Tag Archives: art studio

Art In Situ

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Selecting the right artwork can be tricky.  It’s always a good idea to see it in a residential setting – a test for tone and style within a room.  I personally like art that makes me think and provides a lively counterpoint to otherwise static elements of furniture.  Some people prefer a more peaceful, languid feeling.  Everyone has a different goal for their personal space.

Regardless of preference, trying something out in the room for size and impact makes sense.  Whether stimulating or calming, a one of a kind, handmade work of art will elevate the area and make it special.  If it doesn’t work, you can always return it to the gallery for another piece that meshes just right with your preferences and objectives.

Here, I’ve displayed some newish pieces at home before delivery to the gallery.  Each makes a unique focal point, but I think they look good together, too.

Artexpo New York City

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Washington, DC’s Gallery NK has been representing me at special art fairs outside of town. I was one of a handful of their artists to exhibit at Artexpo New York City on pier 94.  Held during April 14-17, the event drew designers, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

I very much like the way Gallery NK displayed a selection of my new Corrected Vision paintings — all 36″x36″ acrylic on canvas.  Because the gallery boasts a collection of very talented, skilled, and innovative artists from around the world, I consider myself fortunate to be showcasing my own work with them.

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Gallery NK at Artexpo New York City

In addition to myself, exhibiting artists included Steffen Faisst, Nihal Kececi (Gallery NK owner), Julia Hacker, Alfredo Palmero, Thomas Dodd.

My thanks to Nihal Kececi of Gallery NK for the support and expert assistance in exhibiting at these world class international fairs.

Just a reminder:

Susan Calloway Fine Arts represents me exclusively in the Washington, DC area. 

Located in the heart of Georgetown at 1643 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, the Gallery graciously welcomes my exhibiting in other local venues from time to time for special exhibits.  She also has arranged for some artwork to be used temporarily by local decorators. 

Bottom line, you can see a number of my pieces right now at Susan Calloway’s.   And, many of the paintings on my website LeslieNolan.com and on this blog are available through Susan Calloway Fine Arts (gallery@callowayart.com).

 

Nolan @ WPA Auction Gala

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https://www.wpadc.org/about/people/leslie-nolan

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Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist, Working In the Studio

The Washington Project of the Arts Auction Gala is coming up Saturday, April 9, 2016, 7-11 pm.  Am thrilled to be one of the featured artists displaying a painting selected by WPA Board Member Rod Von Lipsey.  Tickets for this special Washington, DC event can be purchased on the WPA website.  In the interim, the link above features a Q and A with yours truly.

The Leslie Nolan Art Studio-Water Damage

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Last month my studio experienced the dreaded “water damage,” resulting in the loss of lots of older artwork, ruined walls and equipment, and finally a month long rehabilitation/reconstruction project.  During this time, of course, no new artwork could be done.

Now, however, like a phoenix this studio has been transformed into an efficient, spacious workplace.  Forced to clean out billiard and ping pong tables, hiking/camping gear, canoe, skis, etc., I ultimately found breathing and thinking room.

So, while I don’t recommend water as a method of renewal, in this case the damage spurred some much needed change. Every once in a while clearing out the space one uses for inspiration can prove stimulating to creativity.

Below, some after photographs and one image of the space in a state of massive confusion while fresh wallboard replaces the water-logged stuff.   I am definitely now ready to start some new art pieces!

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Corrected Vision #2

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Corrected Vision #2 by Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan

Corrected Vision #2
by
Washington, DC Artist
Leslie M. Nolan

One of three paintings in a series, Corrected Vision #2 relates to how we see the world and how the world sees us.  There is more than what is known through the eye.  Body language, scent, gentleness or violence all inform the real person behind the facade.

The great George Bridgman of the Art Students’ League in New York asserted, “The difference in drawing is in what you sense, not what you see.  There is other than that which lies on the surface.”  While Bridgman no doubt referred to musculature and skeletal structure, I expand the interpretation of his comments to mean the substance of who we are – our heart and soul.

I know some say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but I like to think that our minds — our ability to feel and connect — really count.

 

Working In The Studio

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Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist, Working In the Studio

Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist, Working In the Studio

Getting a workout painting this 72″ x 84″ canvas.  Up and down on the step ladder, mixing large batches of paint, and wielding wide brushes — all part of a vigorous day.  When finished, this piece will form a key visual element in my upcoming solo at Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, Frederick, MD.  The main gallery space is huge, with high ceilings to easily accommodate this big boy.

Hope you can see the completed painting and join us for the opening reception on September 5, 2015, 3-5 pm.  Exhibit dates September 5-27. 

I am represented by Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Washington, DC.

 

Big Yellow Painting

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In the Studio of Leslie Nolan

In the Studio of Leslie Nolan

Think this piece, 48″x48″, is finished.  I like the mono-colored look and the horizontal strokes used for the background.  Something different.

They say it takes two people to make an artwork:  one to paint and the other to say when to stop.  The process can be an interesting conundrum. It’s easy to constantly tweak, fix and improve, but  the risk entails overworking an artwork to the point of weariness that was meant to be fresh and vital.   Much better overall to try something new.  Just go for it.  Just own it.

 

New for Upcoming Solo Shows

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Working on some new pieces for upcoming solo exhibits in September at Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Washington, DC’s Georgetown and at Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, MD.  While still pondering on an appropriately ambiguous title for the Calloway exhibit, the title for Delaplaine is “Mixed Messages.”   I think it apt, because we send out the message we want people to receive, yet our body language or tone can communicate a completely different message.  The recipient must draw his or her own interpretation of those sometimes “mixed messages.”

In the final analysis, aren’t we all a little confused from time to time?

New Work By Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

New Work By Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

Something Different In the Studio of Leslie Nolan

Something Different In the Studio of Leslie Nolan

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.