At Strathmore With “Face to Face”

Posted on February 5, 2016 by leslienolan2014

Contemporary Fine Art by Leslie Nolan

Getting ready to install my 8-piece show at Strathmore. Curator Harriet Lesser has paired me with another artist for this exciting exhibit in the Invitational Gallery:

FACE TO FACE:

PORTRAITS BY LESLIE NOLAN & SCOTT HUTCHINSON

Saturday February 27 – Sunday April 17, 2016

Opening Reception Thursday March 3 at 7 pm

10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD

http://www.strathmore.org

The theme for the exhibit is based on our work in portraiture, examining the individual points of view of two artists. For my own selections, my “portraits” convey emotion. They’re not meant to be a technical likeness of a particular person. Whether beginning with a model or photograph of a model, I then distort and exaggerate the pose or expression to suggest controlled chaos. I imagine the individual in these paintings as reacting to money or job-related issues, loneliness, semi-stable environments, or familial concerns. Filled with ambiguity, the paintings are meant to invite the viewer to make a personal interpretation.

New York City With Gallery NK

Posted on January 21, 2016 by leslienolan2014

Dis Six by Washington, DC Contemporary Artist Leslie Nolan

Great news — My artwork will be heading to the Big Apple in April. Yes, New York City for the huge show Art Expo with Gallery NK. More on this exciting event as we get closer to spring.

Right now I’m getting used to the new studio space. There is nothing like a pristine clean space and an untouched white canvas to give an artist pause. It’s somewhat of a daunting prospect. New tarp on the floor, fresh plastic protecting recently drywalled areas, and the painting table formerly used to hold the computer is unmarked, too. I started slowly with a small painting for a show this May for The Arts Club of Washington, and that allowed me to go farther and really christen the studio this week with spilled and dripped paint from a larger canvas. The upshot — all feels back to normal and congenial to mark-making.

The Leslie Nolan Art Studio-Water Damage

Posted on January 3, 2016 by leslienolan2014

Last month my studio experienced the dreaded “water damage,” resulting in the loss of lots of older artwork, ruined walls and equipment, and finally a month long rehabilitation/reconstruction project. During this time, of course, no new artwork could be done.

Now, however, like a phoenix this studio has been transformed into an efficient, spacious workplace. Forced to clean out billiard and ping pong tables, hiking/camping gear, canoe, skis, etc., I ultimately found breathing and thinking room.

So, while I don’t recommend water as a method of renewal, in this case the damage spurred some much needed change. Every once in a while clearing out the space one uses for inspiration can prove stimulating to creativity.

Below, some after photographs and one image of the space in a state of massive confusion while fresh wallboard replaces the water-logged stuff. I am definitely now ready to start some new art pieces!

Nolan at Miami

Posted on December 11, 2015 by leslienolan2014

Artwork of Washington, DC contemporary artist Leslie Nolan at SPECTRUM during Art Basel Miami Week

Art Miami Week-Gallery NK

Posted on December 8, 2015 by leslienolan2014

Artists Leslie Nolan and Gulten Imamoglu with Gallery NK owner/artist Nihal Kececi

A great week exhibiting with Gallery NK, meeting friends, and checking out art museums, galleries, and fairs along with Art Basel. Good to be home and to paint again…

Nolan at Miami’s Art Basel Week

Posted on November 30, 2015 by leslienolan2014

preview

SPECTRUM Miami Art Show with Gallery NK

WHEN December 2-6, 2015

LOCATION 1700 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami FL 33132

BOOTH S1108

It’s always exciting to participate in Miami’s sprawling and exciting Art Basel Week. This will be my third year showing artwork there, and I want to thank Washington, DC’s Gallery NK for featuring my artwork and providing this great opportunity in Miami. In particular, Owner and Director Nihal Kececi has been tremendously helpful and supportive.

Gallery NK will be displaying four artworks in my Corrected Vision series — all newly completed in the past 6 months.

Washington, DC artists are always well-received and omnipresent throughout Miami during the week. Some twenty art fairs, several art museums and tons of galleries, individual artists, and arts aficionados crowd the streets, sidewalks, and beaches. It is really something! Honored to be rubbing shoulders with so many art fans and talented artists.

As a reminder, I remain represented at Washington, DC by Susan Calloway Fine Arts in historic Georgetown.

Susan Calloway Fine Arts Showcasing “Inner/Outer”

Posted on October 16, 2015 by leslienolan2014

In Georgetown, Susan Calloway Fine Arts has been featuring my solo exhibit Inner/Outer this September and October. Lots of media buzz from the Washington Post’s Mark Jenkins and Ari Post writing for The Georgetowner.

A few words about the show. Drips, re-stated lines, contrasting color and visible brushwork all help convey the tension and ambiguity that form my signature style. In approaching the subject of the face and the human body, I respond to the feelings behind the facade to suggest resolve, fear, pride, frailty or other emotion. My goal is to suggest a kind of chaos that invites viewers to make their own interpretation. These paintings might best be described as coping with turmoil…Like modern life.

“Inner/Outer” at Susan Calloway Fine Arts

Posted on October 13, 2015 by leslienolan2014

“Long Interval”
Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

Part of my solo exhibit with Susan Calloway Fine Arts this month, “Long Interval” exemplifies the reason I love to paint. Fluid, gestural brushstrokes, bold color, rich paint, and loose construction all hint at a feeling of a place and time. Whether anticipation or regret, relaxation or tension, the image of this figure conveys an ambiguous moment. Each of us can narrate a different, but credible story for this painting. It depends on our own unique perspective and life experiences.

The Georgetowner Art Critic Review

Posted on September 29, 2015 by leslienolan2014

Lovely review by The Georgetowner’s Ari Post of “Inner/Outer” at Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Washington, DC.

Washington Post Review of “Inner/Outer”