Monthly Archives: April 2015

There’s A Limit

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"There's A Limit" 36"x36" acrylic on canvas by Leslie M. Nolan

“There’s A Limit”
36″x36″ acrylic on canvas
by Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan

Dropped by Susan Calloway Fine Arts over the weekend and caught the lively action of the annual French Market, outdoors along the sidewalks of Georgetown’s Book Hill neighborhood.  Good food, shopping bargains, and musicians right at Susan’s doorstep.  Ran into friend and fabulous jazz bassist Bhagwan Khalsa who was playing with a group across Wisconsin Avenue.

I had just begun this artwork and was affected by the vibrancy of the street to return to the studio to crank up the color quotient.  The results speak volumes.  Neutrals always make  colors next to them stand out, and that’s the case here, although orange and magenta are pretty bold no matter what’s next to them.  Can you discern a fondness for orange…

This artwork will form part of my solo exhibit at Susan Calloway in September 2015.

“Getting Somewhere”

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"Getting Somewhere" 48"x48" acrylic on canvas by Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist

“Getting Somewhere”
48″x48″ acrylic on canvas by Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist

I’ve been tweaking this artwork for a few days. I liked its drawing-like, graphic feeling and overall black and white simplicity.  Yet, it seemed almost too quiet for a “Nolan.”  I fiddled with the image a bit in a graphics program on line, and printed the basic image.  Then took felt tip pens in hand and experimented with some color for pop.  As soon as I drew in an orange tie, the “ah ha” moment arrived.  I grabbed my brush and added the tie into the painting.  It provides a feeling of movement and lightness and even light-heartedness that lifts the image into another plane, I think.

Yellow Alert

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"Yellow Alert" by Washington, DC artist Leslie Nolan

“Yellow Alert” by Washington, DC artist Leslie Nolan

Just completed this artwork. Working on a couple of companion pieces. Inspired by spring, renewal, regrowth, possibilities, the affirmation of life.

A recent visit to Baltimore’s Walters Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art provided the inspiration for this piece.  Armor, strength, vision, and persistence all come to mind as attributes I tried to imbue into the painting as the figure evolved. The title links the color coded emergency status developed after 9/11 with the predominance of yellow in the painting.  And, I think the figure itself projects a feeling of alertness and confidence capable of taking on any unforeseen event.

Also, a reminder that I’ll be having a solo exhibit in September 2015 at Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Georgetown.  Susan exclusively represents me in the Washington, DC regional area.  This artwork above will form part of that solo show.

Hisaoka Gallery Alchemical Vessels Exhibit

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Hisaoka1 Hisaoka2 Hisaoka3 Hisaoka4 Hisaoka5 Hisaoka6 Hisaoka7

Fun evening last Friday at the Joan Hisaoka Gallery in Washington, DC.  My donated artwork,  white and gray on a red background on the inside and black on the outside shares the gallery walls with another 124 artist’s vessels.  It’s amazing how each piece differentiates itself from the others.  We all began with a white ceramic bowl, and the end results celebrates the uniqueness and difference of individuals.  I ran into several artist friends at the opening reception, including David Alfuth, with his trademark silver hair above next to me.

Stop by and see the show:  1632 U St NW, Washington, DC.  Benefit event slated for Friday, May 1st 7-9 pm for ticket holders.  Artists’ closing reception is Friday May 22,  7-9 pm.  Please join me for the closing of this beautiful and special exhibit.