Distilling the simplicity

“Finally” (oil), by Anthony Padula, in his show “true,’’ at the Marblehead Arts Association, Marblehead, Mass., through Nov. 4.

Mr. Padula pursued a career in the sciences before following his artistic passion. He paints still life, portraits and figures with a keen focus on light and shadow, focusing, he says, on “the quiet, hidden and pure simplicity of each."

Succulent super-realism

"Grannies in a Bag'' (oil on canvas), by CLAUDIA KAUFMAN, in the "Four Exhibitions'' show at  the Marblehead Arts Association, through June 21.