Sean LeCrone’s paintings burst with bold brushstrokes and an air of familiarity that makes anywhere, no matter how far, feel like home. Set in Spain, his sun-drenched The Long Afternoon embodies the comfort of an unhurried moment. Oklahoma-born and Arkansas-raised, Sean teaches oil and acrylic painting at Art Group Gallery.
Tell us about The Long Afternoon, featured on our cover. What is the story behind it?
The pace of it. Two people in no hurry to be anywhere. I wanted to paint that ease, the long afternoon light and the sense that sitting and talking is enough.
Spain is known for its rich color, architecture and energy. What elements most captivated you as an artist?
One of my favorite artists is the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, known for his vibrant light-filled scenes of Spanish life. I had the pleasure of visiting an exhibit of his works in Valencia. I was inspired by this and my own experiences in the sun of Spain.
Were there any unexpected discoveries or hidden places in Spain that left a lasting impression on you?
I hiked up Monte Urgull in San Sebastián, and it was quite a long uphill trek. It was a wonderful relief to find a small bar near one of the lookouts at the top with great views of the ocean.
Why do you think travel and exploration are important for artists — and for people in general?
When you've painted the same place for years, you stop really seeing it. Spain forced me to slow down and look again — different light, different color, nothing automatic. That kind of forced attention is where I think most good work comes from.
What is your favorite memory from your time in Spain?
For me, it was simply the light and the people. The Spanish light had a quality I had never painted before — warmer, especially in the late afternoons, and the people shared that same warmth. I tried to capture these feelings in my Spanish paintings.
See more of Sean’s work at Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center or visit lecronefineart.com.