Author Archives: Brittany

Designer Spotlight: Catherine Ebert

Today we are highlighting the work of Catherine Ebert, a talented designer in the DC area. Catherine’s work seamlessly merges clean, modern architecture with organic shapes and textures. In this Chevy Chase home, Catherine created true harmony, selecting artwork that fits perfectly into each space and building a varied collection for her clients. 

 

Photographed by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

This incredibly open living area plays with symmetry and line. David Burdeny’s photograph of meandering fishing nets fits perfectly above the mantle, adding to the serene, airy atmosphere of the space. The artwork’s crisp finish and composition echo the strong lines of the rectilinear windows and doorways. 

Learn more about David Burdeny or browse additional works

 

Photographed by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

In the foyer, Wendy Westlake’s artwork welcomes guests with playful color and dynamic energy. The vibrant jewel tones stand out amongst the quiet neutral tones as the shapes in the painting are echoed in the accessories featured on the entry table.

Learn more about Wendy Westlake or browse additional work

 

Photographed by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

 

Beatriz Simon’s expressive artwork nestles perfectly into this lush sitting area. The artist’s themes of home and family life carry into the cozy room, the soft blue wall color and richly textured sofa invite friends and family to take a seat and enjoy one another.

Learn more about Beatriz Simon or browse additional work

 

Visit Catherine Ebert’s portfolio to see more of her stunning work.

Still Life: Then and Now

The history of still life painting is rich and varied, with roots tracing back thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians to the Dutch masters, depictions of objects like food, flowers, and everyday items adorn the walls of museums and tombs alike. With contemporary artists continuing to explore the genre, still life painting has proven its resilience and adaptability.

 

Left: Still life painting by Joris van Son (c. 1650); Right: Still Life IX by Mersuka Dopazo

Learn more about Mersuka Dopazo

 

A Little History

The Dutch Golden Age (17th century) saw a remarkable surge in still life painting, as greater urbanization led to a cultural emphasis on personal possessions and the aesthetics of one’s home and belongings. Development of oil painting techniques during this period also allowed for a more nuanced exploration of light, shadow, and texture, adding depth to still life works.

 

Caravaggio, Still Life with Fruit, Oil on Canvas, 1601-1610, 34.3 x 53.3 inches

 

A few decades later, the Baroque period introduced a sense of drama and theatricality, with artists like Caravaggio infusing intense contrasts of light and shadow into their compositions.

 

Pablo Picasso, Nature morte au compotier (Still Life with Compote and Glass), Oil on Canvas, 1914-1915, 25 x 31 inches

 

As the bustling twentieth century introduced Modernism, artists sought new ways to express themselves: Picasso’s fragmented compositions and Salvador Dalí’s dreamlike arrangements showcased the genre’s adaptability to diverse artistic approaches.

 

Still Life Today

Emily Filler, Vintage Bouquet V, Mixed Media on Canvas, 54 x 72 inches

Learn more about Emily Filler or browse additional works

 

Today, the traditional arrangement of objects persists, but artists now push boundaries by incorporating unconventional materials, digital elements, and exploring the intersection of still life with other genres. The genre has become a playground for artistic expression, offering a space to engage with symbolism, cultural commentary, and personal narratives.

 

Carol O’Malia, Rising Up, Oil on Canvas, 50 x 38 inches framed

 

Carol O’Malia incorporates historical elements into her own work. The pyramidal composition is a tradition with strong ties to the height of the Renaissance, while the dramatic lighting evokes the drama of a Caravaggio or Dutch Master. 

Learn more about Carol O’Malia or browse additional works

 

Alexander Sheversky, Sunday Morning, Oil on Canvas, 37.73 x 67.75 inches framed

 

The term “still life” itself implies a certain tranquility, a moment frozen in time. Alexander Sheversky’s hyperrealistic work captures such moments as his seemingly mundane subjects—a vase of flowers, a jar of candy, or a breakfast ready to serve—are elevated. They have become a visual feast on canvas. 

