Show Preview | Petroglyphe Gallery: Pamela Findleton & Dale Laitinen

Mokelumne Hill, CA
October 5-November 10

Dale Laitinen, Dry Lakebed, Northern Nevada, watercolor, 29 x 41.

This story was featured in the October 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2013 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Last fall, artists Pamela Findleton and Dale Laitinen went on a painting trip through Nevada, southern Utah, and northern Arizona. Their journey through the Boulder Mountain area, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon, and many other sites is the inspiration behind  their two-person show at Petroglyphe Gallery this month. The show opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 5.

Laitinen, who is known for his watercolor paintings, also created works in oil, water media, and fresco clay for this show. “What excites me about the works I produced for this show is the fact that I was able to step out of my comfort zone to cross medium and style boundaries and explore new avenues of expression,” he says. Laitinen brings more than 20 new works to the show, all inspired by his experiences traveling through the southwestern landscape with Findleton. “The places we visited not only provided inspiration for my art, but the wonder of the journey engendered a sense of discovery that can get lost in the day-to-day business of art-making,” he says, adding, “It woke me up.”

Pamela Findleton, Earth and Heaven Series #1, water media/clay, 16 x 16.

Findleton echoes these feelings of inspiration: “My discoveries in this landscape of red mystery have refreshed my spirit and added a new energy to my art,” she says. Findleton also brings more than 20 new works to the show in a variety of mediums, including water media on paper, clay, and board, as well as a few oils. “This show has allowed me the opportunity to challenge myself and my artistic boundaries,” she says. “Although I’m experimenting with different mediums and exploring new subjects, I am building on my past work by incorporating the female figure into the landscape,” she adds.

The two artists also collaborated on a special piece for the show titled PERSONAL PETROGLYPHS. The work is made up of 5-by-5-inch mixed-media paintings—12 by Findleton and 13 by Laitinen. Each piece can be moved within the picture frame to any other position. “It is, in essence, interactive, in that anyone can change the look of the work,” Laitinen says, adding, “We are very proud of this one.” —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
209.286.1387
www.gallerypetroglyphe.com

Featured in the October 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art October 2013 print issue or digital download
Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!