The vintage beauty of Michael Cutlip

Michael Cutlip 

My materials are vast. I don’t like limitations. Anything goes in my studio…if it makes a mark, I will use it.

I draw inspiration from most that is naïve. Children are, hands down, the best artists. Their freedom and uninhibited nature taps into that certain energy which all mature artists seek their entire lives.

Urban nature, street art, things old, vintage, warn-out, discarded, natural beauty in its abstract form and simply the moment, the moment of creation – where one move inspires the next. One has to only open his eyes…..beauty is everywhere.

The process is essential. I work in the moment. In my experience, a planned painting is a failed painting. The painting must be free to wander. The best works are those that seem to simply happen.

Michael Cutlip is a full-time, working artist living in Berkeley CA, with his wife Akiko and their two children Sumi and Luca.

NocturnalMonotype
16" x 20"

Blue CarnationMonotype
10.5" x 13.5"

Contemporary Realism by Jeanne VADEBONCOEUR / Simply Divine

"Loosing My Mind", oil on panel, by Jeannne Vadeboncoeur

Within In The Bryant Street Gallery is a brewing talent that is simply divine. Her name in Jeanne Vadeboncoeur. She paints what is called Contemporary Realism. Very detailed oil paintings and sometimes works on paper of ordinary objects that she renders in away that is anything but ordinary. In 

her own words she says ... 

"Marbles" by Jeannne Vadeboncoeur

" I am often asked how I choose my subjects. Most of the objects I select are small; usually they can fit in the palm of my hand. I find that the spectrum of my focus takes on a different quality when I have to get in so close to the selected item. Even at a close range I am still able to see the object in its entirety, unlike with a larger specimen, where to see the detail I often looses sight of the overall image. There is something self indulgent and satisfying about allowing my self to give all my attention to a single solitary item. I also choose items based on surface. There are certain surfaces that I love to recreate: the flat powder on a donut, the colorful translucency of gummi bears, the unique finish of eggshell.  Lastly, and most simply, I pick items that I like. "

For me, her work reminds me to take a moment and realize there is more to the world than at first glance, and that perhaps it might be a good idea to take a moment a see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Her work reminds me to have a giggle and try to enjoy the simple things while you can. Jeanne is extraordinary and we expect great things from her, that she will no doubt deliver in her in her own extraordinary way.

More of Jeanne's work can be seen at her blog
Her can also be seen in person at the Bryant Street Gallery in Palo Alto

"One of Each", oil on panel, 16"x16"

"Double Stuff", gouache on paper, 19"x24"

What drives artist to create?

What drives artist to create? I ask because not everyone can do it, so what is that keeps them going. Why do such an involved labor intensive challenging thing?

Artist: Michael Buscemi /  large scale collage and ink constructions,... truly something to marvel at

Let The Blogging Begin

We at Bryant Street Gallery In Palo Alto decided, we needed to blog ... and not just to announce current shows but to engage with the public about the work and all that it may possibly mean or suggest to you. WE want to know what you think! So don't be shy ...  ask us. 

Up now at the Bryant Street Galley is "WINTER" by local Bay Area artist Michael Buscemi ... The work is clean and crisp using india ink and collage with a snow like palette. Through to Jan 31st ...

I am always in search of the spontaneous forms that seem to spring from movement. I find myself always drawn to capture these forms as they emerge, caught in a moment of their evolution. I love the freedom of expression that occurs when a gesture made by me is translated through my brush to the surface I am working with.

This action demands a vigorous honesty that fills me with inspiration and appreciation for the process I am engaging in. When this works well, I am filled with an inner music, the beauty of something simple, yet complex appearing for the first time, being born out of no pre-conception.

Sound of the Music
collage, ink wash on paper
48" x 32"

Michael Buscemi (center)  at Bryant Street Gallery

Untitled 1
India ink and acrylic on canvas
60" x 84"