STEVEN WOLF - ARTZONE 461 - CALDWELL SNYDER

DRIFTWOOD SALON - ART PRIMO

09.07.13 Part II

(with assistance from Kimberly Almazan)



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Steven Wolf Fine Arts: Linda Geary - All the Pink Together... BOOM; Hotbox Forever - Lecia Dole-Recio, Jeffrey Gibson, Mary Weatherford, Wendy White.

Comment by AB: Three vibrant oversized abstracts in the front gallery serve as the backdrop for the release of Linda Geary's book, Studio Visit, which is the result of 100 conversations that she's had with Bay Area artists, writers, curators and gallery owners over the past several years. In the back gallery, Geary curates a show featuring four New York and Los Angeles artists. Worth a visit.

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ArtZone 461 Gallery: Nicholas Coley - Paths of Glorious Color.

Review by Kimberly Almazan: Nicholas Coley will tell you that he is often compared to the Impressionists and the Society of Six. While he does not necessarily refute these comparisons, he instead prefers to keep his head down and work.

It is easy to see why such comparisons are made. A careful look at his work reveals technique characteristic of the Impressionists-- thick, short, textured brushstrokes. And Coley freely admits that he is not afraid of color; his palette is completely dependent on the weather and runs the gamut from intense oranges to cool blue-greens. By using such fervent color, almost reminiscent of the Fauves, Coley succeeds at a difficult task-- arousing emotion from viewing a landscape painting. As such, Paths of Glorious Color is an appropriate name for Coley's latest show at the Art Zone 461 Gallery.

Road to Muir Beach #4 is an example of Coley's skillful use of color. Standing at a distance, the aquamarines and yellows create a soothing, dream-like atmosphere. Yet, at the same time, a close-up view demonstrates more natural hues as well as the intensity and precision that went into creating the work.

But, color isn't the only tool in Coley's arsenal. He also creates visual interest in his paintings by focusing on the verticality often present in the outdoors. One cannot help but notice the linear effects in many of his works, such as Mt. Tam with Sunbeams #3, Above Baker Beach #37, and Sumner Meadow, Lover's Lane #9. The methodical and orderly repetition of these vertical brush strokes creates an interesting juxtaposition to the intensity and emotion created by the colors.

Coley's work is on exhibit until October 6, 2013. Review by RWM: For some, the depiction of Nature belongs in the abstract. One does not find quiet and solitude in these images. Instead energy and movement. Nice use of color in images with interesting contrasts. The colors are vibrant and the paintings invigorating. Though not representational, the works are imbued with life and vitality inspired by the great outdoors. Attempt here to get at the roots of things.

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Caldwell Snyder Gallery: Seeing and Being Seen - Marta Penter.

Comment by AB: You can never quite grasp the full story behind any of Marta Penter's hyperreal figure paintings. Young people celebrate social moments together, but settings and facial expressions are either partially or fully absent or obscured, thereby leaving the nature of the narratives to the viewer's imagination.

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