Lompoc & santa ynez valley MARCH 2020
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS NatureTrack
The Cypress Gallery - LVAA 119 E Cypress Ave, Lompoc p. 805-737-1129 www.lompocart.org
Fostering a lifelong fascina on with nature
PO Box 953, Los Olivos p. 805-886-2047 sue@naturetrack.org www.naturetrack.org
Elverhøj Museum of History & Art
Standing Sun Winery
Gallery Los Olivos
Sugarless Treats, non-fattening jewelry and glass
1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang p. 805-686-1211 info@elverhoj.org www.elverhoj.org
2920 Grand Ave, Los Olivos p. 805-688-7517 gallerylosolivos@gmail.com www.gallerylosolivos.com
Lompoc Mural Society PO Box 2813, Lompoc p. 805-733-4282 www.lompocmurals.com
Lompoc Theater Project p. 805-380-6777 info@lompoctheatre.org
Vicki Andersen
www.vickiandersen.com
92 2nd St - Unit D, Buellton p. 805-904-8072 john@standingsunwines.com www.standingsunwines.com
Joellen Chrones p. 805-588-2261
Wildling Museum of Art & Nature 1511-B Mission Dr, Solvang p. 805-688-1082 info@wildlingmuseum.org www.wildlingmuseum.org
T&T Local Artisans Enterprise p. 805-680-8911 laegallery@gmail.com
Neil Andersson
www.neilandersson.com
The Lompoc Valley Art Association is closely monitoring the outbreak of corona virus and have as our top priority the health and safety of our visitors to the Cypress Gallery, artists, and our community. We are taking steps to comply with all mandates from our health officials. Please check our Facebook page often as things are changing swiftly. We will post updates in regards to our events and exhibits as they unveil.
Check out the Lompoc Valley Art Association Website at www.LompocArt.org
SUBSCRIBE HERE to MONTHLY eZINE
We are proud to count non-profit organizations and businesses as community partner members. Together, we advocate for each other, local artists, and collaborate on projects to create an enriching environment for the Arts Community within Lompoc and the Santa Ynez Valley.
Alternate Universe, 2014, Oil on canvas mounted on panel
2020, 3 - 5 p.m. RSVP to julie@wildlingmuseum.org or (805) 686-8315.
The Wildling Museum is delighted to share that the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) announced the official selection of the Wildling’s most recent film, “Carrizo Plain – A Sense of Place.” The short documentary film, produced as a companion piece to the Museum’s juried exhibition, Celebrating the National Lands of California, is currently on display in the Museum’s main gallery through January 19, 2020. “Carrizo Plain – A Sense of Place” will screen at the 2020 SBIFF on Saturday, January 25, 2020, 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. Film festival passes can be purchased online at www.sbiff.org. A trailer and • Artist Chris Chapman paints en plein air at the Carrizo Plain, more information can be viewed online at www.carrizoplainfilm.com Courtesy Goodeye Films and the Wildling’s Standing Sun website, www.wildlingmuseum.org/films. Elverhoj Museum of History & Art
Santa Barbara County & Beyond Wildling Museum of Art & Nature
Color and Light Gallery Los Olivos
Fostering a lifelong fascination with nature NaturaTrack
March Artists' Show Mystic Lompoc Valley Art Association
LOMPOC
SOLVANG
Message from LVAA President Cypress Walk Sugarless Treats, non-fattening jewelry & glass Save the Date: Lompoc Art Hunt "Artist Chat"-Linda Gooch March Cypress Gallery Artists' Show March Featured Artists - Cypress Gallery Lompoc Mural Society - Gene Stevens Lompoc Theater Project
Wildling Museum of Art & Nature Elverhøy Museum of History & Art
BUELLTON
LOS OLIVOS Gallery Los Olivos Vicki Andersen Neil Andersson NatureTrack & NatureTrack Film Festival LOS ALAMOS T&T Local Artisans Enterprise
Standing Sun ON THE COVER
Carol Kemp, About Time, Collage. Artist member of the Lompoc Valley Art Association. All Artwork and Photos shown remain the sole property of the artist. No reproductions are permitted without express permission from the Lompoc Valley Art Association and/or the artist.
