His paintings are an amalgam of styles derived from the history of visual arts and organic and mechanical forms. The titles of his paintings are mostly chosen at random because he does not wish to tell the viewer what he or she should experience.

Valerie grew up in the Berkshires and attended local college art programs. She holds a Master's degree in Art. Her paintings are a combination of realism and expressionism.

Living in the quiet town of Becket, MA, Sean McCusker has developed a kinship with the solitude of the hilly landscape around him. Focusing this in his artwork he develops striking surreal landscapes full of color and mystery. The subjects of his paintings, although abstract, are reminiscent of the lone hero from film; confidently standing against the world yet yearning for the security of a home just over the horizon.

Sean’s paintings are made up of roughly thirty thin, transparent layers, each one adding complexity. As the layers are carefully worked up the composition's forms and colors become more contrasted, more dramatic. The translucent layers create a glowing composition of dark shadows suspended in light.

Contrasted by the stillness of the scene, drama unfolds as cascading shadows heavily contrast the colorful landscape. In his words, “I wanted to capture that moment of intensity just before or right after something extraordinary happens; that sense of either surrender to the inevitable or relief after a hard-fought battle.” This internal struggle, expressed through bold contrasts and rich color, lies at the heart of his work. Even in his monochromatic drawings, his frenetic linework charges the scenes with hidden dramatic tension.

Sean’s work can be seen in exhibits throughout Berkshire County. For more information about his work, and upcoming exhibits, visit his website: