Tag Archives: portrait

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)

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!

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?

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

Art Essex Gallery Invitational

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Art Essex Gallery is currently featuring these two paintings above, James and Naranja, both 40×30 inches acrylic on canvas completed in 2021. Check out the gallery’s Invitational Exhibition available online through May 15 at http://www.artessex.com.

Juried by New York City art critic and art writer David Masello, the exhibition focuses on the unpredictable, the best and most exciting feature of a work of art. “Unpredictable” is a great word – the opposite of expected and boring. Can’t begin to tell you how that word has informed my art practice over the past years. I hope you enjoy these two vibrant and exciting pieces above from this exhibition. We all need to look at the world differently as life constantly evolves and changes. I think these two lively pieces reflect the unexpected from me.

To see more work, visit instagram at leslitnolanstudios, Calloway Fine Art & Consulting, and http://www.leslienolan.com

New Work for Spring

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Love these bold and colorful faces I just completed. They’re fun and a true celebration of color. They feel alive!

New Work in Studio

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IMG_20200211_21010539668″x64″ mixed media on canvas, titled Jenna, in the studio. Bigger is definitely better and more fun.  This charming, clever gal makes a terrific addition to any space, forming a witty backdrop to conversation and creativity.  Contact the artist for purchase.

Current Art Fair – Gerard

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Gerard

Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan Gerard, 40″x30″

I like the way this painting tackles the feeling of a man perfectly adapted to his surroundings, fully at ease and intent on his business, dealing with whatever needs to be accomplished despite or because of the weather.  It exemplifies the spirit of individuals who are confident and capable — self-actualized.  Qualities I greatly admire.