Meet the painters shaping this year’s studio tour

Every painting begins with a decision: what to notice, what to leave out, and how to guide the viewer’s eye. During the South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour, those decisions become visible as visitors move from one creative space to another.

This free, community-based event offers a close look at local painters alongside artists working in sculpture, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and other disciplines. The appeal is personal as much as visual: guests can meet creators, ask about process, and discover the stories behind finished works.

A closer look at local painting

The studio tour gives painters room to present more than a finished image on a wall. Visitors may see works in progress, studies, tools, reference materials, or a sequence of paintings that reveals how an idea developed.

That setting also makes it easier to notice differences between artists. One painter may build an image through layers of color, while another may focus on line, atmosphere, gesture, or recognizable local scenes. A studio visit offers context that a quick gallery viewing cannot always provide.

For a current list of participating creators, browse the artist directory before planning your route. It is a useful starting point for discovering familiar names and emerging voices.

Finding the story inside the studio

A painting often carries traces of its making. Look for changes in texture, areas where an earlier color remains visible, or edges that feel deliberately softened or sharply defined. These details can reveal whether the artist works quickly, revises patiently, or combines several techniques.

Conversation adds another layer. Painters may discuss subjects that recur in their work, the places that influence them, or the balance between planning and experimentation. Even a brief exchange can change how a visitor understands an image.

The best questions are specific and open-ended: What drew you to this subject? Which part took the longest to resolve? How does the work change when viewed from a distance? Such questions invite process stories rather than simple descriptions.

Spotlight on B. John Kaufman

B. John Kaufman is one of the artists visitors can explore as they prepare for this year’s tour. Reviewing B. John Kaufman’s profile ahead of time can help guests recognize the artist’s work and place it within the wider group of participating painters.

A preview is not meant to replace the studio experience. Instead, it gives visitors a point of entry before they arrive, making it easier to approach the work with attention and curiosity. The in-person setting can then add dimensions that a short online profile cannot capture.

Compare each painter’s visual language

Rather than searching for a single definition of good painting, visitors can compare how each artist handles a few basic elements. This approach keeps the tour open to different styles, subjects, and levels of experience.

These comparisons can make a group of studio visits feel connected without flattening the differences among artists. A landscape painter and an abstract painter may approach the canvas differently, yet both may be exploring rhythm, balance, light, or emotion.

Build a thoughtful tour route

Because the tour includes studios, galleries, and exhibitions across South Orange and Maplewood, planning a route can make the day more comfortable. The interactive map and event schedule are especially helpful for grouping nearby stops and checking opening times.

Leave space between visits. A studio tour is more rewarding when guests can linger over a painting, speak with an artist, or return to a work after seeing something elsewhere. A rushed itinerary can turn a thoughtful art experience into a checklist.

Ways to make the most of each stop

• Start with two or three priority artists, then leave room for discoveries.
• Bring a phone or small notebook to record memorable titles, techniques, and studio locations.
• Spend time with both a first impression and a closer look at selected paintings.
• Treat conversations as part of the artwork’s context, not an interruption.
• Check the official schedule and map before setting out.

Turn a preview into a personal art experience

The painters featured on this year’s studio tour represent the range and vitality of the local creative community. Their work offers visitors a chance to see how ideas become images and how individual practices shape the character of the region.

Explore the participating artists, mark the studios and exhibitions that interest you, and make plans to attend the free South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour. Bring your curiosity, take your time, and let the day reveal a few artists you did not expect to find.