Learn more about Alexander Sheversky or browse additional works

 

As we admire the works of the past and present, we witness the timeless allure of still life painting – a genre that, like the objects it portrays, remains frozen in perpetual beauty.

View additional Still Life works from our collection.

Insider Edit: What Chelsea’s Loving


Art has always been a huge part of my life. Just looking at a work of art can completely change your mood—what a powerful and awe-inspiring profession to be a part of.

I love getting to share our collection with clients and see them connect with the work on a personal level. When people stop into the gallery for the first time, witnessing the smiles and wonder that art can bring is incredible! Here are a few pieces that have been inspiring me lately…

Carly Allen Martin, Sauvage I, Mixed Media on Panel, 60 x 60 x 2.5 inches

 

Carly Allen Martin | Sauvage I 

This incredible piece by Carly Allen Martin fills me with a sense of joy and whimsy. As the title suggests, it captures the wildness and freedom of nature through energetic brush strokes. And yet we see order in the balance of light and color—a quintessential part of Allen Martin’s work. I love that it captures the essence of nature, but still leaves room for the imagination.

 

View more work by Carly Allen Martin

 

Joshua Brown, Zebra on Dark Night, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas, 36 x 72 inches

 

Joshua Brown | Zebra on Dark Night

In this piece by Joshua Brown, a myriad of bright paint speckles pop against the midnight-black background, giving the illusion of a sparkling galaxy and adding an infinity of depth behind these beautiful animals. Brown’s delicate brushstrokes masterfully capture the wispy manes of these majestic creatures, his subtle highlights suggesting their ears with a thoughtful flick of white.

 

View more work by Joshua Brown

 

Maura Segal, Joshua Tree, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48 x 48 inches

 

Maura Segal | Joshua Tree

Segal’s work appeals to my inner sense of calm. Her minimalist, abstract composition is layered with intuitively placed hand-cut shapes, to be admired up close and from afar. When you take a step back, the pale pink blocks of color assemble beneath a wandering paper string, swirling playfully through the otherwise orderly composition.

 

View more work by Maura Segal

Making Merry and Bright

The holiday season is well underway and we’ve added a bit of cheer to each of our galleries!

 

Be sure to stop by the gallery nearest you for a warm welcome and seasonal sights! We have something for every art lover on your list. For more inspiration, check out this year’s Holiday Gift Guide.

Snowflakes add a wintry touch to this intimate work by JD Hansen in Chevy Chase.

 

This very giftable sculpture by Hunt Slonem is finished with a bow in Haverford’s window. On the right is Srinjoy‘s Hi Beautiful II, 60 x 48 inches.

 

L-R: Lorenzo Quinn, You Can’t Eat Gold, 66 x 11 x 7 inches; Gavin Benjamin, Miss A Thing 6, 61.5 x 61.5 inches framed

 

Already have the perfect piece of art? Polish it to perfection with custom framing! Each of our galleries has a wide variety of framing options and friendly, knowledgable consultants to help you make the right selection.

 

Eddie adds a festive bow to the pedestal for JD Hansen‘s Pinot, 26 x 32 x 12 inches

 

Ofri perfects the snowflakes in the entryway at Chevy Chase.

 

Brittany adds a bow to Hunt Slonem‘s Ocelots in Baltimore.

 

From each and every one of us here at Merritt Gallery and Renaissance Fine Arts, we wish you a wonderful holiday season, full of warmth and peace!

Framing for Festivities: Gift-Giving in 2023

The holiday season is quickly approaching, making now the perfect time to bring in that framing project you’ve been considering as a gift! Ditch the department stores and surprise a loved one with thoughtful custom framing to elevate artwork, beloved photographs, or specialty keepsakes. Read on to see just a few ideas we’re loving this year…

 

Family Photos

Give the gift of remembering! Framed photos can warm hearts and stir memories.

 

Transform that stack of photos sitting in a storage box (or stuck on your phone) into a stunning statement for all to see! Precious memories make for beautiful gifts, and our Conservation/UV glazing options can protect the photographs from deteriorating over time. From candids to formal wedding portraits, framing a print in any size can make it easier to remember and admire for years to come.

