By Paul Goldfinger, editor @Blogfinger

John Aria. photos by Paul Goldfinger

Like the swallows returning to Capistrano, June in Ocean Grove brings back the artists who love the old houses, the tents and the vibrant life in our town. Today I took a bike ride and met two painters, both of whom were feeling inspired working in the Grove.

John Aria was deep in concentration late this sunny Tuesday afternoon. The air was clear and the visuals were spectacular—John was applying the finishing touches to his scene: a row of tents. OK, the subject matter is trite, but no one will ever do it exactly like John. John Aria’s visual voice is unique–like a fingerprint, if you could look very closely. So, no matter how many photos are taken or pictures painted of the tents, artists will return to the Grove to enjoy this special place near the ocean.

John is not a professional. He is a retired school teacher who lives in West Long Branch. But he loves to paint and he loves to visit OG.

Stephen D’Amato

We found Stephen D’Amato sitting in a chair right in front of Stoke’s statue. Stephen is a professional who is working on a painting project (oils and water colors) of shore scenes in Ocean Grove, Asbury Park and Wildwood. His gaze was fixed straight ahead at  another trite subject:  Stokes and his wonderful Great Auditorium.  Today Stephen is making preparatory drawings.

I told him some of the history of the Great Auditorium and suggested that he read the new book by Bell, Bell and Dufresne. He also eagerly jotted down two words, “Stardust Memories.”

Stephen is planning the exhibit in December at the Cranford Library. After that it will wind up in a gallery. He was wearing earphones. He likes to listen to rock when he works. He says it puts him in the mood–it was the Allman Brothers this afternoon.

“If I could afford it, I would move here,” he said. He will be coming at least once per week now to draw and paint. Stephen is especially eager to go inside the GA when he and Mom will be coming to hear Johnny Mathis.

“Oxygen Tattoo” by Stephen D’Amato

Both these artists share a love of straw hats and of the visuals that surround us, especially in special places where the light evokes emotions, and the colors and shapes resonate in ways that carry beauty, ideas and music. Here is such a song that brings to mind the quest of the artist.

By Jewel: