LA Art Show

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

This enigmatic painting is joining me at the LA Art Show with Artifact Gallery NYC February 15-19, 2023. If you’re in the area, drop by the show.

Artist Talk at Arts Club of Washington

Artist Leslie Nolan in February 2022 with curator Dr. Erich Keel, formerly Head of Education at the Kreeger Museum, at Washington, DC’s Arts Club of Washington for the opening of her solo exhibition at the first member meeting of 2022. Such a wonderful place with terrific staff and members. Keeping the arts alive in the nation’s capital!

Exhibiting in Korea

Disfigure 1 by Washington DC artist Leslie Nolan

Thrilled to have my this charming painting on exhibit in Korea at the CICA Museum, Czong Institute of Contemporary Art, in Gimpo-Si. The International Exhibition Form 2022 showcases the work of contemporary artists and covers topics of forms, shapes, and media. I’m honored for the selection.

Disfigure 1 is a portrait of a man in bold orange, yellow and black. Stark and direct, at the same time it exudes a tender emotion which could be contemplative or calm. He appears at peace and thoughtful. This 10 inch by 10 inch acrylic paint on canvas commands attention while open to many interpretations.

All Is Not Glam

Gunnar, 48×48 acrylic on canvas
Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan in the Studio

It takes a lot of effort to install hanging wire, protective wrapping, box, and transport artwork from the studio to the gallery. Never mind the daily activity of submissions to exhibits, getting the word out, and all the nuts and bolts of being a working artist. Basically, it’s not all glamorous. Non-creative work dominates if an artist expects the art to be sold and exhibited. The real saint in this endeavor remains the uncomplaining and patient assistant taking photos, putting screws in, and doing the heavy lifting.

Gunnar, above, is being wrapped for tomorrow’s transfer to the Allegany Arts Council along with Amy, which is also featured in the Cumberland MD exhibition August 6-27.

Amy and Gunnar Featured at Allegany Arts Council, Cumberland MD

“Amy” 48×48 painting on canvas by Washington DC-artist Leslie Nolan

Two of my artworks from 2021 are featured at the upcoming exhibition Marina to Mountains at the Allegany Arts Council in Cumberland, MD. This bold, exciting piece, “Amy,” is filled with contradiction. The overall soft color palette presents a calm, serene image which is offset by dynamic and electric black and red outlines. It proclaims that there is much more to Amy than what first appears.

Don’t you love a piece that encourages thinking? There are no simple answers here, only interpretations. I hope you enjoy the mystery of her as much as I enjoyed the making!

Located in the Schwab/Saville Galleries at Cumberland, MD, the exhibit opens with a reception August 6, 6-8 pm and closes August 27, 2022.

Summer in the Studio

Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan at the Studio

Loving this new artwork, 48×48 inches. Mysterious, hip and charming. Looks terrific in any space.

Solo Exhibition at Arts Club of Washington

“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)

Peter in the Studio

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!

In the Studio

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?