Show Preview | 30-Year Anniversary Exhibition

Santa Barbara, CA
Waterhouse Gallery, November 22-December 23

Thalia Stratton, Sargent’s Tea Salon, oil, 24 x 18.

This story was featured in the November 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

This month Waterhouse Gallery mounts an extensive exhibition to celebrate, as Diane Waterhouse puts it, “30 years of joy.” November 2014 marks three decades since the gallery opened its doors, and owners Diane and Ralph Waterhouse have assembled a group of highly noted figurative painters from across the country to commemorate their journey. Similar in scope but larger in scale, Waterhouse’s 30-Year Anniversary Exhibition takes the place of the gallery’s annual Great American Figurative Show this year. “We are so excited about the anniversary show,” exclaims Diane. “It will be a true visual feast.”

The exhibition opens November 22 and runs through December 23. The gallery hosts an artists’ reception and anniversary celebration on November 22 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Gallery artist Craig Nelson will be on hand to give a demonstration as well. The monumental exhibition features multiple works by more than 60 painters, including those represented by Waterhouse as well as select guest artists. Among the participants are Peter Adams, Cyrus Afsary, Scott Burdick, Scott Christensen, Kim English, Alfredo Rodriguez, Matt Smith, Albin Veselka, and Jove Wang.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to take part in celebrating the 30th anniversary with Ralph and Diane,” remarks California artist Pauline Roche. Having participated in Waterhouse’s Great American Figurative Show for the past two years, she brings two new oil paintings to the anniversary show. From her museum interiors series, VIEWING THE CLASSICAL PORTRAIT depicts a young blonde woman in front of a large masterwork. It examines the concept of the gaze from three perspectives: subject, artist, and viewer. Roche explains, “I love to capture those quiet moments in grand museums when a person comes across a piece of art that catches their eye. In this piece I was taken with the moment of pause in this rich setting, where the lady is settled in her spot and studying the painting carefully.”

A seven-time participant in Waterhouse’s annual figurative show, San Francisco painter Hsin-Yao Tseng contributes canvases from his latest series devoted to people honing their skills. “I am always fascinated by man and his craft,” says Tseng, who most recently completed several pieces featuring colleagues working in their respective studios. Through loosely applied impasto strokes, abstracted backgrounds, and warm color palettes, his works yield an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at a master preparing to create. “It is my honor to show with other great artists in this exhibition,” says Tseng. “I am very grateful to know [Diane and Ralph] and to work with the gallery. Congratulations on their 30th anniversary!”

The Waterhouses have seen trends come and go over 30 years and have weathered them with aplomb. “Figurative painting wasn’t at all popular when we started,” says Diane. The couple persevered and have enjoyed every moment. “I love coming to work every day,” she continues. “Meeting artists, selling work, seeing the enchantment and wonder on the faces of people as they buy their first paintings. I love it all. It’s our life.”  —Elizabeth L. Delaney

contact information
805.962.8885
www.waterhousegallery.com

Featured in the November 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art November 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!