contemporaryimagesdotcom

The Art of Leslie Nolan in Metro DC

contemporaryimagesdotcom

Freedom: Art as the Messenger

Sylvie_48x36_acryliconcanvas

Sylvie, 48×36 Painting on Canvas by Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan

I am honored to have been selected for CATO Institute’s inaugural national juried exhibition, Freedom:  Art as the Messenger.  Many thanks to jurors and curators Harriet Lesser and June Linowitz for the opportunity.  This artwork is for sale.

Freedom means something different to every person, yet its value is a common bond between Americans.  This exhibition aims to provide a unifying platform of civility and creativity, sharing innovative and thought-provoking perspectives on freedom and the enduring need for its protection.

The art exhibition is free and open to the public.  Please join me at the opening reception.

Where:  CATO Institute,1000 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC

When:   April 11 – June 14, 2019, Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm

Opening Reception:  Thursday, April 11, 6:30 pm

For more information about curator’s tours, as well as a series of evening conversations with featured guest commentators, check out exhibition@cato.org

 

Getting Ready for Hill Center Solo Exhibit

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.orginfo@hillcenterdc.org — 202.549.4172

Athenaeum Gallery Invitational Opening

The Athenaeum Gallery Invitational opening proved elegant and lively with friends, fellow artists and art aficionados.  Check out my purple dancing hipster (kudos to my husband for serving as the model for this series) displayed above Anne Marchand’s exciting abstract.  Many thanks to Gallery Director Twig Murray, President Amy Heiden, and sponsors TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty.  On exhibit through November 6 at 201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA.  nvfaa.orgimg_20160925_165212_959img_20160925_165627_971img_20160925_160933_478

Athenaeum Invitational Exhibition

nolanwherenow8

Where Now 8 By Washington, DC Figurative Artist Leslie Nolan

See this dancing hipster of mine at the Athenaeum Invitational Exhibition through November 6.  Generously sponsored by TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty, the show opens Sunday, September 25 with a reception from 4-6 and features Megan Beyer, Executive Director for the President’s Council on the Arts and Humanities, awarding prizes.

Twig Murray, Gallery Director of the Athenaeum, conceived and organized this event.  She also scheduled a solo exhibit of my work there for August 2017.  Looking forward to that…

Mary B. Howard Exhibition at GRACE

Love the Reston Patch’s descriptive title for its story on this exhibit:  “Spectacular Art Pieces from 30 Artists Now on Display in Reston.”

https://player.vimeo.com/video/172174631

lesliegrace

Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan with her painting Under Wraps 4 in the Mary B. Howard Exhibition at the Greater Reston Arts Center

graceexterior

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE)

On display through August.

Greater Reston Arts Ctr, 12001 Market St, Suite 103, Reston, VA 20190 – http://www.restonarts.org

Greater Reston Arts Center – GRACE

UnderWraps4

Under Wraps 4 by Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan

Mary B. Howard Artist Member Exhibition

Excited to have been chosen by curator Stefanie Fedor, Executive Director of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, VA to exhibit “Under Wraps 4″ at the Greater Reston Arts Center in Reston, VA from June 30 – August 27, 2016.  Just completed two months ago, this 36″ x 48” painting forms part of a new series.

Exaggerated features, in-your-face, bold, and drippy all describe this painting.  GRACE  enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a cutting edge gallery featuring the best of current artwork from around the country.  It’s mission is to promote excellence in contemporary visual art.

Opening  Reception:  June 30, 2016, 6-8 pm

GRACE:  12001 Market Street, Suite 103, Reston, VA 20190    restonarts.org

 

 

 

 

Touchstone Gallery’s 40th Anniversary

This month marks Touchstone Gallery’s 40th year in existence here in Washington, DC.  An incredible accomplishment given the ups and downs of the economy coupled with the fact that so many galleries have closed over the years.  I am proud to have served as a co-owner and member from 2010 to 2014, on the Board of Directors and as two-term Vice President.

To celebrate this special anniversary, the gallery chose to invite former member artists to exhibit along with current members in a stunning show that brought out an all star cast of talented folks.  A jam packed evening with the crowd spilling out onto the sidewalk, the gallery celebrated its longevity, innovation and resilience in great style.  Lots of exciting artwork.  Kudos to Touchstone…

 Touchstone Gallery 40th Anniversary Exhibit

Open now through May 28   902 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC

Artexpo New York City

Washington, DC’s Gallery NK has been representing me at special art fairs outside of town. I was one of a handful of their artists to exhibit at Artexpo New York City on pier 94.  Held during April 14-17, the event drew designers, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

I very much like the way Gallery NK displayed a selection of my new Corrected Vision paintings — all 36″x36″ acrylic on canvas.  Because the gallery boasts a collection of very talented, skilled, and innovative artists from around the world, I consider myself fortunate to be showcasing my own work with them.

artexpony2016postcard

Gallery NK at Artexpo New York City

In addition to myself, exhibiting artists included Steffen Faisst, Nihal Kececi (Gallery NK owner), Julia Hacker, Alfredo Palmero, Thomas Dodd.

My thanks to Nihal Kececi of Gallery NK for the support and expert assistance in exhibiting at these world class international fairs.

Just a reminder:

Susan Calloway Fine Arts represents me exclusively in the Washington, DC area. 

Located in the heart of Georgetown at 1643 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, the Gallery graciously welcomes my exhibiting in other local venues from time to time for special exhibits.  She also has arranged for some artwork to be used temporarily by local decorators. 

Bottom line, you can see a number of my pieces right now at Susan Calloway’s.   And, many of the paintings on my website LeslieNolan.com and on this blog are available through Susan Calloway Fine Arts (gallery@callowayart.com).

 

Thanks to Washington Project of the Arts

GoingYellow

Going Yellow by Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan 30″x40″ acrylic on canvas

Want to just say a few words about the wonderful work of the Washington Project for the Arts, the premier arts organization of the nation’s capital.  WPA sponsors workshops from art curators around the world to provide guidance and support to emerging and mid-career artists in this area.  And, it sponsors curated art exhibits throughout the District, including at its brand new street level gallery location in North Shaw, a block from Howard University, at 2124 H St NW.   It’s a significant contributor to the vibrant art scene of this area.

I was honored to participate in its biggest fund raising event, the Auction Gala, which took place a few weeks ago.

 

Portraits – State of Mind

HearingtheLight

Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan’s “Hearing the Light”

I do ascribe to the theme that people are more, much more, than they look.   These two paintings aim at pulling out the inner core and daring exposure for all to witness.  Both feel like an exhilarating moment, steeped in uncertainty.  While the works defy labels, as figure paintings they’re not exterior likenesses, but rather, states of mind.

CorrectedVision10

“Corrected Vision” by Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan