Visitors to the Bettenhaus Kraft furniture store in Hann. Münden, Germany, are discovering much more than beds and mattresses. The showroom has been transformed into an immersive gallery featuring over 150 oil paintings by local artist Dirk Malecki from Hedemünden, creating a stunning tribute to the Weser Uplands region and the magical art of outdoor painting.
Malecki's landscape paintings, which will remain on display through the end of the year, showcase the beauty of plein-air painting—the French term for outdoor painting that captivated the Impressionists. "The experience of standing directly in the landscape, feeling the light, and capturing the moment on canvas is irreplaceable," Malecki explains. More than 100 of his works featured in the exhibition were created this year using this outdoor painting technique.
The paintings captivate viewers with their seemingly endless variety of subjects and extraordinary color combinations. Malecki has authentically captured the charm of the landscape and the moods of different seasons and times of day, creating works that invite contemplation and radiate a sense of tranquility. The impressive range of subjects includes fields bathed in golden evening sunlight, hay bales glowing warmly in the light, canola fields competing with the sun's brilliance in front of rustic barns, and ancient oak trees gleaming in morning light.
For Malecki, the landscape of his homeland represents an inexhaustible source of inspiration. What he paints, he experiences firsthand, often spending time outdoors after his workday regardless of the season or weather conditions—whether facing wind, rain, or summer heat. Each painting typically requires two to four hours to complete, and Malecki emphasizes that choosing the right composition must be spontaneous and intuitive, as "the moment allows no delay."
The paintings come alive through the changing light and colors across fields and forests, notably absent of any gloomy atmospheres. It becomes clear that Malecki has a deep love for nature, tranquility, light, and landscape. Many of his works are connected to personal stories—encounters with curious walkers, small adventures along the way, and quiet moments alone with nature.
The businessman has devoted himself passionately to painting for over 40 years, drawing inspiration from great Impressionist masters including Joaquín Sorolla, Anders Zorn, and John Singer Sargent. Like his artistic heroes, Malecki seeks out the changing light that transforms everything, capturing it with confident brushstrokes. Beyond landscape paintings, the exhibition also features luminous floral motifs from his own garden as well as atmospheric views of Münden that showcase regional charm.
The exhibition remains open to the public through the end of the year at Bettenhaus Kraft, located at Mündener Straße 9. Viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike the opportunity to rediscover light, landscape, and the changing seasons through Malecki's masterful interpretation of the Weser Uplands region.
