James Rehmus (b.1955)
Evening after a Passing Storm, 2015
Materials: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 48” x 60”
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower on the Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Blue Neighborhood, Second Floor, hallway outside Staff Lockers H2-211
About the Art
James Rehmus’ Evening after a Passing Storm distills a landscape into its essential forms, using color and brushwork to evoke light, atmosphere, and movement. At first glance, the composition appears simple—broad horizontal bands of color defining land and sky, punctuated by vertical tree trunks. However, a closer look reveals the artist’s nuanced technique. Rehmus applies color in unblended brushstrokes, allowing subtle shifts in hue to emerge across the canvas. Notice how the tree trunks transition into purples and reds, particularly on the left, and how deep green brushstrokes faintly suggest grasses and foliage.
The sky, with its glowing upper band of rose and violet, hints at the fleeting beauty of twilight after a storm. The artist’s choice of small, cumulative brushstrokes recalls the pointillist techniques of post-Impressionist painters, creating a shimmering effect that conveys both depth and atmosphere. Despite the sense of movement within the composition, Rehmus balances the scene with formal choices that reinforce tranquility: the horizontal bands provide a sense of stability, while the rhythmic verticals of the tree trunks offer a quiet, meditative repetition.
The title provides further context, grounding the scene in a specific moment—just after a storm has passed—suggesting that the luminous quality of the sky is the result of shifting weather conditions. The interplay of color and structure invites viewers to reflect on the natural world’s ability to transform, capturing the fleeting interplay of light, air, and landscape.
About the Artist
A self-taught artist, Rehmus transitioned from a career as a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Hospital to making art full-time. His work is deeply connected to the landscapes of Northeast Ohio, particularly the changing colors of the sky and the seasonal transformations of trees. Working in both acrylics and pastels, he employs a pointillist-inspired technique to explore the relationships between color, light, and form.
Where You Can See More of This Artist’s Work
Rehmus’ paintings and pastels can be seen in the Summit County Courthouse and the Cuyahoga County Administrative Building, as well as in private collections across Ohio and the U.S. He has exhibited in solo, and group shows in galleries throughout Cleveland and Akron since the early 2000s. His book, The Valley in Pastel, showcases his paintings of the Cuyahoga Valley, offering a deeper glimpse into his connection with the region’s landscapes.
The Healing Arts at Summa Health
- Next featured artist: Christine Ries
- Homepage: summahealth.org/art
- More artwork in new patient tower