Lompoc Valley Art Association 119 E. Cypress Ave Lompoc, CA 93436 805.737.1129
The Lompoc Valley Art Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, supporting the arts within the Lompoc & Santa Ynez Valley through affordable opportunities for artists to show and sell artwork, collaborations with non-profits and businesses on programs and events, investment in higher education for high school art students through scholarships, and a variety of outreach avenues, such as this digital arts magazine, that bring greater awareness to the cultural heart beat of the area.
MESSAGE FROM THE LVAA PRESIDENT You just checked your lotto ticket and found you won $7,000,000 in last night’s drawing! How many new best friends are you going to have? So you’re thinking, what have I been wanting but couldn’t afford? You’ve always liked art but couldn’t afford many of the classic artists’ works you’ve adored for years, hmmm, maybe you think “I’ll look into a Monet or a Picasso or a Klimt or even a Rembrandt” Instead think about a quote from artist Guy James Whitworth ‘Buy art from living artists, the dead don’t need the money’. Supporting a contemporary living local artist can be beneficial in several ways; you have a unique original artwork (perhaps at a bargain price if they do become famous later), you could even commission the artwork to your desires – size, color to match your décor (it really doesn’t have to match), subject matter or any other whim you may have. You provide support via money and inspiration for the artist to continue working as an artist (working at retail sales or in the fast food service industry isn’t the end of the world, but what a loss it might be to the art world if the artist has to stop creating to survive). You will also be stimulating the local economy, the artist pays her/his rent, buys food, purchases more art supplies and maybe helps a local non-profit art association that runs a small gallery stay active. Check out Cypress Gallery (run by the non-profit Lompoc Valley Art Association) for great local artwork. Using a quote from one of our local artists and art reporter for the LVAA newsletter, Elizabeth Hack, “I have to say that the landscape art presented on the main gallery walls is quite exceptional this month. True, we cannot afford to own a Monet or Pissarro, but that is no matter, as we have the work of Betsee Talavera, Marilyn Stankewich, Mikel Naccarato, Neil Andersson, Diane Atturio and others to fill the need for fresh, evocative, finely painted glimpses of nature.” So for a relatively small investment compared to a Rembrandt you’ll have a great piece of artwork, you’ve stimulated the economy and the artist and you can boast to friends that you bought this artist’s work before he/she became famous and unaffordable. After you’ve browsed the artwork in this month’s E-zine take the time to stop by the gallery to see the artwork in person and see if there’s something you can purchase even if you didn’t win the lotto. Tom Chrones - President
THE CYPRESS GALLERY
119 E. Cypress Ave, Lompoc • Open Tue–Sun, 12-4PM www.lompocvalleyartassociation.com
INTO THE MYSTIC • BY ELIZABETH MONKS HACK Spring approaches, and the magic of changing seasons is in the air. Bulbs pop out of the earth, birds wildly sing, and in tune with them is the current show “Mystic” at the Cypress Gallery. In a twist towards the extraordinary, four diverse artists and professional designers present an exhibition whose unifying theme is magic, mystery and spirituality. The group show is a delight to explore, with works ranging in media from painting, to fiber and fashion art and digital illustration. Mitra Cline’s boldly outlined paintings recall Marc Chagall in their whimsy, with an awareness of the transformative power of color and shape. Cline states that her art practice is about “living in a global culture and seeking wisdom,” creating a doorway into the unconscious mind to unlock instinctual energy. Zulema Covarrubias has created a fey pink kimono that joyfully greets the viewer upon entering the gallery. Covarraubias, who has a degree in Graphic Arts, works in paper collage and painting influenced by fantasy art. In her work, the juxtaposition of improbable elements results in unexpected visual surprises. Jojo Chongjaroenjai is a motion designer who specializes in animation and illustration. Digital tools showcase her quirky characters and whimsical creatures. Of her work, Chongjaroenjai states that she “seeks to promote positivity, humor, and magic in our daily life.” Eric Harper comes from a traditional animation background, and currently works as a storyboard artist. His contribution to the show is concept art for a personal project that will launch this year, featuring an anthropomorphic hyena who runs an L. A.art gallery. Now that’s simply magic!
