A take on being working class in the 21st Century

Painting by Sam Belisle in his group show with Teddy Benfield, Laurence Cuelenaere and Kenson Truong called “Forward Thinking: Four Young Artists’ Take on the 21st Century,’’ at the Adelson Galleries, Boston, Feb. 1-24.: The gallery says “Mr. Belisle’s paintings highlight the working class and specifically aim to show dualities in perceptions of the environment and space created by socioeconomic upbringings.’’

Woodland meditation

"Seated by a Tree'' (watercolor on paper, 1973)), by Andrew Wyeth, in the show "Andrew Wyeth: Drawings and Watercolors,'' at the Adelson Galleries, Boston, opening April 15.

Those woods look like those a week before they leaf out in April.

Be a clown

''1589 VFW Pkwy'' (mixed medium on wood panel), by SAM EARLE, in his show "Circus,'' at Adelson Galleries, Boston, through Oct. 14.

The gallery says "Sam Earle’s mixed media paintings are composed of tediously layered, hand-painted transfers on hollow-core wood panels. He embellishes some images with tacks that are painted over, and then glazed with acrylic. The extensive process of his paintings reflects the eclectic nature of the artist’s inspirations. Earle’s works range in subject from circus themes to elements of antiquity mixed with his own icons and invented symbols.''

''Circus'' plays with the  advertisements for a once  loved pastime.

Who could forget the turtles and lizards in those Chinese-restaurant takeout boxes  you'd take home from the circus to die? And the smell of cotton candy, popcorn,  orange soda and  manure.