Examining our Environment

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Painter Hyatt Moore and watercolorist Lorraine Adler provide a realistic take on nature—from human figures to colorful fruits and flowers, they reveal the beauty of life and inspire us to give the world a second look.

Section by Ashley Ryan

Red-Collar
“Red Collar” by Hyatt Moore

HYATT MOORE (Sandstone Gallery)

Home base: A California native living in Dana Point

Background: Received a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Arts in leadership; studied art independently before becoming a full-time artist in 2004

Media of choice: Mostly oil paint; sometimes acrylic

Previously shown in: Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Francisco, Sausalito and La Jolla, all in California; many other U.S. states, including Alaska, Oregon, Texas and Washington; as well as international destinations from Cape Town, South Africa, to England and France

Work: After working as a graphic designer and art director, Hyatt set his sights on painting. He started his artistic career by painting international people, drawn to their beauty. Once he realized that there was a narrow market for these types of paintings, he began experimenting with other styles and subjects. “To be continually trying new things is one of the reasons to be an artist,” Hyatt explains.

As he began experimenting, he tried many different styles of painting. His still lifes are filled with warm, inviting colors. Vases filled with fruit or flowers give the viewer a feeling of serenity. He also painted places—wide landscapes depicting boats floating in the Dana Point harbor and scattered trees, hills and meadows. Some featured snow-covered fields, or small buildings, crafted with cool blue tones and gray shadows. He even tried his hand at abstract images, filled with blurred figures and endless splashes of color.

Hyatt has a huge variety when it comes to his painting style, but he says that figures and faces remain his favorites. With sketchbooks full of people he sees in everyday life, he is able to craft pieces that reveal a depth of the individuals he is painting. Numerous portraits feature subjects facing forward with a unique level of eye contact, which truly makes the pieces striking to view.

Although his paintings feature bold colors and obvious intention, he prefers a bit of a loose rendering, stopping before the image can be overworked. This gives Hyatt’s artwork a realistic feel. His wide knowledge of styles allows him to continue to experiment with art that he considers a mixture of realism, expressionism and abstraction. “I’m always pushing my own limits,” he says.

To view a display of Hyatt’s work, stop by Sandstone Gallery through Nov. 3. (949-497-6775; sandstonegallery.com)

 

ADLER-C-8BIT
“Gardenia” by Lorraine Adler

LORRAINE ADLER (Quorum Gallery)

Home base: Born in England, but grew up in Southern California; lives in Laguna Beach

Background: Developed her artistic talent early in life, but went the traditional route and earned a degree in business at the University of Southern California; took classes from local artists to practice techniques

Media of choice: Transparent watercolor paint and watercolor paper

Previously shown in: Laguna Beach at Quorum Gallery, Studio 7 Gallery, Sawdust Art Festival and Art-A-Fair

Work: Her vibrant watercolors are brimming with life and color. Citing nature as one of her biggest inspirations, many of her pieces are stunning examples. From the tropical petals of pink hibiscus flowers to the bright green skin of succulents, Lorraine has perfected blending to provide a realistic watercolor look. Other paintings feature fuchsias, birds of paradise, orchids, tulips, poppies and lilies. One of Lorraine’s techniques is to create paintings of white magnolias, gardenias and roses without using any white paint. Another series features a variety of paintings of grapes, mixing vibrant reds, purples and blues that contrast with the greens and yellows of the vineyard leaves.

Paintings in her series called “Imaginary Girls” feature darker, though still vibrant, colors outlining the face and shoulders of female characters. Whether their eyes are open or closed, the viewer’s eye is drawn to these striking images. Through utilizing white space and contrasting colors, the faces pop off the page. Unique lines form the outline of hair while shapes of light color are used to create shadows on their necks. For these, she draws inspiration from science fiction and cyber punk novels.

In addition to her paintings, Lorraine creates unique wearable art, which she calls watercolor jewelry. Her tiny, double-sided originals are crafted and placed in locket frames.