Mitra Cline, Gemini Synchronicity Photo: Bill Morson
I have to say that the landscape art presented on the main gallery walls is quite exceptional this month. True, we cannot afford to own a Monet or Pissarro, but that is no matter, as we have the work of Betsee Talavera, Marlilyn Stankewich, Mikel Naccarato, Neil Andersson, Diane Atturio and others to fill the need for fresh, evocative, finely painted glimpses of nature. Talavera’s uses a cohesive, energetic brushstroke style that enlivens her paintings of local vistas. She also has a signature color palette that includes delicious mauves, warm siennas, and turquoise blues, evident in “Layers in the Surf.” Mikel Naccarato’s landscapes have a distinctive use of space that borders on the metaphysical. He breaks the land and sky into two geometric planes, but fills them with fine color and paint handling. I could stand in front of his Sky Earth paintings for a very long time, as if before a Rothko, thinking and feeling more deeply.
Betsee Talavera, Layers in Surf Photo: Bill Morson
Truly many of the paintings this month are of museum quality, and we hope you will come by sometime to enjoy them and the entire show, while it is up. It’s spring! Fill your ears with a little Van Morrison; then step on out “into the mystic,”with a stop at the Cypress Gallery. The exhibition runs from February 25 – March 28. You will also find an array of fine gift items and cards for purchase at reasonable prices. We are located at 119 East Cypress Avenue, Lompoc.
The Cypress Gallery is operated by members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association, a 501c(3) non-profit organization committed to expanding and supporting access and exposure to the arts in the Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley. Check out the dates, hours and location of all our events online: <https://lompocart.org> <www.facebook.com/CypressGallery/> and our eZine at <https://issuu.com/santaynezvalleyarts> We look forward to seeing you!
Joellen Chrones
Sugarless Treats, non-fattening jewelry, glass and felted items
EASTER IS COMING! Some of my items are available at the Wildling Museum in Solvang.
The Cypress Gallery, 119 East Cypress Avenue, Lompoc. Open every day except Mondays from 12 to 4pm. I have also taken a space at the T & T Gallery in Los Alamos. They are open every day except Tues. & Wed. from 10am to 6pm. If you have a question about any of my work, contact me directly at 805-7332801 or 805-588-2261.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE RETURN OF THE GREAT LOMPOC ART HUNT!
Art
MARCH 26–28, 2020
Art Hunt is Happening!
Ar
t
t r A
Lompoc Valley Art Association is sponsoring a community event March 26 through March 28, 2020. We invite the community to “find” over 200 pieces of artwork that will be “hidden” throughout the community of Lompoc. Participants can keep the artwork that they find. Social media will be used to give people clues as to where the art pieces can be found. The event will consist of 3 days of finding the art. Guidelines – • Open to everyone – all ages. Participants are not limited to the number of art pieces they can find and keep. • A picture of each artwork and a clue as to where it can be found will be posted to the Cypress Gallery Facebook event page Lompoc Art Hunt. So, make sure you register on the event page before the Hunt starts. • Different pics of art work will be “hidden” throughout the 3 days of the event. • Keep checking back during each day for new clues! They will not be hidden in private residences and each art work will be in plain sight. • Each art work will have a tag stating “I’m Yours” Find your art and post back in the Facebook Art Hunt event that you found it!
THE CYPRESS GALLERY
119 E. Cypress Ave, Lompoc • Open Tue–Sun, 12-4PM www.lompocvalleyartassociation.com
ARTIST CHAT WITH LINDA GOOCH The Cypress Gallery "Artist Chat" articles feature members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association in each eZine.
Linda Gooch
Studio exterior
Studio
5 QUESTIONS What has been an important experience for you in your development as an artist? Of course, all of the varied jobs and experiences I’ve had through the years have contributed, as well as learning about famous artists that have influenced me. (See my statement on my website lindagoochfineart.com) One thing is getting to be a part of the Lompoc 10, a great group of local artists that get together once a month to talk, show work, inspire, and of course eat and drink. Being an artist can be lonely work by yourself. And I think that showing regularly in the Cypress Gallery, and painting to have something to show, keeps me going. Also actually hanging the monthly show (I’ve been doing this for over 10 years now) - developing an eye for what looks good together with different artists, styles, colors, subjects and compositions. Seeing other artists’ work each month.
What do you feel is core to your work as an artist? The desire to create. Wanting to draw or paint or make something all of my life. Having people who appreciate my work - encouragement and love from family, friends and fans. Being lucky enough to have my own wonderful studio that my husband built for me.
How has your practice changed over time? From coloring with my crayons as a child to painting a giant crayons on a gallery mural… My early career was more graphics, but then I took a watercolor class because I had always loved watercolors and still do. After that I went on to explore on my own and also enjoy working in acrylics, colored pencil, pastels and all sorts of mixed media, found object assemblages, as well as murals. I have worked on several of Lompoc’s large “Mural-in-a-Day” projects as well as being the Co-Master Artist on one and on the Cypress Gallery wrap-around mural with Vicki Andersen.
What would be a dream project for you? A “dream project”? To have my work admired in an art museum while I’m actually alive? But seriously, I’ve had a lot of great projects over the years… sorry but again, if you look at my website you can see some of the publications, murals and commissions I have gotten to do. We’ll see what’s next.
What would be a dream project for you? Appreciating and creating beautiful, unique, special, wonderful things.
Are you a LVAA member and would like to be considered for an "Artist Chat" article? Contact: info@hollyclinedesign.com
Moonlight Seranade
At Days End
Bird and Pumpkin
Wisteria Cottage
Wall hanging on wood
Watching Sunset
CYPRESS GALLERY EXHIBITING NOW
Here are a few selections of artwork for show and sale currently at the Cypress Gallery.
Mitra Cline, Gemini Sychronicity, Oil $700
Zulema Covarrubias, Spirit Animal, Collage and Acrylic $4200
Zulema Covarrubias, Magic Mushroom Kimono, Acrylic $150
Vicki Andersen, Sweet Pea Riot, Acrylic $325
CYPRESS GALLERY
MARCH EXHIBITING ARTISTS
MYSTIC FEBRUARY 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;MARCH 28, 2020
Magic, mysteries, and spirituality, inspired the Mystic theme that links the art on display. Explore a mirroring method of self-exploration in a surreal form with mixed media art that include painting, fashion art, embroidery, fiber art, and digital illustration. Browse the full Cypress Gallery, which includes original art, greeting cards, coloring books, and more from other members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association. About the Mystic Artists Jojo Chongjaroenjai is an illustrator, from Thailand, with a background in animation. Her works are inspired by delightful creatures and characters (jojotchong.com). Mitra Cline is a Santa Barbara native and interdisciplinary artist. Her method combines art and psychology to make images about transforming symbols (mitracline.com). Zulema Covarrubias moved to California from Chicago with a degree in Graphic Arts. Her medium is paper collage and painting influenced by fantasy art (www.zulemac.com). Artist Eric Harper I come from a traditional animation background, currently working at LinkedIn as a storyboard artist. This collection is concept art for a personal project I will be launching this year - an anthropomorphic hyena that runs an L.A. art gallery. (trylightblue.com, eharper@gmail.com)
Lee Hill, Mountain Bluebird, Acrylic $100
Diane Atturio, Maria's Pot, Watercolor $475
Julia Nash, Hendry's Beach, Oil $300
Tom Heslop, Go Around, Watercolor $125
Marilyn Stankewich, Ready for Winter, Oil $160
Betsee Talavera, Layers in the Surf, Acrylic $350
Mikel Naccarto, Skyearth #111, Acrylic $125
Neil Andersson, Improv #247, Oil $125
Elizabeth Hack, Mission Trail, Oil $550
Chris Jeszeck, Ganglia, Acrylic $90
Ed Heinitz, Cactus Flower, Acrylic $150
Dee Sudbury, Pots, Fruit, Sunflowers, Acrylic $150
Tom Chrones, Pt Conception Light, Photographty $47
Carol A Kemp, About Time, Collage $95
Bill Morson, Flower Harvest, Metal Photo $130
Tammy Evans, Spirit Figure, Gourd $250
Joellen Chrones, Glass
Gil Andersen, Handmade Tiles
Nicole LeRoux and Joellen Chrones, Gift Items
Carol Kemp, Sterling Silver Jewelry $25
Carol Kemp, Bottle Cap with Pearls $25
LOMPOC MURAL SOCIETY www.lompocmurals.com GENE STEVENS - A GOODBYE TO A GOOD FRIEND “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” (Dr Seuss, The Lorax, 1971.) Gene Stevens cared, and he did much more. He acted. During the fifty years that Gene lived in Lompoc, he served fifteen years on the City Council. He was also a four term Mayor. He was a vital member of many local Commissions and Boards such as the County Human Services Commission, Friends of the Library, and the Downtown Revitalization Committee. Gene supported all forms of the Arts in Lompoc. He was active in the establishment of Lompoc Murals & Public Arts Commission. He was a supporting member of the Lompoc Valley Art Association and the Lompoc Valley Arts Council for over 30 years, According to Vicki Anderson, his long- time friend and fellow Mural Society member, “If it had anything to do with Art, in Lompoc, he was for it. He was also very persuasive in getting Vicki Andersen & Gene Stevens people to do things.” In 1994, when the former Chamber of Commerce building became vacant, Gene saw this location as the perfect place where local artists could display their work. He worked with members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association and staff from the City of Lompoc and was able to obtain the Chamber Building for the Association. This building became the Cypress Gallery located at 119 East Cypress. In July of 2019 the Gallery celebrated twenty-five successful years of displaying and selling local art. An understanding as to why Gene accomplished so much comes from a statement by Bob Hatch, former director of the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce. He said that one of Genes Cypress front door favorite sayings was "It's remarkable how much work you can get done if you don't worry about who's going to get the credit." Gene’s most visible and perhaps most lasting accomplishments in Lompoc are the Lompoc Murals. Friends have said that “ Gene Stevens never met a Mural he did not like.” In 1988, Gene and his wife Judy visited Chemanius, British Columbia British Columbia. The town had lost a major industry and was using art and art- work to revitalize its economy. One of its efforts was the creation of murals to encourage tourism. According to the Lompoc Mural Societies Web page, “Gene and Judy brought the idea back to Lompoc. In August of 1988 about 80 people attended a town meeting called to discuss the possibility of using the same concept to help Lompoc’s declining “Old Town.” The response from the group was enthusiastic and a Board of Directors was formed. As a result of this meeting the Lompoc Mural Society was formed Gene served as the Lompoc Valley Mural Society Administrator for 25 years. Stevens Vet Building
In 1989 Lompoc’s first mural, “The “Flower Industry” was commissioned. It was painted by Santa Monica artist, Art Mortimer. It is still located at 102 West Ocean, on the SW corner Ocean Ave. and H St.
In 1990, Gene and Judy visited Toppenish in Washington State where they saw a mural created in one day. It was painted by a Master Artist and community members. Once again, they brought the idea back to Lompoc and presented the it to the Lompoc Mural Society. In 1991 the first Mural in a Day was painted. Titled “Chumash Indians”, it is an acknowledgment of Lompoc Valleys first inhabitants. It was painted by Master Artist Robert Thomas of Kooskia, Idaho and 12 to 20 local artists. It is located at 118 East Ocean Ave. Today thanks to Gene Stevens and the dedicated members of the Lompoc Mural Society Lompoc Valley has seen the creation of over forty murals. Although some have been retired to do environmental wear or for maintenance, more than thirty remain with more to come. Gene Stevens can best be described in this quote that was found by Gene’s wife, Judy Stevens, after Gene died. It was handwritten and not in his handwriting. Someone had given it to him and it meant enough to him that he had saved it throughout the years. “The most visible creators I know are those artists whose medium is life itself, The ones who express the impossible without brush, hammer, clay or guitar. They neither paint nor sculpt, their medium is being. Whatever their presence Touches has increased life. They see and don’t have to draw. They are the artists of being alive.” (Donna J Stone, American poet & philanthropist.) Gene Stevens died this year on January 5th. He is survived by his wife, Judy, son Scott Stevens, daughter-in-law Lisa Palmieri Stevens, granddaughter Cathryn Stevens, younger brother Ray Stevens, and sister-in-law Donna Stevens.
Tomol and Chumash mural Lompoc Valley Arts Council picture with Vicki and Gene.
Flower Industry mural
To rent the marquee at the theatre, contact Ann Ramsey: aframsey52@msn.com 805-451-8683
Photo by Danielle Honea Photography
Standing Sun LIVE presents Patrick Sweany On a given night (or on a given album) he'll swing through blues, folk, soul, bluegrass, maybe some classic 50s rock, or a punk speedball. He's a musical omnivore, devouring every popular music sound of the last 70 years, and mixing 'em all together seamlessly into his own stew. Yet, the one thing that most people notice about Patrick isn't his ability to copy - it's his authenticity. Like his heroes, artists like Bobby "Blue" Bland, Doug Sahm, Joe Tex, Patrick somehow manages to blend all of these influences into something all his own. After 6 critically acclaimed records (two produced by longtime collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys), Patrick has expanded his touring radius to 49 states and Europe. He's played premiere festivals (Newport Folk Fest, Merlefest, Montreal Jazz Fest, Telluride Blues & Brews) and supported international acts such as The Black Keys, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Wood Brothers, Hot Tuna, and others on tour. LEARN MORE HERE As always...ALL AGES! Doors @ 7pm...Music @ 730pm $20 Standing Room/$25 Reserved Seating
The Wildling Museum will host a special presentation by acclaimed equine author and photographer Deborah Kalas on Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Kalas will share her experiences working with wild horses, along with highlights from her latest publication, The Wild Herd: A Vanishing American Treasure. Kalas’ work provides a unique glimpse into wild herds of horses that have roamed North America for hundreds of years, with a special focus on the wild herds of North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park. She also highlights the dangers faced by these wild horses, due to current government policies and a lack of public understanding of their historical and cultural importance Admission is $5 for current Wildling Members and $10 for Non-Members. To purchase tickets, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org or call (805) 686-8315.
