Solo Exhibition at Arts Club of Washington

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“Rodrigo” 68×66 inches with artist Leslie Nolan in the studio

Rodrigo, above, and 14 other paintings of mine – many completed the past two years during the pandemic – are on exhibit at the delightful Arts Club of Washington in February 2022. This show represents my newest work in abstract contemporary figure painting with an emphasis on faces and emotions.

In these paintings I reconsider how to view the human form, particularl as it relates to conditions of stress and fragility. Using color, texture and composition, I apply different degrees of abstraction to reveal the intimacy of a private experience.

Arts Club of Washington

2017 I St NW Washington DC 20006 Club Hours Tuesday – Friday 10-5; Saturday 10-2

Free and Open to the Public – masks and vaccination proof required at this time

Exhibition Dates February 4-26, 2022

Opening Reception Friday, February 11 5-7 pm

RSVP required for opening reception. Register now Events – DC Art Events | DC Wedding Reception Venue (artsclubofwashington.org)

Lacey

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Detail of “Lacey” 36×36 inch painting on canvas

Am so in love with this free spirit. Bold and brash, “Lacey” sports style and fearlessness as she takes on the world. It’s worth repeated self-reminders that we’re all here on earth for a limited time. The key, I feel is to enjoy every moment. And, Lacey exudes mystery and confidence, smartness and swagger, grit and determination. Good for her. And, for us, too. Go for it.

Peter in the Studio

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Peter, 60x36x1.5 inches painting on stretched canvas by Washington DC artist Leslie Nolan

Thrilled to share with you this darling and enigmatic large figurative painting. The darks really stand out and give movement and energy to any space, whether home or office. Because of its size, the painting looks terrific at the end of a hallway. The faintly pink hints here and there soften the strength of the darks, lending a wistful emotion to the figure’s pose. It’s at once bold and subtle. Contact me for any info about this piece.

Roy

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

I am loving this painting for the unexpected red (oil stick I picked up in Paris). I like the vibration that the red gives off, as well as the feeling of isolation in a landscape where he could so easily merge without identity. Merging is fine, but standing out and making a difference, claiming your space, is better. We only have one life. Make it count!

“Rick” at Lore Degenstein Gallery

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Rick, 60×36 inch painting on canvas by Washington, DC artist Leslie Nolan

This recent painting of a young man is on exhibit at the Lore Degenstein Gallery of Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania from November 6 through December 15 for the 12th Annual Figurative Painting Exhibition. Many thanks to juror Anne Harris and gallery director Laura Libert.

In the Studio

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Leslie Nolan, Washington DC contemporary artist

A lot going on in the studio. Several paintings in various stages of completion, juggling upcoming shows, arranging shipping and all the other activities involved in running a studio. It’s all a blast, with the creative part the best. I like to try new things – color, pose, emotion, type of paint, collage, and more. I think it’s important to get out of one’s comfort zone and break lose. Anything goes. Anything is possible. What if?

Rodrigo in the Studio

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Just finished this fun guy and am loving his bold take on life. At 68×66 inches, he makes a real pop of color and contemporary impact in any space.

Washington DC artist Leslie Nolan with Rodrigo, 68×66 painting on stretched canvas

Gabriel

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Gabriel, 36×36 inches painting

Am fascinated with camouflage these days. Hunter or hunted. Hidden messages. Hidden emotions. Also, it’s fun and clever. Pink spots make me smile.

Naked to the Bone

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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

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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