The new exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, "Side by Side: Mathias Alten and Norman Chamberlain," is a rather small exhibit (14 paintings in all), but an important one that features Michigan's most famous painter and his disciple.

Their history together began in the early twentieth century when Chamberlain's artistic aspirations lead him to become a pupil in Alten's Grand Rapids studio. In 1910, Chamberlain accompanied Alten and his wife on a trip to Europe with a lengthy stay in the Netherlands. This would mark the first occasion the two men sketched and painted together over the next 24 years. Upon returning to Michigan, both men displayed their canvases they created in Europe, and would continue to do so up until their death.

As the title suggests, both artists' paintings are juxtaposed, and for good reason: often, both men tackled the same subject and the end result was very similar, if not the same, yet completely different. Although a mentor, Alten guided Chamberlain to create his own, unique art.

Even though both artists were impressionists, a difference in technique is noticeable. Mathias was a traditionalist, whereas Chamberlain utilized more painterly fourishes. Alten's "Portrait of Tom Quimby" is a perfectly simple portrait of a man sitting in a chair looking to his left. Directly contrasted is Chamberlain's "Girl With Ducks," which as a whole, is radically different with its multi-hued splotches. Chamberlain, 16 years younger than Alten, embraced the increasingly new styles of painting.

Another interesting facet to view is the changes in color palette for both men. As impressionists, both men applied colors side-by-side without mixing, which creates a vibrant surface for the viewer. The sunnier the climate, the brighter the color scheme became. The most interesting color palette occurs cloudy or fall-themed paintings, which features a delightful array of autumn colors: dark and light browns, yellows, and pumpkin orange.

Both artists were adept regional painters as well. No matter what the subject was, Alten's was of good, clean quality while Chamberlain showed his subject throught the extreme close-up view. Both, however, achieve an intimate value.

After viewing "Side by Side" there is a warm feeling that Chamberlain would love nothing more than to have his paintings next to his best friend and mentor. Well worth the price of admission. The exhibit ends on May 30. Admission: $8 adults, seniors/students (with ID) $7, Youth (6-17) $5.