Thursday, June 2, 2011

Gallery says goodbye...

Unfortunately, Left Bank Gallery Essex will be closing its doors at the end of June. We are currently offering special pricing on a wide selection of artwork. Take home that painting you've had your eye on!

Thank you to all of our artists and patrons for their support over the last three years.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

June in Essex


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In conjunction with the Essex Potted Garden Tour, LBGE artists will set-up their easels
at the gallery and in town painting florals, landscapes and townscapes.
Watch our artists at work and learn more about their skills and techniques.


Friday, June 3rd from 12-4pm



Saturday, June 4th from 12-4pm



Sunday, June 5th from 12-4pm





And, visit the Essex Art Association on North Main Street for a colorful display, "Rembrandt's Garden".

LBGE Welcomes Susan Fehlinger!


Susan Fehlinger’s paintings depict familiar, yet abstracted settings or themes that compliment most interiors. Her painting style emphasizes an interest in texture and color; and she thickly applies neutral or earth tones with a palette knife to highlight structure, form and shadow. The artist says, “I love playing with color, the shapes and shadows and the freedom of working on large canvases with oil paint and palette knife….” Her compositions play with scale, placement and negative and positive spaces, creating visual interest and an individual sense of light and space.

Visit the gallery to view her latest collection!


LBGE Welcomes Michael Hartwig



Inspired by the art, architecture, and artists of Italy, while studying in Rome oil painter Michael J. Hartwig says he felt “a deep urge to find a way to capture the feeling and experience of those places in pigment and canvas.” Hartwig creates restful compositions of Southern Europe as well as the northeast coast of the United States. Whether painting ancient ruins, sleepy harbors, sun-soaked vineyards, breezy beach dunes, or snowy cityscapes, Hartwig captures the essence of each locale, paying particular care to replicate the natural lighting. Hartwig’s aesthetic style features soft contours, cool palettes, and subtle brushwork. Considering the tranquility of his paintings, Hartwig describes his work as “ethereal” and “meditative.”

Visit the gallery to view his latest collection!




LBGE Welcomes photographer Matthew Cohen



Newport resident, Matthew Cohen is a professional sailor as well as an award winning and internationally recognized nautical/adventure photographer. His subjects include sky, sea, coastline, and sailing vessels. Taking photographs from helicopters and the tops of masts, Cohen uses Canon professional lenses and digital cameras to capture the beauty and ingenuity of sailing vessels. He frequently takes his photographs from extreme angles and uncommon vantage points, abstracting and aestheticizing his subject. As a result, the photographs of common nautical subjects, such as bows, masts, jibes, and rigging, ultimately take on a unique and extraordinary presence.


Visit the gallery to view his latest collection!

LBGE Welcomes Doug AmEnde


Manchester, Connecticut resident Doug AmEnde creates acrylic paintings depicting idyllic New England landscapes. His paintings include scenes of vast cloudy skies, shady forests, flower-filled meadows, pristine beaches, and ponds covered by water lilies. Although AmEnde selects traditional subjects, his techniques are not. He frequently inserts abstract elements in his compositions and employs a unique approach to manipulating paint and producing texture. Each painting is characterized by vibrant, saturated colors and expressive mark-making. Considering the evolution of his work, AmEnde describes his current artistic style to be “a looser, more expressive interpretation of the world around us, using light, shadow, and a unique method of blending color and texture to convey the varied moods of the seasons of New England.” As an artist, AmEnde emphasizes the importance of close observation, particularly of fleeting moments, which he captures in his paintings. The complexity and sophistication of his paintings reflect his dedication to and life-long passion for fine art. AmEnde’s artwork can be found in private collections throughout the United States and abroad.

Visit the gallery to view his latest collection! 

Saturday, April 9, 2011

LBGE welcomes Catherine Raynes

LBGE is happy to announce that New Hampshire based oil painter, Catherine Raynes, has just the gallery. Her work is excecuted to a superior quality and she brilliantly captures light and clean, bright colors. For more information, please click here. Stop in to view her entire collection.


Catherine Raynes - Evening's Arrival - Oil on Canvas - 9 x 12 in.


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Trunk Show

Meet Jewelry designers Susan Roberts, Heather Wang, and Linda Sherman
Sunday, May 1st from 12 – 4pm


Left Bank Gallery Essex, LLC is hosting a trunk show on Sunday, May 1st from 12 – 4pm featuring jewelry designers Susan Roberts, Heather Wang, and Linda Sherman. Meet the designers and view an extensive collection of their newest creations.

*Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift or the latest styles to accessorize your spring wardrobe*





Susan Roberts is a jeweller who draws on the many inspiring qualities of nature’s evolving beauty; and handcrafts her jewelry using a style that is both bohemian and sophisticated. Susan’s multi-layered, color-rich pieces are made with the finest semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and vermeil; and will compliment the palettes of all jewelry collectors. Susan Roberts resides in Branford, CT.







 

Heather Wang is a designer inspired by natural forms and floral elements. Her latest collection features colorful enamel cherry blossoms and branches in sterling silver or copper. Combining vibrant color with delicate designs, Heather’s jewelry is fun and easy-to-wear from day into night. Heather Wang has a BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing and Metalwork from the Royal College of Art, London. She is currently based in Lowell, MA.






 

Linda Sherman is a watercolorist and jewelry maker, who creates bright light-weight artisan jewelry from her original watercolor paintings. Using clusters of watercolor beads and handmade lampwork beads, each piece of Linda Sherman jewelry is a unique work of art. Linda is currently based in New London, CT.


Friday, April 1, 2011

Open Swim : Samantha French


Samantha French - Three Feet Below - Oil on Canvas - 36 x 48 in

Open Swim : Samantha French

May 4th - June 13th 2011

Meet the artist : Thursday, May 5th from 5 - 8 pm


Left Bank Gallery Essex, LLC presents a solo exhibition by young contemporary oil painter, Samantha French. “Open Swim” will feature French’s latest paintings, depicting bathing beauties and submerged swimmers, and the water and refractive light surrounding them. French’s paintings elucidate the tranquillity and serenity of water, and the intrinsic value of a dip in the pool or a day at the beach.

Based on the artist’s childhood memories of summers spent at the lakes in northern Minnesota, her newest paintings capture pool-side conversations or tanned women surfacing for sunlight and air. French’s most intriguing canvases portray swimming figures from below or from the side, and capture light and reflections on top of or entering the water. She uses gestural brush strokes and fresh color choices, and thoughtfully crops her compositions to emphasize the space beyond the picture plane. As her figures float or glide through lakes and swimming pools, each swimmer is immersed in the moment and caught in solitude, liberated from the constraints of gravity. With figures dressed in retro swimwear, often in red, orange or black, contrasted against cool greys or aqua blues; French’s paintings blur the line between vintage and modern, creating a nostalgic place or time that seems familiar yet current. Of her work, French explains, “I am drawn to an idealistic time before my own, where swim caps and wool swimsuits were commonplace. This combination of memory, observation and photography (old and new) has allowed me to preserve the transitory qualities of water and remembrance.” French’s paintings will breathe new life into any interior, and invite one to pause for a moment of calm and clarity even on the cloudiest of days.


Samantha French was born and raised in north central Minnesota and graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BA in Fine Arts in 2005. She currently resides in New York City. Her work can be found in private collections throughout the country. “Open Swim” is French’s first solo exhibition in Connecticut.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Spring Arrivals at LBGE

To rekindle your memories of Spring, Left Bank Gallery Essex has installed an exhibition celebrating the hot colors and fresh feelings of the season. The show includes new work by Janis Sanders, Larry Horowitz, Whitney Heavey, Chris Karpinski, Janine Evers, Samantha Listorti, and Lois Weingarten.




Singing Pink by Whitney Heavey


Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Essex go Bragh Parade and Festival


Essex Park and Rec has been busy planning events for this Saturday's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Visit Essex on Saturday, March 19th for an afternoon of fun family activities, including a parade that kicks off at Noon followed by a town festival with face-painting, live music, and an Irish Stew Cook-Off. In the spirit of the day, Left Bank Gallery Essex will host a performance by local Irish Dancers between 1-2pm.




Monday, February 14, 2011

So You Think You Can Paint? Yes, You Can!


Acrylic Painting Workshop with Donna Zieky

Saturday, April 16th 2011 : 2-4pm


For beginning artists or creative individuals looking to learn more about art, artist Donna Zieky will lead a fun and informative no-pressure painting workshop at Left Bank Gallery Essex on Saturday, April 16th from 2-4pm. This creative workshop will cover basic acrylic painting techniques and applications, and will offer insight into the medium that will open your eyes to a broad range of possibilities. Learn tips and pointers about painting, including form, composition and color in order to express your creativity. Guided by the artist, attendees will explore the potential of acrylic painting and create their own masterpieces to take home and show-off to friends and family.

Donna Zieky is a resident of East Hampton, CT. Her artwork ranges from exciting landscapes to brilliantly colored abstracts done in oils or acrylics. Her florals and landscapes originate from her love of nature, gardening and the outdoors. She is inspired by Connecticut’s varied geography, stating that, “It is so wonderful to have such beauty in your own backyard.” Imagination, innovation, and creativity are the driving forces behind her fun and vibrant work. Donna is excited by color, movement and texture, and strives to imbue in her paintings, a feeling of overall happiness and joyous emotion. Donna Zieky’s artwork has been exhibited in many juried shows in Essex, Lyme, West Hartford and Glastonbury. She is an elected member of Essex Art Association; and won an award from EAA for Best Technique in 2009. In 2007, she won First Place for a painting at the Glastonbury on the Green Art Show. Zieky is a member of many artist leagues and associations throughout the state and exhibits her work at Left Bank Gallery Essex.

