By Elizabeth Monks Hack
The Lompoc Valley Art Association brings to our community another holiday celebration this month, with a theme that should please viewers who delight in the color red. “Red Zone” invited members to submit work that features the color of hearts, the color of roses, of love and excitement. The front gallery is awash with all tints, tones and shades of red. There are also plenty of hearts and flowers, in a variety of media, to please your special valentine.
Linda Gooch, with her uncanny realism, has on display her signature roses in traditional media, but also several works that range in style from surrealism to steam punk. Placed next to an explosion of collage elements called “Big Bang,” a luscious doughnut tempts you. See if you can find the three-dimensional bees in her “Poppy Dance.”
Tammy Evans, Joellen Chrones and Karen Franscioni are Cypress Gallery artists who work in wood, glass and mosaic respectively. Included in the show are many of their delightful objects of art, all with a heart motif. This month’s exuberant display of paintings, collages and art is sure to get you the mood for love!
Once you see an surfeit of a color, your eyes start to find it everywhere, which is true for visitors who stroll from our front room into the main galleries. A gorgeous little painting by C. Wood features a cool ocean, with a beach chair of an eye-searing red orange. Angelina LaPointe’s accomplished gesture drawings feature a model wearing naught but red gloves.
The eye eventually readjusts. A delightful contrast is found in Chris Jeszeck’s ethereal acrylic pours “Pez de Fantasia” and “Flights of Fancy.” Veils and feathers of blues and violets cascade down slim vertical planes.
As per usual our artists represent the gamut of creativity. No two artists are the same and no two works of art are the same. Consider adding some of this creativity to you home. Update your style, invigorate your life on a daily basis by adding a new work of art. And while you are here, pick up a little something for your Valentine!
NOTE: Don’t miss our “Flight of Fancy” community art project coming up in March! Pick up your cut-out bird blank to decorate for the show during gallery hours, and return your creation by February 24.
The Cypress Gallery is operated by the members of the Lompoc Valley Art Association is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, committed to expanding and supporting access and exposure to the arts in the Lompoc and Santa Ynez Valley. 119 East Cypress Avenue, Lompoc. (805) 737-1129 <lompocart.org> @cypressgallerylompoc
All photos by Elizabeth Monks Hack
Linda Gooch “Double Delight” Watercolor
Karen Franscioni “Then. Now. Always” Glass mosaic
Tammy Evans “Hearts” Wood tiles
Ellen Thermos "Valentine for the World"
C. Wood “Last Stand” Oil on canvas
Chris Jeszeck “Pez de Fantasia” Acrylic pour on canvas
Ellen Thermos "Valentine for the World"