My Warner Friedman Lake House

For nearly thirty years now, Warner Friedman has been creating one of a kind paintings from his studio in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. He composes illusions grounded in architectural elements that take on an airy quality combining with landscapes. Standing before one of his large paintings, Doorway to the River, the viewer is inspired to look through a door that transports us to another world. The doorframe and decking that appear in this painting helps achieve the stunning three-dimensional perspective of the painting. The painting has such a realistic feel to it, that it creates the illusion that you can hear the soothing sound of a summer breeze. You get a sense of serenity and relaxation that is expressed with the use of light from the sunshine and the baby blue sky. Mr. Friedman has said that, “Seeing is the best way of knowing.” In his recent work the artist invites us to see these timeless moments, which one might pause to look and love.

Growing up with a house on the lake, a view like this is something that I have been seeing for years now. No matter what the season or weather condition, the scenery of a mountain and the water always takes my breath away. Growing up with a lake house, I have spent every season enjoying what it has to offer. From summer’s beautiful green scenery to winter’s frozen-over lake, the view is never exactly alike. There are fun times swimming with beautiful pink sunsets, and the endless nights of summer that make me appreciate having a home with a view as majestic as the one Warner created. When the leaves change in the fall, there is nothing comparable to the beautiful foliage right in the backyard. Seeing the changing leaves hit the still water, I can still taste that crisp fall air. The winter has beautiful snowfalls, which makes the mountain look so much larger. Lastly the spring – when everything comes back to life – you see the trees and flowers blooming and their beautiful colors reflected on the water. Watching all the seasons on the lake, I could never choose a favorite. No matter how many times I have witnessed it, it will never stop taking my breath away. Growing up with this opportunity, I am grateful I could witness all of Mother Nature and her beauty.

When I look at Warner Friedman’s paintings, I imagine myself standing at a door way or looking out a window, seeing this beautiful view in front of me. Warner Friedman has painted such vivid and life-like sceneries, causing me to have the urge to step outside and take in the beauty. Nature has a way with calming me and helping me clear my head. If I could even afford a Warner Friedman painting one day, I’d love to hang one in my grand room. I could sit on the couch and appreciate its alluring charm. Whenever I am stressed out or feel overwhelmed, looking into the painting will remind me to stay grounded. There are so many artists out there who paint landscapes, but Warner Friedman is one of a kind. His life-like creations really make you appreciate art and nature and how when it combines into one, it makes masterpieces.