California Seen -Landscapes of a changing California, 1930-1970
Long Beach Museum of Art exhibit Nov. 7 – April 5, 2009
By Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright 2008
Southern California is as much a state of mind, as it is a real place.
It is brilliant sunshine, Sorrento-like ocean views, combined with dynamic enterprise. That’s the story illustrated in the marvelous plein aire (painted outdoors) paintings at the new exhibit, California, Seen, at the Long Beach Museum of Art, opening Nov. 7th and running until April 5, 2009.
Families are welcomed Sunday, Nov. 16th, 1 – 3 p.m., to the Museum’s free Art making Workshops to learn how to make their own plein aire paintings. Museum educators will work with the children to experiment to make their own watercolor creations. All materials and instruction are provided free.
The artists on display in California, Seen, were influenced by European art styles of the late 19th century, especially Impressionism. While the majority of the works are watercolors, there are, also, vibrant oils. Paintings such as Ben Messick’s oil circus paintings have the vitality of an Edgar Degas painting, drawing the viewer into the churning scene. Messick, along with other stellar artists on display, such as Phil Dike, Millard ...