Deborah Kalas
This spring, the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature will mark its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition celebrating the Museum’s 20-year history in the Santa Ynez Valley. 20/20: A Retrospective opens Sunday, April 5, 2020 and will showcase 20 works spanning two decades of exhibitions representing one work for each year of the Wildling Museum’s history. Featured works include selections on loan from significant past exhibitions, including historical California paintings by artists Ray Strong and Milford Zornes, as well as highlights from the Museum’s permanent collection of nearly 150 works of art. John Fery (1859-1934), Blue Lake, Oil on canvas
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Fish, Wildling Musuem Collection
Join us for a free opening reception on Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 4 - 6 p.m. RSVP in advance by emailing julie@wildlingmuseum.org or call (805) 686-8315.
1624 ELVERHOY WAY IN SOLVANG, CA • 805.686.1211 Museum Hours: Wednesday—Sunday • 11 am to 4 pm www.elverhoj.org
GALLERY LOS OLIVOS MARCH FEATURED ARTISTS
ANDERSEN AND ANDERSSON Please come by and check out the show. The Cypress Gallery is at 119 East Cypress Avenue, Lompoc, across from the Museum. Gallery hours are Tue. through Sun • 12-5 pm
Color and Light THROUGH MARCH 30, 2020 Some of you might remember when the dominant cultural feature of Los Olivos was art, available in small, independent, and inspiring art galleries. Today you’ll notice that most of those treasured art galleries are gone, and that the dominant art form is the creation, appraisal and consumption of fine wine. Yet one art gallery remains, and wow what a gallery. Gallery Los Olivos is a cooperative of artists that visiting wine aficionados and valley locals unfamiliar with the venue would do well to notice, and support. It is a true gift to the community of Los Olivos and beyond. This month two featured artists, Vicki Andersen and Neil Andersson, share the exhibition space of the main room with their show “Color and Light.” The two artists focus on the landscape tradition, but in opposing styles that thrill and energize the viewer in differing directions. Both artists have been interpreting the world of nature through eye and hands for many years, and are precise in knowing just what and how they want to paint. Their brushstroke styles and paint handling are immediately identifiable and unique unto themselves. The theme that unites them is color and light. Vicki Andersen responds to the effect of sunlight splashed across elements of nature; water, trees and foliage, usually accompanied by the manmade world of fences, buildings and roads. She uses strong complementary Neil Andersson, Near Los Olivos color arrangements in the manner of Van Gogh. Within a single painting, yellow and violet, green and red will dance in tetradic harmony. Light effects are often effectively contrasted with deep shadows of darkest violet, violet being Andersen’s tonal color of choice. In “Path to the Mailbox,” a strong diagonal of this color dashes across the the painting, dividing it into the warmest of yellows and the coolest of greens, and everything in between. Andersen’s paint is strongly laid on in thick strokes that imitate the shape and size of the brush, creating a sense of immediacy and a sense of the excitement felt by the artist when conceiving the scene. The titles of her paintings indicate that she finds her vision of beauty everywhere in the world. A global traveler, Anderson brings us her vision of Venice, New Orleans, and Taxco, as well as of a little house in Cambria. The natural world of Neil Andersson is close and intimate, providing the viewer with a sense of calm when entering the space of his paintings. His harmonies appear not in a riot of color but are variations of natural tones, subtlety painted with extra-long filbert hog bristle brushes. These are similar to the brushes used by Monet, and as in Impressionist paintings, Andersson’s work evokes the natural world in a display of brilliant immediacy. Yet Andersson’s work differs in
its persistent calm; in its message of the world as a gentle, welcoming place. His color palette forsakes the pistachio greens and hot pinks of Impressionism. Rather, its focus is the refined golds, greens, blues and violets we witness on a wonderful day in a beautiful place, often set off by the bluest of skies and the whitest of clouds, which impart the grandeur of nature. Andersson’s paint handling evokes a sense of intimacy with the scene depicted, both for the artist and the viewer. Subtle changes in each painting’s texture and light allow us to feel that one is taking a walk through them; hiking up a slope, or meandering along a river. Sensitivity to place and time of day enhances this experience. Indeed, Neil Andersson’s work is a product of his engagement with plein-air, both in his native state of Washington and fortunately for us, now in our own county. One look at “Near Los Olivos” says it all. Gallery Los Olivos is a place where the richness of the human spirit is made cognate through the hands and eyes of the many fine artists of Santa Barbara County. Their works of art are accessible to all for sensual enjoyment and enhancement of the soul, and (perhaps for you!) of the home as well.