 

Framed family photographs personalize this home office with style.

 

This arrangement plays with shape and scale, balancing different frame styles for plenty of visual interest. A gallery wall also has the potential to be a gift that one could add to for any holiday or gift-giving occasion. Why not start the collection this season?

 

Diplomas & Achievements

Frame a degree for the recent graduate! In a world where many students had to have “virtual” graduations, a custom frame recognizes their immense achievement. Our consultants can help select the appropriate mat and frame to protect the diploma and even shadowbox the tassel. School colors and tasteful fillets make for a celebratory finished look that the grad can appreciate and show off for many years to come. 

 

Special Interests & Memorabilia

Our client enshrined a playful collection of rubber ducks in an acrylic box with fabric backing that evokes fond memories of bath time.

 

As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, custom framing can protect and elevate practically anything. If you can dream it, our team can frame it! The possibilities are endless–from sports memorabilia to vintage clothing to antique china plates, our shop has framed it all.

 

Recent newlyweds chose a white cap frame with shadowbox sides to display their hand-fasting cords and invitation suite.

 

With design expertise, a vast selection of framing options, and museum quality materials, we’re ready to guide you through the custom framing process and create something special. Reach out to your nearest gallery to get started with one of our knowledgable art consultants.

Learn more about custom framing selections at Merritt Gallery

Fall Designer Event Series

Earlier this month, Merritt Gallery hosted a series of events for interior designers and industry professionals, as we opened our latest exhibition Water, Earth, Fire, Air: The Elements of Life.

Interior professionals admire the Elemental exhibition in Baltimore, Photograph by Jessica Leigh

As guests enjoyed small bites and a glass of bubbly, they met with colleagues and our Art Consultants to explore Elemental themes. The serenity of water, fortitude of earth, unyielding passion of fire, and the dynamic movement of air are expressed in a wide range of mediums and aesthetics. Each gallery provided a unique platform for professionals in the industry to come together, exchange ideas, and appreciate the versatility of fine art.

 

Chevy Chase: Bites & Bubbly | September 28

Attendees gather near refreshments in Chevy Chase’s custom framing area

We began the this dynamic event series in our Chevy Chase gallery, where the combination of food, art, and lively conversation ensured that the experience was an unforgettable celebration of the synergy between interior design and the world of fine art. Curated selections for each of the four elements was the focal point of the exhibit on display, captivating attendees with its diversity and creativity. From the serene stability of a Lynn Johnson in the Earth section to the exciting abstracted designs by Matt Neuman in our Fire section, there was something for every design taste.

 

Two designers dig into their Merritt Gallery branded “swag” bags, Photograph by Jessica Leigh

 

Baltimore: Dwell & Tell | October 5

 

A welcoming threshold for the Dwell & Tell event in Baltimore, Photograph by Jessica Leigh

 

In partnership with Baltimore Design District, our Dwell & Tell event invited architects, designers, and home finishes vendors to meet and mingle among the artwork. Attendees shared their thoughts on the exhibit, upcoming projects, and the latest design trends as they sipped Prosecco and sampled charcuterie. Guests left with not only a deeper appreciation for fine art but also a network of peers, colleagues, and potential collaborators.

 

Design professionals ponder Ariel Vargassal’s Little Pond, Photograph by Jessica Leigh

 

Haverford: Bites & Bubbly | October 5

Haverford Consultants pose among the “Earth” artwork; (L-R): Tara, Director Marcie, and Patti

In our Haverford gallery, the Elemental artwork served as a source of inspiration, sparking discussions as interior design professionals found themselves drawn to different pieces for various projects and clients. As attendees meandered through the gallery, our Art Consultants called attention to the intricate details and unique perspectives that our artists bring to their work. The exciting blend of fine art, good conversation, and hors d’oeuvres made for a wonderful evening as design and fine art were harmoniously intertwined.

