposition of various forms to create a landscape. The “Edge of the Meadow” has the flavor of Monet. “Spring” shows off nature in a palette filled with marks of a genius with a brush and knife.
“Beach at Nazareth” is engraved with solid shapes in a style depicting a boat on the shore. While abstract in nature, it clearly represents the real world. Air and water mold together. “Summer End” takes on geometry as its style. “Sunrise of Stone” has an Asian motif.
The remaining balance of the show offers very well constructed figurative work showing the diversity of the artist. I would find the strongest coffee in town to fortify your imagination as being transformed to the cafes of Paris. By having a glowing buzz in tasting this wonderful show, your experience will be magnified.
A reception will be held Friday, July 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Milinda Perry Gallery is located at 117 East F St.

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