Covid-19 has closed our gallery. Until we can reopen you can view exhibits as scheduled online
North Star Art Gallery and Keeler North Star Studio
Gallery Hours - Daily by Appointment - 607-323-7684
Welcome to North Star Art Gallery
Nestled in Ithaca, New York, North Star Art Gallery showcases the evocative landscape paintings of Brian Keeler, alongside works by the late Susan Booth Titus. Here, you'll find art that captures the raw beauty of the Finger Lakes region, and the natural world with honesty, depth, and masterful technique.
The Art of Brian Keeler
Brian Keeler paints the landscape as he experiences it—not as picturesque postcards, but as living, breathing encounters with place and light. His work reveals the Adirondack wilderness in all its moods: the weight of winter silence, the fleeting brilliance of autumn color, the subtle transitions of dawn and dusk across mountain lakes.
Working primarily in oil, Keeler brings a distinctive combination of technical precision and emotional resonance to each canvas. His brushwork captures both the grand sweep of mountain vistas and the intimate details that define a specific moment—the way light filters through hemlock branches, how mist settles into valleys at first light, the texture of weathered rock against new snow.
Keeler's paintings don't romanticize nature; they honor it.
Each work reflects countless hours of direct observation, sketching on location, and a deep understanding of the places he paints. Whether depicting the High Peaks, quiet forest interiors, or the changing seasons along backcountry trails, his art invites viewers into authentic wilderness experiences—scenes that feel both familiar and revelatory.
His palette ranges from the muted grays and earth tones of winter landscapes to the rich golds and crimsons of fall, always grounded in what the land itself reveals. The result is work that resonates with anyone who has felt the pull of wild places, who understands that true beauty often lies in subtlety rather than spectacle.
Honoring Susan Booth Titus
The gallery also features selected works by Susan Booth Titus, whose artistic legacy continues to inspire. Her paintings complement the gallery's focus on authentic regional artistry and deep connection to the natural landscape of upstate New York.
Visit Us
Open by Appointment
We invite you to experience these works in person. Contact us to schedule your private viewing at
North Star Art Gallery
Ithaca, New York
Other New Works
"Upper View of Taughannock Falls,” oil on linen on panel, 26” x 30”.
"Deer Head Inn Oil on panel 18" x 20"
Susquehanna September Sonnet,""
Oil on linen 26" x 30"
Upcoming
Special exhibition of Brian’s still lifes, watch for our ad in Nov/Dec Life in the Finger Lakes.
1. Classical Foundations with a Contemporary Twist
Keeler’s still lifes often reflect a deep study of traditional composition and light, reminiscent of Dutch and Italian still life masters. However, he introduces modern elements—such as contemporary objects or unexpected juxtapositions—that add a layer of narrative or symbolism.
2. Masterful Use of Light
One of the most striking features of Keeler’s still life work is his use of dramatic, raking light. Often natural light pours across the composition from one direction, casting long, expressive shadows. This technique not only enhances the realism of the objects but also creates a poetic, almost theatrical mood.
3. Geometric Composition
Keeler frequently uses geometric structuring—diagonals, grids, and strong horizontals or verticals—to guide the viewer’s eye and create harmony in his compositions. This echoes his landscape work, where geometry plays a major role in defining space and structure.
4. Rich Color Palette
His still lifes often feature a warm, rich color palette, with earthy tones and saturated hues. These color choices heighten the sensory appeal of ordinary objects—like fruits, bottles, fabrics, or ceramics—and lend a sense of timelessness to the scenes.
5. Themes of Time and Transience
Some of Keeler’s still lifes convey a meditative or philosophical tone. The inclusion of aging fruit, weathered surfaces, or historical objects hints at themes of impermanence and memory, aligning with the vanitas tradition in still life painting.
"Still Life With One Blue Butterfly," oil on linen, on panel,26”x 30
Early Morning - Still Life with Three Graces” oil on linen 26”x 30
Susan Booth Titus - Iconic Ithaca Artist
We are fortunate to have the largest collection of Susan Booth Titus, and have recently obtained a selection of her original works. We have brought these together with our extensive collection and are offering this special sale.
Susan Booth Titus (1940-2016) waas a distinguished artist celebrated for her evocative landscapes and intricate depictions of nature. Titus developed a unique style that married realism with an impressionistic touch, capturing the serene beauty and transient moods of the Ithaca area.
Her work, characterized by a masterful use of light and color, invited viewers into ethereal scenes of the area that evoke a sense of peace and nostalgia. Click here to visit our Susan Booth Titus site.