 

Art Consultant Patti and a designer colleague admire Geoffrey Gersten’s Spot Splash

Hunt Slonem: All That Glitters

A wide range of new works has arrived from Hunt Slonem’s studio and we are so excited to share a few recent paintings from this iconic artist. The hand-selected, gilded antique frames, use of glittering Diamond Dust, and the magnificence of an aviary have dazzled and delighted our three galleries. Read on to see more of what’s been recently uncrated.

Hunt Slonem, Peace Plan Now, Oil on Canvas, 57.5 x 69.5 inches framed

 

Peace Plan Now

Inspired by his 60 pet birds, Slonem often paints figures from his flock. In this stunning work, he hit the trifecta: birds, butterflies, and a beautiful antique gold frame. As can be seen, the crisp, white birds and the background’s neutral tones balance the vibrancy of the Monarch butterflies. With a playful use of space and enticing details, this large-scale work is even more impactful in person.

 

Hunt Slonem, Savannah, Oil and Acrylic with Diamond Dust on Wood, 19.5 x 19 inches framed

 

Savannah

Looking for a statement piece? Adding to a maximalist gallery wall? This glitzy heart-shaped bunny portrait is sure to stand out and make an impression. Slonem’s use of Diamond Dust in the ombre background heightens the sense of glamour as the sparkling, captured light evokes all the luster of a ruby.

 

Hunt Slonem, Shiva, Oil on Canvas, 38 x 48 inches framed

 

Shiva

In addition to being the first of its kind at Merritt Gallery, this painted peacock has certainly enamored us with its darker color palette and technical splendor. The thick oil paint swirls together thoughtful jewel tones for a mesmerizing, radiant effect. Lush blues and greens are accented with careful touches of white and yellow to highlight this regal display of feathers and plumage.

 

Learn more about Hunt Slonem or browse additional work.

En Plein Air: Painting in the Great Outdoors

Many artists turn to nature for inspiration, some going so far as to paint and create out among the elements. “En plein air,” a French term that translates to “outdoors,” refers to a centuries-old tradition of painting outside of a studio. 

Until the mid-1800s, most artists’ paints were mixed by hand in the studio and were not easily portable. With the invention of the collapsible paint tube in 1841, artists were soon able to transport their paints and canvases to any location that could support an easel. The landscapes soon poured into the Grand Salons of the world as artists studied light and color amongst the trees, hills, and vistas. 

Tubes of paint and the palette used by Vincent Van Gogh on display at the Van Gogh Museum

 

Van Gogh wrote often about painting en plein air, roaming the French countryside and capturing the idyllic views with his keen eye for color. In a letter to his brother, Van Gogh remarked, “I painted a study on the beach. There are some sea walls or breakwaters…I sat on one and painted the rising tide until it came so close that I had to pack up my things.”

 

Vincent Van Gogh, Wheat Field with Cypresses, June 1889

 

Several of our own artists paint directly from nature. Read on to learn how they interpret light and form differently in their landscapes. 

 

John Brandon Sills

John Brandon Sills, Barn on Hill, Oil on Canvas, 48 x 60 inches

 

Baltimore-area painter and 2021 Plein Air Easton Award Winner, John Brandon Sills captures the hills, barns, and waterways of Maryland with a stunning grasp of light and color. “In my plein air work, I try to capture the essence of an experience, hoping to express the vitality of nature in brushstroke and color,” says the artist. As the painting above illustrates, Sills beautifully transfers the sense of light, depth, and even heat so well that we find ourselves squinting at the sunlight pouring from the canvas in this rendition of a local barn.

Learn more about Sills’ work or browse additional pieces

 

Dennis Sheehan

Dennis Sheehan, Tranquility at Sunset, Oil on Canvas, 36 x 48 inches

 

Enraptured by the American Tonalism movement that arose in the late Nineteenth century, Dennis Sheehan utilizes contrast to capture moments of transition in nature: dawn, dusk, storms, and seasonal changes. Sheehan explains, “My goal is to have the painting emanate light. This is why the areas of shadow are so important, for it is from them that this emanation proceeds.” Indeed, these paintings are more like windows to some distant field, uncannily familiar and utterly calm.

