Oil paintings sparkling with sunlight on coastal marshes which are under the protection of The Williamsburg Land Conservancy and other Virginia conservation agencies are on display this month at This Century Gallery in Williamsburg. Artist Dorothy Fagan shows us her vision of the stunning beauty of the landscape in our own backyard.

The show includes paintings inspired by the Preserve at the Williamsburg Winery, the York River Preserve in New Kent County, Bethel Beach and the New Point Comfort Light Preserve in Mathews County and others. Fagan contributes a portion of the proceeds from her work to the ongoing work of land conservation through the Williamsburg Land Conservancy.

"The landscape never ceases to stir me with awe! Whether I am painting a landscape which is protectged by a federal, state or local agency -- or an individual; I honor the land with my painting. The reason I paint is so that we may see more clearly the beauty and importance of caring for the natural world in our own backyard."

Fagan, who's studio is located on a secluded pond in Mathews County, has exhibited her work at top shows and museums throughout the country including the National Arts Club in NYC and the Virginia Museum. Her work was featured in a PBS special in Massachusetts. Her paintings are included in numerous public and private collections including the City University of New York, Emory University, GE and International Paper. She is represented by galleries in Chicago and Boston.

Dorothy Fagan painting on location