Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan in the Studio
Flip Side, my solo exhibit at Hill Center Gallery in the Old Naval Hospital, is on display through June 23.
Location: 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington DC. http://www.hillcenterdc.org
Join me at my solo, Flip-Side, 17 new figurative paintings at Hill Center Galleries. Located in the historic Old Naval Hospital, the building was constructed during the Civil War. It’s a beautiful, stately structure on Capitol Hill at 921 Pennsylvania Ave NE, Washington DC. http://www.hillcenterdc.org.
Also, remember that Susan Calloway Fine Arts in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown represents me in Washington DC — 1643 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington DC. http://www.callowayart.com
An artwork starts with an idea – what to convey. Since I strive for ambiguity, I think Leon (above) achieved that goal.
Then decisions about how best to convey that idea. In my case, it comes down to paint on canvas, color choices, close up or full body image of the figure, placement in the rectangle, whether tools will be brush or palette knife, shiny or matte finish…
All decisions affect the outcome and feel of the artwork. These choices – i.e., the process – become mere means to an end. The critical issue remains, “What is the goal?”
I always start with a quick cartoon on blank canvas. Expanding on that, I then add background color on the figure to integrate the figure with its surroundings, and spend the rest of my efforts working on an overall unified piece that results in a stand-alone, wow image never seen before. In between sessions there is time to dry. But, I find that overworking can kill an artwork, so less is more.
These abstracts are 36″x36″ paint on canvas and available at the studio.
Washington DC artist Leslie Nolan’s “Bob” 18″x14″ acrylic on canvas
I spent 33 years doing national security work for the federal government, travelling and working abroad in unstable, sometimes unsafe locations. These experiences continue to directly impact my figurative paintings.
As described by Associate Curator Erica Harrison, Greater Reston Arts Center, the figures “seem to be on the fringe of existence, evoking distant thoughts of fleeting memories or dreams.” It’s inevitable that my life experiences would evoke a general vulnerability of humans, as well as a celebration of resilience and the will to survive. I find that regardless of culture, education, ethnicity, and social status, people all over the world have the same needs and desires. They want safety and security. They desire a better life for themselves and their children. My artwork reflects this universal concern of modern life.
Place a human figure in an image and immediately the picture takes on relevance. It becomes personal. It suggests a narrative. It’s open to questions – who, what, where, why, when. For me, evoking these feelings and questions transforms the image into a deeper exploration of what it means to be human.
Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan in the Studio
Making new paintings and enjoying the fall light coming in the studio windows. This fabulous sunny weather gives off an aura of well-being, which translates to lively, exciting work.
Forget painstaking, impeccably rendered images. I’m talking free-flowing gestures. Intuitive sweeps of the brush. It feels like endless possibilities.
Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan’s Red Man
Join me for a Gallery Talk Sunday, Sept 10 at Athenaeum, 2 pm, along with Erich Keel, PhD, formerly head of education at the Kreeger Museum and erudite/fascinating art historian. Seduction closes Sept 17.