Learn more about Dennis Sheehan or browse additional works

 

Marshall Noice

Marshall Noice, First Light, North East, Oil on Canvas, 36 x 48 inches

 

Inspired by the transcendent surroundings of his home in the American West, Noice captures the landscapes—particularly foliage—with a playful use of vibrant color. Having mastered both oil paint and pastel, many of his painting titles reflect the places and local nature he portrays so well. In this painting, his painterly brushstrokes transport the viewer to a shady copse of trees, at once titillated by the leaves and soothed by the balanced trees.

Learn more about Marshall Noice or browse additional works

To Have And To Hold: Framing for Forever

Tying the Knot? Celebrating an anniversary? You’ve planned the big day down to the minute. Why not invest in the preservation of those precious memories? Protect your wedding-related keepsakes with custom framing! 

Many cultures have marital traditions with tangible treasures. Read on below to see options for enshrining a precious memory. 

Ketubah

For thousands of years, Jewish weddings have incorporated these marital contracts as a key element of the nuptial process. While the bridal couple is required to review the document with their Rabbi and sign it ahead of time, the document is later read as part of the wedding ceremony and often displayed during the reception.

Rabbi signing the Ketubah alongside the Bride. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

 

As many Ketubot are hand-crafted, they should be treated as works of art and framed using archival materials. Important documents like this also benefit greatly from anti-reflection acrylic or glass, to eliminate glare and UV damage as well as to maintain readability. Ensure the longevity of your Ketubah as quickly as possible to prevent damaging this precious contract.

 

Select your mat and frame options ahead of the signature ceremony. We can mount your ketubah with a mat for a polished look to display at the reception (Mazel tov!), and then return it to our shop to add the glass and fit into a custom frame while you’re away for the honeymoon. Our custom frame shop has decades of experience accommodating such traditions and would be pleased to help make your day that much more special and seamless.

 

Hand-Fasting Cords

Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that celebrates the unification of the Bride and Groom by binding their hands with cords. This is where the expression “tying the knot” comes from! While the materials for the cords can vary—sometimes they’re braided ribbons, sometimes they’re placed by parents or witnesses—most traditions hold that it is bad luck to ever untangle the knot created during the ceremony. Recently, we helped frame a set of hand-fasting cords along with the wedding invitations and photos for a custom keepsake shadowbox. 

Client’s wedding items arranged on our framing table in foreground, framing options in background.

 

As pictured, we played around with mat and framing options that would complement the color scheme of the invitations. But in the end the client selected a white fabric backing coupled with a clean white cap frame to allow the items to be the focal point. Additionally, the inclusion of the invitation suite also created a more engaging composition, allowing the cords to be a dynamic centerpiece that ties it all together. 

 

The final product! Everything is mounted for both safekeeping and timeless display.

 

Need more Inspiration?

Preserve your mementos from the wedding celebrations with framing that compliments and safeguards the items. Here are a few more ideas of what you could save with custom framing solutions:

  • Marriage License
  • Handwritten vows
  • Pressed or preserved flowers
  • Invitation suite
  • Photographs
  • Menus, ceremony programs, table markers, signage, etc.

Learn more about custom framing options at Merritt Gallery

Life Imitates Art

Working around such gorgeous works of art is an endless source of inspiration for our staff. Some mornings we clearly have art on the brain as we dress for the day, take a look below at some recent moments of serendipity in the gallery.

Artwork featured in this video:

Gallery Owner Merritt gives us a spin in front of Maura Segal’s Blue Moon | See more pieces in blue

Marketing Associate Amanda pops in a pink blazer in front of Tom Bolles’ Luminous Lilly Pulitzer Pink | Peek inside Tom Bolles’ studio

Chevy Chase Consultant Betsy gives us bunny ears in pastel while posing in front of Hunt Slonem’s Fluffle Color Score | See Slonem’s bunnies in 3 dimensions

Baltimore Consultant Jenna greets us in green from her desk beneath Shivani Dugar’s The Yellow Birds | See more abstract pieces

 

Artwork featured in this video:

Haverford Director Marcie pairs the perfect pink pant with Carol O’Malia’s Ruby Reflections and Adolphe’s A Vision | See more pieces in pink

Gallery Registrar Manda channels amber energy with a twirl in front of Hoffman’s Barcelona Summer Sun | Read an interview with Michael Hoffman

Baltimore admin Karly enjoys a cerulean moment with Charlie Bluett’s The Collection | Learn more about Bluett’s oceanic inspiration

Haverford Consultant Patti can’t help but smile with Jeff Erickson’s Good Day Sunshine | See more pieces in yellow

 

Looking for your own inspiration?

