There’s something about September in the studio. With the door open to the woods outside, the air feels different. Like the coming of fall. Full of hope and refreshing cool breezes. One of my favorite collectors left the studio yesterday with a captivating large artwork for a new space. As always, I’m humbled when collectors knock on my door for more. And, I’m on fire to do more…
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
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…
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
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.
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).
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!
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.
Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan
Corrected Vision 4
Corrected Vision 5 by Leslie Nolan
Packing these guys for delivery to Gallery NK, which will transport them and two other artworks to Miami’s SPECTRUM Art Show during Art Basel Miami week. If you’re in the area, stop by booth S1108 at1700 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132 — in the heart of the fabulous Wynwood art district, across from Art Miami! December 2-6.
Corrected Vision
Corrected Vision #2
by
Washington, DC Artist
Leslie M. Nolan
These two striking contemporary pieces will be making the journey to Miami for exhibit at the SPECTRUM Art Show December 2-6, concurrent with exciting Art Basel week. Should be an exciting and stimulating week from the point of view of artist, collector, and gallerist. I’m working on a couple of smaller pieces to complement these larger works, but they’re not yet ready for prime time. More on that later. In the interim, many thanks to Gallery NK for making this opportunity available.
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.
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