Robert Lange Studios is pleased to announce The Painted Word, a dynamic group exhibition featuring 25 artists who each created a painting inspired by a book that has influenced them in a personal and lasting way. Opening February 6 with a public reception from 5–8 PM, the exhibition will remain on view through most of February at the gallery’s 2 Queen Street location.
In The Painted Word, literature becomes a visual catalyst. Each participating artist selected a book—ranging from classic novels and poetry to contemporary fiction and memoir—that shaped their thinking, emotions, or creative journey. The resulting artworks translate written language into visual form, offering viewers a new way to experience beloved texts. To deepen this dialogue between word and image, the books that inspired each painting will be displayed alongside the artworks.
“Books have an incredible ability to leave permanent marks on who we are,” says gallery owner Robert Lange. “This exhibition is about honoring those quiet, intimate moments between reader and text, and then sharing how those moments can transform into something visual, emotional, and communal.”
Participating in the show is artist Christopher Stott, who has painted two different works, the first is a collection of primary readers from the 1940s-60s and the second is of 19th-century books, featuring many Charles Dickens novels. He said, “Paintings of books embody the themes and ideas from within the pages. From the earliest childhood introductions to books and reading in primary readers, the hope and optimism in so many of the titles, to the depth, knowledge, and wisdom in the literature anthologies. Painting these books is kind of a lament on the forgotten art of reading. The slow, deep thinking, processing, and even being transported from the present moment. Perhaps a painting of books could inspire someone to take an adventure into the world of reading.”
Also in the exhibit is Charleston artist Megan Aline. For her contribution, Aline has created a piece titled “Strength Within” based on the popular book “The Women” about a 1960s Vietnam army nurse. Her painting is the striking silhouette of the book’s protagonist but Aline has beautifully painted a strong forest within her.
“Painting from a book felt like having a conversation with a voice that’s been in my head since I read the last page,” says Aline. “The story, which I finished just before creating this painting, is deeply intertwined with my mother’s life in the 60s. I knew I wanted to portray the depth of the main character and the strength that grows within her as her life evolves in the book.”
For artist Nathan Durfee, who was trained both as a painter and illustrator, the process was both reflective and freeing. He has created two works, both based on popular childhood books he loved. The first is inspired by “Legends of Paul Bunyan” by Harold Felton, a classic and the second is inspired by Beatrix Potter’s “Peter Rabbit.” Durfee said, “Instead of illustrating the story of the book, I focused on how the characters made me feel the first time I read them,” he explains. “I believe these childhood classics carry a deep reservoir of emotional weight, and I’m drawn to characters who are layered, complex, and touched with bittersweet nuance.”
With 25 artists participating, The Painted Word offers a wide range of styles, interpretations, and literary influences, creating a rich and layered viewing experience. Whether visitors are drawn in by the artwork, the books, or the intersection of the two, the exhibition invites reflection on how stories shape our lives.
The opening reception on February 6 is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to meet the artists, explore the exhibition, and rediscover the books that have inspired generations of readers and creators alike. Robert Lange adds, “I think words and images use different languages, but they come from the same place. This show celebrates that shared origin of storytelling.”