“So You Think You Can Paint? Yes, You Can!” Acrylic Painting Workshop with Donna Zeiky is a free public event suitable for adults and teens. No experience is necessary. Painting supplies and material will be donated by Jerry’s Artarama of West Hartford, CT. To register, please contact the gallery no later than April 14th at info@leftbankgalleryessex.com or by calling 860.767.0449.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Color Theory Workshop!


Color Theory Workshop with Aleta Gudelski
Sunday, March 6th from 2-4pm



Explore the physical properties of color with artist and teacher Aleta Gudelski at a Color Theory Workshop at Left Bank Gallery Essex on Sunday, March 6th from 2-4pm. For beginners and advanced artists, this crash course will cover a broad spectrum of basic color mixing techniques and tricks of the trade. Aleta will demonstrate a variety of color mixing methods in watercolor and acrylic. Attendees will mix paint to explore hue, value, intensity and temperature. Whether you paint landscapes, still lifes, or portraits, this informative lesson will teach you how to master warm and cool primaries, neutral and chromatic greys, and flesh tones in order to create sophisticated and rich palettes. The workshop will cover color relativity and optical color mixing. Learn how the Impressionists juxtaposed color to create stunning optical effects. Utilize the color wheel to maximize the visual impact of your paintings by selecting the perfect color scheme to suit your compositions. Uncover strategies to brighten up your canvas and avoid mixing “mud”.



Aleta Gudelski is a resident of Durham, CT. She holds a BS in Art Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a MALS from Wesleyan University, and a Post-Baccalaureate degree from Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. She has taught painting, drawing, and design at secondary and college levels for several years. Her artwork has been included in juried group shows and gallery exhibitions throughout Connecticut. View her latest paintings at Left Bank Gallery Essex.


Update....
THIS CLASS IS COMPLETELY FULL. Please sign-up to receive notifications about other events and exhibitions by sending your name and email address to info@leftbankgalleryessex.com.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Find the sweetest Valentine gifts at LBGE

Sick of the same old roses and candy that only last a week, if your lucky? Your love is everlasting and art lasts a lifetime. Get inspired by these darling ideas by LBGE artists with original artwork starting at just $10! Amazing!


Patrice Nelson, Donna Zeiky, Sue Mattero and Wendy Mink

Barbara Hageman, Sue Mattero, Susan Roberts, and Wendy Mink.

Janis Sanders joins LBGE

LBGE is proud to announce the arrival of oil painter, Janis Sanders. We think Janis sums up his outlook and his artwork brilliantly:

 
"The aroma of salt air, salt spray on my skin, an old fish shack on Cape Cod.  Sunshine bouncing on the waters of the North Shore.  The silence of a marsh, broken only by the occasional call of a bird.  Late day sunlight casting on a cottage on the coast of Maine, and summer beach roses fragrantly, delicately blossoming in defiance of rugged cliffs.

These are a few of my favorite things."



River Grasses - Oil - 38x30in

Pines and Roses - Oil - 32x32in

Quiet Island - Oil - 12x12in

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Lois Weingarten in Artscope Magazine


Lois Weingarten - Blue Doors - Acrylic on Paper


Click the link above to read Artscope Magazine's fantastic write-up on our current exhibition, "Shape/Space: New Work by Lois Weingarten" on view through February 6th 2011.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Create gorgeous Valentine's with LBGE darling, Patrice Nelson!




Highlights from our 2010 Workshop!



Left Bank Gallery Essex, LLC will host its third annual Valentine Workshop with collage artist, Patrice Nelson on Saturday, February 5th from 2-4pm. Guided by the artist, children and the young at heart are invited to use paint, glitter, ephemera, and imagination to create wonderful greeting cards for parents, teachers, friends and their sweet hearts. Spend the afternoon learning how to design fun and fantastic collages and test the limits of your creativity.

Patrice Nelson was born in California and raised in Texas and Minnesota and spent several years on the West Coast before settling in Chester, CT with her loving husband and four beautiful children. As an artist, Patrice is always exploring and experimenting with texture, color, and surface; and putting to use her extensive collection of found objects and vintage clippings. She enjoys the process of creating her distinctive collages, and loves every minute of gathering, painting, and “tearin’ it up.” The artist says, “It pleases me to put a smile on someone’s face with my work.” Join Patrice during this free public event to create your own loving artwork and darling valentines.

Spring Forward!

Signs of Spring on the Connecticut River  by Laura Ludington

In support of the Essex Art Association, LBGE will be exhibiting the EAA's first show of the year, "Spring Forward" which will be on view from Wednesday, February 9th - Saturday, March 19th, 2011. This members-only exhibition will feature original artwork by over 75 artists, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, collage and photography. See a large range of creativity on display by area artists as they welcome the coming of spring.
Meet the EAA artists at the Opening Reception scheduled on Sunday, February 13th from 2 – 4pm.

Essex Art Association Members may each submit one entry. Please be mindful of size, as exhibition space is limited. Drop-off your work on Sun, Feb 6th and Mon, Feb 7th from 12-4pm. Pick-Up your work on Sun, March 20th and Mon, March 21st from 12-4pm. For more information, please contact Essex Art Association at at 860.767.8996 or info@essexartassociation.org.