Browse our diverse collection by Artist or Category. On both of these pages, you can utilize the Art Search drop-down to filter artwork by orientation, size, or color.

New Arrivals: Muses Old & New

Every artist needs their muse. Whether it’s nature, fashion, or the old masters of art history inspiring our artists, these new works feature portraits that exude both strength and femininity. Read on to get a glimpse of what’s new in the gallery this month.

 

Gavin Benjamin

Gavin Benjamin, Miss a Thing 4, Mixed Media on Board, 60 x 60 inches

 

This exciting new series by Gavin Benjamin reflects the artist’s respect and admiration for haute couture. Each original piece is one of kind and evokes the prestige and glamour found on an international runway. These large mixed media works on board feature collaged elements and Swarovski crystals for that extra sparkle. During a recent gallery visit, Benjamin shared more about his love of fashion and being able to “see the hand” that goes into the work in this series. See a clip from that discussion here.

Learn more about Gavin Benjamin or  browse additional work

 

Henrik Abedian

Henrik Abedian, Nothingness is the Outline of the Familiar I, Sublimation on Aluminum, 30 x 30 inches

 

This striking homage to an icon is propelled into the twenty-first century with its abstracted silhouette and spotlighted, instantly recognizable hands. Abedian’s signature juxtaposition of known and abstracted elements delights and surprises. Just as DaVinci’s Mona Lisa evokes the grandeur and cultural awakening of the Renaissance, this work feels distinctly refreshing and accomplished.

Learn more about Henrik Abedian or browse additional work

 

Anke

Anke, In the Garden II, Mixed Media on Panel, 60 x 48 inches

 

Large-scale collage artist Anke has once again wowed us with her inspiring compositions and playful, polished portraits. Combining visual elements from nature, Anke fuses lush foliage and sublimely feathered wings to craft a unique profile. This series balances softness and strength; the subject is at once both stoic and graceful.

Learn more about Anke or browse additional work

Pushing Beyond “Portrait” or “Landscape”

Activate a space with art that plays! Many of our artists have certainly enjoyed “thinking outside the box,” and we are loving it. These pieces go beyond the rectilinear confines of a more traditional square frame and embrace mastery of form. 

 

Turn Heads and Canvases

Raul de la Torre, Poemes LXIX, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48 x 48 inches

 

This diptych from Raul de la Torre is definitely a conversation-starter. The negative space running through the middle creates both tension and interest in the piece. De la Torre’s painstaking technique of layered paint with meticulously-matched and hand-stitched embroidery feels topsy-turvy in this dynamic arrangement. 

Learn more about Raul de la Torre and browse other works

 

Introduce New Shapes to Your Collection

L: Hunt Slonem, Valentine, Oil and Acrylic With Diamond Dust, 19.5 x 19.5 inches
R: Hunt Slonem, Duo, Oil and Acrylic With Diamond Dust, 24 x 24 inches

 

Whether you love bunnies, love antique gilded frames, or just love LOVE, these romantic pieces by Hunt Slonem are sure to draw the eye and prompt a smile. The heart-shaped composition lends itself well as a solitary statement piece, or as part of a playful, curated gallery wall. Pair with ovals and more ornate frames for a maximalist effect. 

Learn more about Hunt Slonem and browse other works

 

Find Serenity in the Round

Shivani Dugar, Life to Go…, Oil on Canvas, 42 x 42 inches

 

We have featured a few circular pieces in the past, but this rondelle is a first for us from Shivani Dugar. Her use of cool, serene blues and expressive painterly forms are balanced by the unexpected and delightful round canvas. The overall effect is both calming and enchanting. 

