“Inner/Outer” at Susan Calloway Fine Arts

"Long Interval" Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

“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.

Washington Post Review of “Inner/Outer”

EPSON MFP image

Nice review of my exhibit at Susan Calloway Fine Arts, Washington, DC.  The exhibit remains on view until October 20 – drop by.

Opening Reception – “Inner/Outer”

Artist Leslie Nolan With Marily Mojica at Susan Calloway Fine Arts Opening

Artist Leslie Nolan With Marily Mojica at Susan Calloway Fine Arts Opening

The opening of Inner/Outer at Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Georgetown brought out a lively, varied crowd on this special September evening.  The show garnered interest from Ari Post writing for The Georgetowner, as well as, Mark Jenkins for the Washington Post.

opening29 opening1

opening28

opening23

opening27

opening11

Gallerist Susan Calloway and friends

Gallerist Susan Calloway and friends

opening17

 

Susan Calloway Fine Arts Presents “Inner/Outer”

"Getting Somewhere"  48"x48" acrylic on canvas by Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist

“Getting Somewhere”
48″x48″ acrylic on canvas by Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist

This week I deliver 10 new paintings to Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Washington, DC for my first solo exhibit,at this gallery, Inner/Outer.  Packed up and ready for the 1/2 hour drive to the gallery, these canvases were specifically painted for this show and carefully selected by Susan Calloway herself.  The show, all figurative work, depicts what is felt rather than what is seen.  Each figure caught in a private moment of personal awareness suggests vulnerability — perhaps the essence of what it means to be human.

Like all my work, drips, re-stated lines, contrasting color and visible brushwork help convey tension and ambiguity.

The piece above, “Getting Somewhere,” was inspired by a photo I took a few years ago of a group of Italian teenagers on a field trip to some Roman ruins in Southern Italy.  This young man was passing behind several teenage girls, affecting a very nonchalant pose while subtly aware of the girls’ presence.  I just love his body language.

Stop by the gallery and join us for the free opening reception or check out the show any time.

Inner/Outer 

Sept 16 – Oct 19

Susan Calloway Fine Arts

1643 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington DC 20007–202.965.4601–callowayart.com

Opening Reception Friday September 18th, 6-8 pm

“Mixed Messages” Opens at The Delaplaine

Washington DC Artist Leslie Nolan with Low Down

Washington DC Artist
Leslie Nolan
with
Low Down

Some photos of the Mixed Messages opening reception at The Delaplaine in Frederick, MD this weekend.   This gorgeous large former mill space with huge wood support posts and exposed brick really sets off the ten paintings in the exhibit.  On exhibit through September 27.

Thanks to volunteers Joyce and Ashley and Delaplaine Exhibits Manager Diane Sibbison for their first-rate support.

noguarantywithtwo

mixedmessages

crowdwithlowdown

guys2gesturingwithartworkbehind

eddougnoguaranty

Stevejoejoanneblythe

bigpinkwith1girl

 

 

Installing “Mixed Messages” – Opening Sept 5

Leslie Nolan's "Mixed Messages" at Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

Leslie Nolan’s “Mixed Messages” at Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

Installed this solo exhibit, Mixed Messages, yesterday and today at The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick, MD.  My sincere thanks to the considerable patient and willing assistance of three key people:  Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager Diane Sibisson, comedian and sculptor Virginia Warwick, and my wonderful husband.

Mixed Messages features figure paintings that hint at emotions which remain largely hidden in real life.  The intent of this grouping of bold images of faces and heads is to draw the viewer in to examine feelings behind the facade.

The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center

40 South Carroll St, Frederick MD

Mixed Messages Sept 5-27, Opening Reception Sept 5th 3-5 pm

Nolan's Artworks "Pulled By What Would Be" and "Journey to the Interior"

, Nolan’s Artworks “Pulled By What Would Be” and “Journey to the Interior”

Leslie Nolan's New Artwork for the Solo Exhibit "Mixed Messages", Delaplaine Arts

Leslie Nolan’s New Artwork for the Solo Exhibit “Mixed Messages”, Delaplaine Arts

Assistants with Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager Diane Sibbison

Assistants with Delaplaine Exhibitions Manager Diane Sibbison

readytohang2

readytohang

movingin

“Mixed Messages” at Delaplaine Arts Center

Low Down by Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

Low Down by Washington, DC Artist Leslie Nolan

Leslie Nolan's "The Moon Sees Me"

Leslie Nolan’s “The Moon Sees Me”

GoingYellow

Spent today putting hooks and wires on artwork for Mixed Messages.  Wrapping paintings for protection during the transit from studio to The Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick, MD.  Installation takes place in two days, and the opening reception September 5th, 3-5 pm.  A brief glimpse of some of the new artwork for the exhibit.

 

Revisiting “Outliers” @ Caton Merchant Gallery

Outliers1blog A few years ago the gracious Anna Mish, Director at Caton Merchant Family Gallery in Manassas, Virginia, favored me with a solo exhibit at her wonderful space in this charming and historic town.  Reprising here some scenes from that show, “Outliers.”

Outliersblog7 Outliersblog8outliers6 Outliersblog9  joseph2blogThe model with the artwork “Dis Six”

IMG_8325Gallery Director Anna Mish giving a personal tour for collectors

Corrected Vision #2

Corrected Vision #2 by Washington, DC Artist Leslie M. Nolan

Corrected Vision #2
by
Washington, DC Artist
Leslie M. Nolan

One of three paintings in a series, Corrected Vision #2 relates to how we see the world and how the world sees us.  There is more than what is known through the eye.  Body language, scent, gentleness or violence all inform the real person behind the facade.

The great George Bridgman of the Art Students’ League in New York asserted, “The difference in drawing is in what you sense, not what you see.  There is other than that which lies on the surface.”  While Bridgman no doubt referred to musculature and skeletal structure, I expand the interpretation of his comments to mean the substance of who we are – our heart and soul.

I know some say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but I like to think that our minds — our ability to feel and connect — really count.

 

Working In The Studio

 

Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist, Working In the Studio

Leslie Nolan, Washington, DC Artist, Working In the Studio

Getting a workout painting this 72″ x 84″ canvas.  Up and down on the step ladder, mixing large batches of paint, and wielding wide brushes — all part of a vigorous day.  When finished, this piece will form a key visual element in my upcoming solo at Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, Frederick, MD.  The main gallery space is huge, with high ceilings to easily accommodate this big boy.

Hope you can see the completed painting and join us for the opening reception on September 5, 2015, 3-5 pm.  Exhibit dates September 5-27. 

I am represented by Susan Calloway Fine Arts in Washington, DC.