Lorraine will be featured at the Quorum Gallery, showcasing a new harvest-themed image for its fall kickoff beginning Oct. 23. (949-494-4422; quorumgallery.com)

 

Midnight Bloom by StallmanArt, Nature Unite
In its second year, the Art and Nature program aims to unite local artists with historians, scientists and environmentalists in the community. The program, developed by Laguna Art Museum, serves as a channel through which community members can unite across disciplines and share ideas. As part of the citywide initiative, local galleries will host exhibitions that provide added color to the event. The JoAnne Artman Gallery will feature “Modern Nature,” an exhibition showcasing nature-themed works by Alberto Murillo, America Martin, Annie Vought and Stallman. The nearby Peter Blake Gallery will highlight abstract works inspired by nature in its exhibition titled “The Nature of Abstraction II.” In addition, work from the gallery’s resident artist Lita Albuquerque will be showcased at Laguna Art Museum throughout Art and Nature. The museum also will present panel discussions and drawing events to include community members in the project. Events will take place from Nov. 6-9. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

Morocco donated by BarbaraWorld Hunger Bowl
The World Hunger Bowl gala returns to Laguna Beach on Nov. 6. The annual event, which began in 2008, was created to raise awareness during National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week. Though the event will feature live music and food from Laguna restaurants, the highlight is the silent auction. International and local artists—including Wyland, Michael Bryan and Guinotte Wise in past years—donate unique, handcrafted bowls they create in an effort to raise money for the hungry and homeless around Laguna Beach. The gala will be held at seven-degrees in Laguna Canyon from 5:30-9 p.m. (949-280-2885; worldhungerbowl.org)

 

GALLERY EVENTS

Cove Gallery
For an evening out on the town, check out the Cove Gallery’s fall reception and open house. Spend the evening viewing new works of art, listening to live music and sipping on wine as the gallery names one lucky guest in a drawing for a free painting. With a theme of Nuit Blanche, an annual nighttime arts festival in Paris, black-and-white attire is required. The event will be held Nov. 8 from 5-8 p.m. (949-494-1878; covegallerylaguna.com)

Pacific Edge Gallery
Opening Nov. 15, local artist Maria Bertran’s “New Paintings from England and Provence” will display more than 40 new oil paintings. Created in Provence and the French Alps, Maria’s artwork will depict colorful impressionist images painted on location in Europe. An artist reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. to kick off the exhibition. (949-494-0491; pacificedgegallery.com)

Peter Blake Gallery
Through Oct. 25, view creations by New York-based contemporary artist John Zinsser. His abstract paintings will definitely catch the eye with their broad strokes and bright pops of contrasting colors. (949-376-9994; peterblakegallery.com)

Quorum Art Gallery
Celebrate autumn with Quorum Gallery’s fall season kickoff on Oct. 23. The event will unveil paintings by 12 artists, all centered on a “bountiful harvest” theme. In addition to the artwork, guests will get a chance to get up-close and personal with artists like Kathleen Black, Mike Kinney and Tamara Wood to learn about their work. The event will run from 6-8 p.m. (949-494-4422; quorumgallery.com)

Sandstone Gallery
Experience two new shows at Sandstone beginning Nov. 5: Mada Leach’s “Let’s Eat!” features vibrant paintings of ripe fruits and vegetables that look delicious enough to eat. Her artwork will be showcased alongside Lawrence Terry’s series “Book of Shadows.” (949-497-6775; sandstonegallery.com)

The Signature Gallery
Artist Randy O’Brien, the featured artist of November, will make an appearance at his opening reception on Nov. 6 from 6-9 pm. Traveling to California from Arizona, Randy will showcase his colorful ceramic pots, which serve as a canvas for smearing unique materials, including volcanic ash and iron oxides. After these pieces have been fired, they feature a textured appearance inspired by the natural world around him. (949-376-4244; thesignaturegallery.com)

Sue Greenwood Fine Art
Catch a glimpse of some truly heartfelt pieces by Marianne Kolb and Terry Turrell from Oct. 20 through the end of November. Both artists experiment with feeling, letting their emotions direct the path of their artwork. Marianne’s use of sensory impression guides her paintings of human figures and Terry’s ability to incorporate texture in his paintings and sculptures transforms his art into detailed abstract works. An opening reception for the pair will be held on Nov. 6. (949-494-0669; suegreenwoodfineart.com)

Townley Gallery
Throughout the month of October, view new works from artists, including Shane Townley, Mati Russo, George Yepes, Nisperos, Linnea Leeming, Elizabeth Preston, Sahba, Carol Levin and Kim Snyder. (949-715-1860; townleygallery.com)

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