Artist Opens First Exhibit in his Hometown

By day, Brian Queally is a plumber, but his true passion is art. A reception for Queally's first art show in Milton was held Thursday at the Milton Public Library where he displayed 40 pieces and played with his band, Brother B and the Heavy Hitters Band.

Queally's landscape paintings are on display in the Wotiz Gallery at the library. Milton residents may see some familiar places, walking through the display. Places like the Milton Cemetery, Lower Mills and Queally's favorite location, Cunningham Park, are all featured. "I found ample material for my brush right here," the Milton resident said.

The exhibit also features paintings of the South Shore down to Cape Cod and Ireland. "I have a real love of the savage beauty of Ireland," said Queally of the country he spends a considerable amount of time in while playing his flute in the band and painting.

All of Queally's paintings are done on location with an easel. The artist puts a great emphasis on conveying the emotion of the area by using light to show the very moment he's painting.

"I use light an color as the building blocks of perception," said Queally, who explained he usually envisions what the painting will look like even before the brush touches the canvas.

Queally, 39, has been painting his whole life. He's also been studying art for almost as long.  With a long list of inspirations from past artists Queally said he uses their work as learning tool for his own art.

Queally has had several shows in the past, but this exhibit is his first in Milton. The well-received showcase is just an added bonus for an artist who paints out of admiration for the medium.

"I paint for the love of art and the love of painting," Queally said.