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PURPLE FINCHES BY PAUL BRIGHAM |
Brigham’s Birds
SEATTLE • Patricia Rovzar Gallery presents mixed-media works by Paul Brigham March 6-31. Brigham, who is based in Northern California, takes an expressive look at nature, often incorporating images of birds, leaves, and tree branches into his paintings. His interest in Eastern philosophy is evident, and his creations often evoke an Asian sensibility. In his contemplative pieces, he is a master at marrying realistic and abstract styles on highly textured surfaces. For more information: 206.223.0273 or www.rovzargallery.com.
Stern Family Dynasty
With the opening of Frederic Stern Gallery in Pasadena, CA, an art dynasty continues to flourish in Southern California. Frederic Stern’s late grandfather opened his first gallery in the United States in 1956. Frederic Stern’s father, George Stern, and uncle, Louis Stern, are leading art dealers based in West Los Angeles. A second uncle, Jean Stern, is the director of the Irvine Museum in Irvine, CA, and the author of books about California art. Frederic’s brother Steven also is an art dealer. The new gallery specializes in contemporary California art. It features works by William Maughan, Gerald Rahm, and Robert Frame.
Art in the Desert
High season and a slew of shows
The La Quinta Arts Festival celebrates its 26th anniversary this month. With the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop, the annual event features works by more than 250 artists. About 30,000 art enthusiasts are expected to attend during the duration of the show, March 13-16. “We’re honored to be considered one of the top 10 festivals in the country,” says Christine Salamone, executive director of the La Quinta Arts Foundation. Sculptor James La Casse is the featured artist this year. The event also includes paintings, glass, and mixed-media works. For more information: 760.564.1244 or www.lqaf.com.
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THE LA QUINTA ART FESTIVAL |
High season in the desert also ushers in a show of new paintings by David Dornan at Coda Gallery in nearby Palm Desert. Dornan is known for his photorealistic still-life works, with color palettes that range from bold primary hues to monochromatic grays and whites. Some of his new works are inspired by machinery and are compilations of mining equipment and motors. The paintings are on view March 29-April 12. Meet the artist at a reception from 3 to 6 p.m. on March 29. Also on view at Coda this month are works by Pam Powell, Jim Rennert, and Paul and Silvia Davis. For more information: 760.346.4661 or www.codagallery.com.
Finally, art collectors should take note of two additional shows in Palm Desert: Jones & Terwilliger Galleries hosts a presentation of new paintings by Brian Blood and Ted Goerschner March 21-22. The award-winning artists are known for their landscape works and are on hand for a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 22. For more information: 760.674.8989 or www.jones-terwilliger-galleries.com.
The town of Borrego Springs hosts the annual Borrego Springs Invitational March 16-22. For more information: www.borregoartinstitute.com.
A Death in the Art Family
Legendary painter Donald “Putt” Putman died on November 19 in Northern California. Putman, an authority on Native American Indian tribes and their clothing, was known for his southwestern paintings. In an article published in his hometown newspaper, The Fresno Bee, several days after his death, artist and friend Paul Mullins said of Putman, “he was a master of color and loose brush strokes, yet he expressed detail.” A respected teacher, he also was on the faculty at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. “He will be greatly missed,” says painter Dan J. McCaw.
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