Fine international art to fit in any collection By Anita Stratos Pescadoras, by Giner Bueno, oil on canvas, 42" x 31" Original artwork sets a home apart from all others: It's a statement made by both the artist and the art collector. An international gallery of fine art, with emphasis on European works, can be found at Chetkin Gallery in Red Bank. Chetkin is kicking off the spring season by highlighting the works of five European impressionist and classical artists from Spain, England, France and the Netherlands. Owners Donald and Carol Lynn Chetkin understand their clients' preferences, and with that in mind, their focus is to bring exceptional, original art into the gallery. "The artwork we display has an intriguing ambiance," Donald Chetkin explained. "Each artist has a certain magic, and it's that magic that touches each individual personally." England's Rosy Old Dawn, by Michael John Hill, oil on canvas, 48" x 60" The works of impressionist Angel Ruiz de la Casa of Spain are included in this spring's gallery reception. Since his youth, de la Casa's focus has been on art with a strong leaning toward two masters of color and light, Claude Monet and Joaquin Sorolla. De la Casa typically paints from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and says that his goal is to inspire happiness in viewers with his serene garden paintings, while instilling in them a desire to find themselves in one of those sunny gardens. He likes to produce paintings "with vitality and optimism." His works are well known in Europe and can be found in many private collections. Also from Spain is contemporary Valencian artist Giner Bueno, whose works reflect a Mediterranean aura created with the brush stroke techniques of a 19th century classical impressionist painter. His paintings of seaside scenes as well as barren lands and orchards make use of vary ing light, drawing viewers into the settings. It's been said that Bueno's paintings "discover the earthly mystery of the material combined with the spirit." Bouquet du Jardin, by Bernard Fouchet, oil on canvas, 41" x 32" Artist Michael John Hill's paintings of peaceful, almost dreamlike English landscapes beckon viewers to escape into their midst. Hill captures the beauty of the changing light filtering through England's early morning mist, and then contrasts the soft scenes with highly detailed trees - these powerful yet serene contrasts are his signature effects. Born in 1932 in France, Bernard Fouchet's works are on permanent exhibit at Chetkin Gallery and have been shown all around the world. Though the fruit, baskets, musical instruments, and elaborate vases in his paintings are technically referred to as "still life," his bold approach to the canvas with lively, vivid colors and contrasts defies the term. This is the beauty of contemporary impressionism - to use colors at will in order to create a more striking image. P Pathway to a Village, by Peter van Berkel, oil on canvas, 32" x 28" eter van Berkel is a popular impressionist from the Netherlands whose works many times are sold even before the paint on the canvas has dried. This is why very few galleries have the honor of exhibiting his paintings. Living in the unspoiled countryside of Old Zeeland, van Berkel believes his Dutch and French landscapes "should emanate the atmosphere in which they are painted." Though his works were originally more detailed, he came to prefer impressionism and turned to the use of brighter colors with more light and shadow. The tranquillity of van Berkel's paintings reflects the character of the artist himself. The Chetkins exhibit only the original paintings of first-rate artists in their gallery, all of which are carefully selected to fit the impressionistic and classical mood of the gallery. Though many international artists are exhibited at Chetkin regularly, the gallery is always expanding and adding the works of new artists. Jardin de Aranjuez, by Ruiz de la Casa, oil on canvas, 42" x 36" "We help our clients create an art collection that appears as if they've spent a year in Europe gathering the finest pieces of art," Donald Chetkin said. For more information on these artists or any other artwork in the exhibit, call Chetkin Gallery at (732) 741-6116 or visit the Web site at www.chetkingallery.com. You can also visit the gallery and sign the guest book in order to receive an invitation to a future private reception. The gallery is located at 9 Wharf Ave. in Red Bank.       What is it? Contemporary European Artists Angel Ruiz de la Casa Giner Bueno Michael John Hill Bernard Fouchet Peter von Berkel Where to find it: Chetkin Gallery 9 Wharf Avenue Red Bank (732) 741-6116 Les 3 Bouquet et Lampe Gallee, by Bernard Fouchet, oil on canvas, 50" x 38"