Vicki Andersen, Path to the Mailbox
Vicki Andersen Vickiandersen.com
My work can be seen at: Cypress Gallery, 119 E. Cypress, Lompoc, CA Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA March 1-30, 2020 “Color and Light” - Featured Show with Neil Andersson, Reception - Saturday, March 7, 2 to 4pm
Alexander & Wayne/ Arthur Earl Wine tasting rooms, 2922 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, CA My studio by appointment, 805-588-3459
Follow me on - Instagram – @vickiangelo Facebook - @VickiAndersenArt
Neil Andersson Landscape Paintings
"Vista Near Lake Cachuma" oil on linen 20" x 26"
www.neilandersson.com neilandersson@icloud.com
Vicki Andersen and Neil Andersson "Color & Light" at Gallery Los Olivos March 1-30, 2020 Please join our reception at GLO on Saturday, March 7, 2-4 PM www.gallerylosolivos.com www.jeffreymoosegallery.com www.lompocart.org www.americanartco.com
Fostering a lifelong fascina on with nature
At NatureTrack, a 501c3 nonprofit, our mission is to instill students with the leadership skills, attitudes, and habits for lifelong learning and inspire them to be respectful stewards of our natural world. The NatureTrack Film Festival is a companion event which expands upon our core mission by "igniting passion for nature through film" at all age levels. The NatureTrack Film Festival invites filmmakers from around the world to share their adventures, stories, and documentaries with an appreciative audience. Located in Los Olivos, in the heart of Santa Barbara county (birthplace of Earth Day) we invite you to discover a Film Festival that supports the next generation of empowered nature lovers. Learn more at NatureTrack.org
NatureTrack Film Festival 2020
Postponed UNTIL OCTOBER 9-11 Los Olivos, CA
After careful consideration and consultation with multiple stakeholders, the NatureTrack Film Festival (NTFF) has made the difficult decision to postpone our March 20-22, 2020 event to October 9-11, 2020. Our primary concern is the health, safety and welfare of our guests, filmmakers and volunteers. Recent federal, state and county public health advisories have stressed the critical importance of avoiding crowd contact (“social distancing”) during the global Covid-19 crisis. We take these advisories very seriously and want to do our part to reduce risk for all parties connected with the NatureTrack Film Festival. We greatly regret any inconvenience and disappointment this causes for everyone who was looking forward to joining us in Los Olivos just eight days from now. This was a very hard call and we did not make it lightly. We are greatly looking forward to our rescheduled dates in October when we will proceed with the same incredible slate of films we had cued up for this month. We invite you to continue to follow the NTFF on social media and check our website for updates. We thank our amazing filmmakers from around the world for their patience and understanding as we shift our focus to October, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the Fall. All passes and tickets currently held by patrons will be honored at the rescheduled October 9-11, 2020 NatureTrack Film Festival. We wish everyone a safe passage through this uncertain time as we all do our part to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities healthy and safe. We at NatureTrack believe one of the very best ways to relieve stress, and practice self-care, is to get outdoors for a quiet and rejuvenating walk in the restorative beauty of nature. We thank you for your continued support, and we will see you in October for a wonderful weekend of “igniting passion for nature through film.”
NatureTrack FILM FESTIVAL
CURRENT Passes & Tickets VALID FOR OCTOBER NatureTrackFilmFestival.org