Naked to the Bone

This exciting solo exhibit features many of my newest abstract figurative paintings. Like all of my artwork, it explores the blur between reality and the imagined, depicting emotions and feelings.

The title Naked to the Bone is particularly apt because it comes from one of my favorite poems by Pacific Northwest poet Theodore Roethke, much celebrated in the 1950s and 1960s. The poem “Open House” expresses the emotion of having your innermost feelings on show – I think it has particular relevance for this special exhibition:

“My secrets cry aloud…I’m naked to the bone”

d”Art Center Norfolk, VA Solo Exhibition

Am selecting pieces from the studio for my upcoming solo exhibit at d’Art Center, Norfolk, Virginia July 1 – 25, 2021. This painting, “A Pulse Beyond 13,” 12×12 inches, may make the cut. I particularly like the way the black color dances around the square and strengthens the figure, making a powerful and compelling statement against the lush background. It epitomizes the rich relationship between ourselves and our surroundings, often at odds, yet inevitably part of one another.

d”Art Center Norfolk, VA Solo Exhibition

Art Essex Gallery Invitational

Art Essex Gallery is currently featuring these two paintings above, James and Naranja, both 40×30 inches acrylic on canvas completed in 2021. Check out the gallery’s Invitational Exhibition available online through May 15 at http://www.artessex.com.

Juried by New York City art critic and art writer David Masello, the exhibition focuses on the unpredictable, the best and most exciting feature of a work of art. “Unpredictable” is a great word – the opposite of expected and boring. Can’t begin to tell you how that word has informed my art practice over the past years. I hope you enjoy these two vibrant and exciting pieces above from this exhibition. We all need to look at the world differently as life constantly evolves and changes. I think these two lively pieces reflect the unexpected from me.

To see more work, visit instagram at leslitnolanstudios, Calloway Fine Art & Consulting, and http://www.leslienolan.com

Harris

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The studio in winter, with good light streaming in from window doors, makes a happy place to be as wild and crazy, bold and risky, unexpected and original as any artist could desire. Neatness does not count! The important thing is to try something new. Trust oneself.

American Psychologist Association

I Went, Not Looking Back, 36×36 painting on canvas by Washington, DC artist Leslie M. Nolan

I’m so honored to have my enigmatic painting on the cover of the September 2020 issue of American Psychologist Journal. Now in the custody of one of my collectors, this painting has always been one of my favorites. I like the color, the movement, and the ambiguity. I feel yellow always conveys hopeful and positive emotions

The title comes from a poem by Theodore Roethke, a Pacific Northwest poet much beloved during my undergraduate years. Both poem and painting exude a sense of loss as well as moving on into the future. The image imagines a confidence and purpose as the figure continues on the journey. More on this in a future post.

Happy fall to all of you.

New Artwork – New Exhibit

img_20200520_140116595This is a small sample of my solo Divergent Impulses at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Washington, DC, available online through June 5.  All new and exciting figurative work out of my imagination. Most of the 15 paintings featured in the show are 36×48 canvases. I think they make any room in the home or office more interesting.

Check out:

https://callowayart.com/divergent-impulses

 

Divergent Images @callowayart.com

Dave48x36acrylic_on_canvas

Dave, 48×36 painting on canvas by Washington, DC artist Leslie Nolan

My solo exhibit at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting is now available online for viewing and for purchasing:

http://callowayart.com/divergent-impulses

You’ll find 15 artworks as well as a video featuring a visit with me behind the scenes in my studio.

 

 

 

 

Curve Gallery Maryland Federation of Art

OrangeFigure_60x36_acryliconcanvas - Copy

This orange figure is 60×36 inches, acrylic and house paint on canvas by Washington, DC-artist Leslie M. Nolan

Very honored to be juried into the Spring Exhibit of the prestigious Maryland Federation of Art in Annapolis.  Originally planned for the Circle Gallery, the coronavirus pandemic has caused the exhibit to be online at the organization’s virtual Curve Gallery.  Check it out at http://www.mdfedart.com.

A big thanks to juror Paul Reuther, artist and teacher at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD.  He also teaches at the Corcoran School of Arts and Design at George Washington University in Washington, DC.  In addition, I want to highlight the terrific work of the talented staff of Maryland Federation of Art for their considerable efforts during this difficult period.

The exhibit is available online through May 30 and this piece is for sale.