Tag Archives: portraiture

Getting Ready for Hill Center Solo Exhibit

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Karl_Nolan_36x24_acryliconcanvas_$4000_2017

Karl, 30″x24″ acrylic on canvas, is one of 17 artworks that form Flip-Side, my upcoming solo exhibit at Hill Center Gallery on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.  Many thanks to Gallery Director Nicky Cymrot for the opportunity.

These abstracted figure paintings continue a theme I’ve been developing over the past several years – that is, depicting what is felt rather than what is seen.  Featuring ordinary people in states of vulnerability, confusion or courage, the paintings focus on moods as interpreted by facial and body language, vibrant color and bold brushwork.  There exists a public side that we present to the world, and a private flip-side that reflects doubt and turmoil. Loss of control frequently pervades, as though the subject has been taken outside his or her comfort zone.  Sounds like a modern, topical theme for today’s life, doesn’t it?

Flip-Side

On Exhibit May 3 – June 23, 2018

Opening Reception Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Hill Center Gallery at the Old Naval Hospital

921 Pennsylvania Avenue NE, Washington DC

http://www.HillCenterDC.org — info@hillcenterdc.org — 202.549.4172

The Making of a Painting – Leon

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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.

 

Rafe and Joao

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Rafe 30″ x 30″ acrylic on canvas by Washington DC-artist Leslie Nolan

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Joao 30″ x 30″ acrylic on canvas by Leslie Nolan, Washington DC

During our cold snap here in Washington, DC over the holidays between visits and dinners and Santa I was able to get in some studio time to do these handsome young men.

Each has style and attitude.  Going for a hip, cool urban vibe, I tried to imbue the subjects with relaxed confidence.  These would be perfect for any home or office setting that needs refreshening.  Happy 2018!

Washington Post Reviews “Seduction”

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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.

Seduction at Athenaeum

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Leslie Nolan at Athenaeum

The Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria VA, along with Susan Calloway Fine Arts of Washington DC (which represents me in this area), present Seduction, a solo exhibit featuring my newest paintings.

ATHENAEUM

201 Prince Street, Alexandria VA 703.548.0035 NVFAA.org

Seduction –Aug 10 – Sept 17

Opening reception Sunday Aug 13, 4-6 pm

Gallery Talk Sunday, Sept 10, 2 pm

The gallery talk will feature both me and Dr. L. Erich Keel.  Dr. Keel served as Head of Education for the Kreeger Museum until his retirement in 2013.  Currently he lectures on twentieth-century German art, leads art-themed study tours to Europe, and serves as a volunteer curator for the Arts Club of Washington exhibition program.  Keel earned a Ph.D. in Critical Theory from Emory University.

Gallery hours are Thursday Friday and Sunday from 12-4 pm;  Saturday from 1-4 pm.

 

Preparing for Solo at Athenaeum

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IMG_20170429_111308082These two new paintings will be featured in my upcoming August 2017 solo exhibition – Seduction – at the Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Athenaeum Gallery.

Both pieces, 36″x60″ acrylic on canvas, feature a man with great dignity and power, yet the images are infused with color and an other-worldly feeling.  Ambiguity, uncertainty, perhaps fleeting glimpses of reality infuse these abstracted visuals of modern life.

 

Making New Artwork

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Studio of Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan’

In anticipation of the upcoming solo exhibit August 10 through September 17 at the Athenaeum in Old Town Alexandria,VA, working on some new paintings. So far, they’re all about the drip. Is there such a thing as too much? Perhaps, in fact, probably. But, my plan is to push the limits. Many thanks to Gallery Director/curator Twig Murray and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association for the sponsorship.

Athenaeum
201 Prince Street
Alexandria, Virginia

Opening – August 13 Sunday 4-6 pm
Gallery Talk – September 10 2pm with special guest Dr Erich Keel (former head of Education at the Kreeger Museum)

Leslie Nolan Paintings at Artifact

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Artifact Gallery NYC

ARTIFACT, 84 Orchard Street, in New York City’s Lower East Side, featured these works in my solo exhibit, Paintings.  For more information, contact the gallery  —  info@artifactnyc.net    212.476.0448.