Last night was the opening at the Longview Museum of Fine Art’s annual East Texas Regional Art Show. I’m pleased and honored to be one of the six artists selected for this show. The opening was very well attended and everyone enjoyed all the artists who were there: Ron Bigony who creates dramatic scenes that instantly evoke a mood with his sharp contrast of color. Angilee Wilkerson who presented a collection of ethereal photographs that honor nature. Budd Dunn’s paintings would touch any animal lover’s heart. Amanda Hancock’s collection of art was yummy, graphic and colorful. Tamara Robertson’s wall sculpture was my personal favorite. The textures, dimensions and materials in her pieces command your attention. They are strong, moving pieces and warrant high artistic praise and the attention of art collectors. The pieces I selected for this show were bright and graphic. People were intrigued with the process I go through to create a piece of abstract art and with the textural dimension that comes through. It’s fun to do something that stretches the parameters of what people expect from photography. A new image Summertime was premiered at this show. Many thanks to the people who attended and who contribute to the Longview Museum of Fine Art. The museum’s appreciation of abstract art strikes a harmonious chord.

Fireworks are going off at 205 in Kilgore, Texas with great new selections for the home.  They’ve selected “Republic” as a showcase for the season of celebrating independence, and who better than Texans to celebrate independence.  Although my rendition of the state flag of Texas is not exact, somehow it captures the spirit and the essence of the Lone Star State.  Thanks to Justin and Harry for flying my flag high in their store and Happy Independence Day to all!

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer.  It’s also a time when kids are graduating and moving on to new adventures.  Flower Power sets the stage for both.  It packs a punch with its size, color and bright graphic that says summer fun.  This flower was taken from a sprinkler stand, circa 1950, designed to be placed in the yard with a hose attached to water the lawn hands free.  The stand has great graphics and has been the inspiration for a number of images in 2013.  The whimsy and bright colors are appealing.  I hope Flower Power brightens your day!

The Ann Korologos Gallery has been a cornerstone in downtown Basalt for a number of years.  The community looks forward to frequent openings there as a time to enjoy excellent art, socialize and support local artists.  Ann Korologos brings a comfortable warmth to these gatherings as she discusses her passion for the West and particularly for art that captures the spirit of this great country.  Still involved in the pulse of DC, the valley has offered a respite for Ann and her husband Tom, a photographer at the gallery.  Always giving back, they provide a wonderful venue for collectors to frequent and they host many events that support the community.

Although the emphasis of the gallery has been western art, this year they had an abstract show that opened a door for those of us with an eye for the expression of art from an abstract perspective.  Look Studio is very proud to have pieces on exhibit at the gallery from April 20, 2013 through June 20, 2013.

The image below, “Continuum 1/10”, is available exclusively at the Ann Korologos Gallery.  I see these colors every day, especially this time of year, in the morning light or at dusk as the earth transitions at the base of a tree or mountain or at river’s edge.  These colors and textures remind me of the continuum of nature that propels the seasons and, likewise, moves us year after year through the stages of life.  Stop by the gallery and see the wonderful collection of artists currently showing at the Ann Korologos Gallery.

In a recent trip to Dallas, Texas to visit the design district, I was in the home of Leslie and Harold Bell who have chosen art as their primary interior design statement.  The furnishings are minimal and high quality, and their choice in art creates a colorful statement of modernism, pop culture and vibrant creativity.

When I look at their art, I want to know these people better.  Their collection portrays a sense of whimsy, fun and makes you smile.  They each enjoy individual artistic pursuits in their spare time that range from painting to sculpture and their home is a combined representation of their spirit.  Their son, Stanley Bell, is an artist in Carbondale, CO who fills his canvas with bright strokes of color and abstract representation.

As serious art collectors, Leslie and Harold support the art community extensively and have created a celebration of art in their home that speaks to their hearts.  Enjoy!