Learn more about Shivani Dugar and browse other works

 

Add Dimensionality with a Wall-Mounted Sculpture

Craig Alan, Populus: Soul Affection I, Mixed Media on Fiberglass, 32.5 x 36 inches

This playful piece by Craig Alan is summer fun incarnate. The overlapping layers remind us of M.C. Escher‘s twisting geometry, populated by Alan’s unique figures enjoying themselves with a lifeguard on duty! This dynamic, three-dimensional work is situated in a crisp white square frame. See a video of this piece here.

Learn more about Craig Alan and browse other works

Insider Edit: What Brittany’s Loving

Being back at the gallery is such a treat! I have greatly missed being surrounded by the beauty and vibrancy of art every day. As a Marketing Assistant, my goal is to reach new and familiar clients to help them find the art that makes their space feel polished and perfect.

In total, I have worked at the gallery for almost five years but it all feels fresh and new to me again. There is so much new work to fall in love with, and here are some of the pieces I can’t stop staring at.

 

Henrik Abedian, Nothingness is the Outline of the Familiar II, Sublimation on Aluminum, Edition 1 of 15, 30 x 30 inches

 

Henrik Abedian | Nothingness is the Outline of the Familiar II

A modern abstraction paired with my intense love for Vincent Van Gogh’s work makes this piece feel particularly poignant. Abedian has masterfully juxtaposed Van Gogh’s distinct, expressive brushstrokes with forced negative space. The missing ear reads as both comical and melancholy, a bittersweet nod to the artist’s struggles, all set against a gentle ombre backdrop.

View more work by Abedian

 

David Burdeny, La Citta Alta 04, Palermo, Sicily IT, Photograph on Aluminum, Edition 4 of 10, 55 x 44 inches

 

David Burdeny | La Citta Alta 04, Palermo, Sicily IT

Burdeny’s photographs transport me to crowded, exciting coastal cities with a sense of wonder. I particularly appreciate how the tightly knit houses fill this image, absolutely bursting with life and history. I can almost feel the heat of the Sicilian sun, evoking wanderlust…and an intense craving for cannoli.

View more work by Burdeny

 

Hyunmee Lee, Reaching Distance, Acrylic on Canvas, 60 x 60 inches

 

Hyunmee Lee | Reaching Distance

Lee’s meditative color-blocking and gestural mark-making is a practice in harmony and form. I find this piece to be both soothing and dramatic, the energetic yellow and emotional blue are balanced by the dense black and echoing, almost-rectangular forms. The artist’s meditative practice comes through, blending the radiant and the spontaneous in an enchanting, entrancing composition.

View more work by Hyunmee Lee

Ariel Vargassal: The Joy Within

In Ariel Vargassal’s newest works, the artist focuses on making peace with one’s inner self and facing life’s challenges with joy and wonder. The Magical Realism of his work comes through with a stunning juxtaposition of whimsy and breathtaking attention to detail. Read on to learn more about the artist’s enchanting narrative for each piece.

Sugar Heist, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

 

Sugar Heist

“Joy and happiness in life are often there for us to take. They are a choice, and when we realize it, the opportunity to take the sweetness of life will make us run and not look back. A playful painting to remind us to take the good and keep on going. It will take us far.”

 

The Path is Made by Walking, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

 

The Path is Made by Walking

“Life could be easy for some. ‘The ride would be smooth if there is the right horse.’ Others are forced to walk their way. But for those who have the horse and still choose to walk on their own terms, the rewards of creating your path and collecting the experiences on the way are humbling and satisfying. Walk at your own pace; enjoy the time creating the path of your journey with your own feet.”

 

Tangled, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

 

Tangled

“Sometimes we get or feel trapped by the webs of our own doubts or troubles. The same mischievous inner self (the spider monkey) that gets us in this position will help us to get us out of being tangled. Face and make a friend of your inner self, and together resolve the puzzles to free yourself.”

Learn more about Ariel Vargassal or browse additional work.