Figurative Art

Jocelyn, 48×48 inches acrylic and house paint on stretched canvas by contemporary figurative artist Leslie Nolan

Black and blue make a powerful, engaging image when paired with white. Angular, feisty, unknowable, mysterious, Jocelyn embodies the mystery of life. She intrigues. Fascinates.

New Work

Little Guy 11, 10x10x2.5 inches acrylic on stretched canvas

Little Guy 8, 10x10x2.5 inches on stretched canvas

The studio is filled with exciting pieces, and to be interesting in any way, these must not conform to tireless formula or current fad, but rather convey the vast variety of emotions, difficulties and joys that we all go through every day. My “Little Guy” series avoids the formulaic pitfall by being entirely emotional. “Paint what you are, paint what you believe, paint what you feel,” as recommended by Ben Shahn, and an artist cannot go wrong—counsel which I continue to put into practice.

“I learn by going where I have to go.” — Theodore Roethke from his poem The Waking

See more of my work @ Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Washington, DC

Erwin, 48×48 inches

Image

Loving this image of Erwin, a bold, dynamic, unabashed painting that commands attention and makes you think. Isn’t that so much more fun than all the bland, inoffensive artwork that seems to be dominating the home decor sector! Reach out to my gallery, Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Washington, DC for this and other pieces available for purchase. Cheers and happy Fall.

New Work at Leslie Nolan’s Studio

Gabriel and Annie

Art studio happenings:

Two exciting new pieces in the studio. Top — Gabriel 36×36 inch acrylic on stretched canvas; and bottom — Annie 40×40 inch acrylic on stretched canvas.

Both have a charming attitude, luscious, rich color, and exciting brushwork. Both were a joy to create. I’m loving them in the studio. They send out glad vibes and totally brighten up my day.

Daniel on Exhibit in Annapolis

Daniel, 14×18 inch acrylic on canvas, by Washington DC-artist Leslie Nolan

I’m so honored to have this darling piece selected by juror Mark Karnes for the Maryland Federation of Art exhibition “Strokes of Genius,” at the fabulous Circle Gallery across the street from the Maryland state capitol building in Annapolis, Maryland. Karnes is Professor of Drawing and Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

For this painting, as is the case in all my work, I revel in the texture and feel of paint to help convey the emotional feeling depicted. The older the brush, the better. Stiff, spikey bristles and sharp scrapers all contribute to moving the luscious, thick, heavy paint around the canvas.

If you’re in the area, stop by and check it out. On exhibit through November 25.

Circle Gallery

18 State Circle, Annapolis, MD

Ronnie in the Studio

“Ronnie” in the studio with artist Leslie M. Nolan.

This handsome original painting on stretched canvas is 54″ High x 84″ Wide. Looks interesting and arresting on any wall, in any space. Don’t you just love work that asks questions! This one is filled with ambiguity and contrast, charm and quirkiness. There is no one answer to what it means. Like my economics professor used to say, “It depends.”

Ilumine Exhibit – Howard County Council of the Arts, Maryland

On view August 18 – September 30, 2023 at 8510 High Ridge Rd, Ellicott City, Maryland hocoarts.org

Photos courtesy of Howard County Council of the Arts

“Lacey” @ Howard County Council for the Arts

Lacey, 40×40 inches, by Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC-area artist

This darling artwork and others are in “Illumine,” a two-artist exhibition at Howard County Council of the Arts in Ellicott City, MD. The show is up August 18 through September 30, 2023, with a reception on September 22, 6-8 pm.

The Athenaeum Gallery

Washington, DC artist Leslie M. Nolan with her painting “Rodrigo.”

At The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, VA, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC I am partnered with artist Mark Drefs for this terrific exhibit in a historic and beautiful building. Many thanks to Gallery Director Twig Murray and Executive Director Veronica Szalus (photos courtesy of Ms. Szalus and The Athenaeum Gallery, Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association).