Mary Kay West White Rose and Wood Nymph
Solvang, California—August 16, 2018 – Together with Solvang Antiques, the Judith Hale Gallery is pleased to announce their new exhibit titled “Artist’s Choice” opening September 15. This exhibit highlights the selections made by the artists especially for this feature. “Dirk Foslien, Mary Kay West, Sheryl Knight and Grace Schlesier have eagerly submitted choices for your viewing pleasure” says curator Judith Hale.
Dirk Foslien has decided on a figurative group for this show, instead of his noted landscapes and views of the valley. Over recent years he has been concentrating on his techniques in handling figurative subjects, and has achieved excellence in his quest. Foslien is trained in the techniques of the Old Masters and works in oil.
Newer to the gallery is oil painter Mary Kay West, a native of North Carolina. Her painting experience began beside the easel of her mother, watercolorist Elizabeth Phillips. West’s diverse interests have led her to express her artistic abilities in a variety of settings including set design for theater, mural paintings, costume and jewelry design. Painting, however, has been her continuing passion. She completed a four year apprenticeship with Ben Long and John Mac Kah at the Fine Arts League of Ashville specializing in still life. She has become especially noted for her exquisite renditions of hummingbirds.
A new collection of oil paintings by Sheryl Knight will also be on display. Knight is a popular local artist recognized for her vibrant painting, often completed on site. Her strong, expressive style could best be described as varying from loose realism to impressionistic. Knight comments that “I feel my paintings are a personal reflection of the world around me. Art has been a lifetime passion for me”. She especially loves to paint the local landscape as it offers the opportunity for bold color as well as an emphasis on light and shadow.
Oil painter Grace Schlesier will also be showing new works for our “Artist’s Choice” exhibit. Schlesier is especially recognized for her reflections of the ocean. Her works capture the motion of the moving water and crashing surf. Normally found painting on location, Schlesier also does many beautiful landscapes. A recently completed selection from the Sierras titled “Wind in the High Country” will be featured in the exhibit. Schlesier is a Signature Member with American Impressionistic Society and American Women Artists, and participates in numerous museum and invitational openings.
New works by Vic Riesau will be on display, including both oil paintings and bronze sculpture. Riesau is a noted sculptor and painter. His work is exhibited in the collections of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage in Los Angeles, CA; the Emigrant Museum at the Donner State Park at Truckee, CA; and, the Carnegie Museum in Oxnard, CA. He was one of the founding artists of the Autry Museum’s “Masters of the American West”. Additionally, Riesau has been commissioned for the Peace Officers Monument in Sacramento, CA.
The “Artist’s Choice” exhibit opens September 15 and runs through November 12. Stop by and enjoy these wonderful pieces available for purchase.