Reflections of an Artist

Tag Gallery Opening

Last night there were four different openings that I knew about, where LA could meet to see new art and hobnob with the artists. It was a busy night for art enthusiasts.  I was one of the many artists with my own opening to attend at Tag Gallery in Santa Monica. The exhibition, California Open Exhibition, was first inspired by the members of this artist co-op to promote their wonderful gallery and bring together emerging local artists. The current show is an annual affair and a continuation of past successes.


There was a great crowd in attendance to see the diverse art.  My plein air piece, Rancho Roof, was the first painting on the left as you entered the gallery.  Given such a prominent spot, I was very proud when it sold during the opening.  


The juror of the exhibition, D. J. Hall, was present to present the awards and was very encouraging of my work when I spoke with her. Her paintings are the subject of a 35-year retrospective at the Palm Springs Art Museum, on display now through September 14th.



 

Comment on or Share this Article →

August Los Angeles Art Walk

The LA Art Walk, which has only been around for three years, has become a combination of art galleries, street scene, block party, and where the avant-garde meet the ladies who lunch.  It is not unusual to see someone dressed as a tree spirit talking to a fashionista from Brentwood. There is art to see, music to hear, food to eat, great architecture to enter and lots of people to watch and be watched.

I shared this trip downtown with my friend Cheryl Hector, a fellow artist.  We started early so we could actually see some of the art. Later there are so many people you can't get into the galleries. I like to start by visiting the Hive, which is always filled with treasures. From there we walked north on Spring Street.

We first came to Julie Rico Gallery, connected to Weeneez Restaurant. This half restaurant, half gallery starts you off with a journey through the looking glass with Alice in Wonderland art by Carol Powell. Her fabric colleagues, with embroidery, painting, messages and photos, take you to another time and place. Each work has stories worked onto stories, so that you will see new things every time you look.

                                                                           

At Spring Arts Collective works by Sam Fuchs and Adam Gray combine Andy Warhol with Nike advertising to produce digital masterpieces. There is an East India feel to these designs when seen from a distance. Up close the images are a collision of small motifs, including skulls, needles, vises, computer parts and more.

Don't miss Taller 410, a gallery and work space for Miguel Osuna. His powerful pieces are large, dynamic paintings that show the movement we see out of the corner of our eye when we are zooming along a freeway. His paintings allow the mind to embellish upon those half glimpsed images. That glimpse is more beautiful than reality.


    M.J. Higgins Fine Art returns us to the landscape of nature and city with artists, William Wray and Dick Heimbold. This, of course, is where my heart is and the work in this gallery is excellent. Dick Heimbold captures the urban landscape with a vivid palette of colors that captures the city's energy. I also love his smaller plein air studies. They look effortless with a freedom and ease to the brush that speaks of years of painting.

William Wray, on the other hand, used a subtle palette that draws you into the paintings. Much like the California Impressionists, his work is a show of colors, the landscape just happens to be what he is painting.

If you missed this art experience, don't despair. Many of the galleries are having openings this Saturday, August 16. Or go next month, when Art Walk will have a whole arsenal of different art to see on the second Thursday, September 11.

Comment on or Share this Article →

Hawaii Vacation

Sharks Cove on the North Shore

 

Sunset at Paradise Cove

     If you have been wondering why I haven't been blogging as much lately, this is why. I was in Hawaii for nine days and had a great time. I am back and painting again as my paint out at the Americana in my last blog shows, but I thought these photos of Hawaii were too beautiful to keep to myself. 

      All were taken on Oahu, the crowded island. I love Hawaii.  It is still one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Jeff and I went hiking, snorkeling, swimming and surfing (that was Jeff only).  Even in the summer you can still find secluded places and raw jungle.

Comment on or Share this Article →

Paint Out at Americana at Brand

Americana Cooper Roof

        Today I participated in an Art Day celebration in Glendale at the Americana at Brand. As members of Artists of the Canyon, we approached the management of this new development to do a paint out but were told it wasn't possible, only to find out a few weeks later that a paint out was scheduled for this Sunday.

        I was pleased to be chosen to participate in this event and had a lot of fun painting the fountain and buildings near the square.  Mingling with the other artists (about 40 took part), talking with passers by, and admiring the variety of different art styles all made for a very enjoyable morning.

        Thank you, Julie Snyder, for organizing everything so beautifully. It was a great success.  Julie told me she was hoping that there would be an exhibit from this day's work, but it is still in the planning stage. Maybe sometime in October. 

Comment on or Share this Article →