Through May 27th, 717 Gallery in Easton, Maryland presents “Unseen Secrets: Florals & Interiors,” a fascinating solo show of florals, still lifes, and interiors by nationally-recognized artist Louis Escobedo, who is exclusively represented by the gallery. Meet the artist at an opening reception during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk on May 6 from 5-8pm.
Louis Escobedo has a unique talent for creating extraordinary paintings inspired by ordinary subjects. Part of the appeal of his paintings comes from his choice of surprising, otherwise overlooked subject matter. “My subjects come out of nowhere,” he muses. “An empty room, an antique treasure, a basketful of flowers, fruit ripening on a kitchen windowsill . . . they present themselves to me almost like unseen secrets.”
Once a subject presents itself, the magic begins. Escobedo’s brush breathes life into scenes painstakingly transformed into beautiful masterpieces. Elements of light, color, and composition turn commonplace objects into fascinating studies. “Even an empty room is beautiful,” Escobedo believes. “Depending on how the light falls into a room, the perception of a vacant space can be artfully embellished. A piece of furniture can make an interior painting more intriguing. Even something as rudimentary as a light socket hanging down or a simple throw pillow is interesting and could say something to the viewer beyond the thing itself. To me, it’s all about celebrating color and emphasizing how light makes an object look, both literally and evocatively.”
These types of paintings present particular challenges. “The key,” says Escobedo, “is deciding how to place elements within a painting.” Whether from nature or a trip to the floral shop, Escobedo says it’s not only the beauty of florals that catches his eye, but the form—the shape of a blossom, the framework of a bundle of flowers. “It all starts with shape and color and how the light falls on an object,” he says, “that’s what makes the mundane magical.”
Objects wear out, decorations fade, flowers wilt, but art lives on. “I can capture the shape, color, and light of a flower, and keep that vision alive endlessly, preserving its beauty and bringing joy for years to come.”
717 Gallery, located at 717 Goldsborough Street just off Route 50, is the gateway to Easton’s vibrant arts scene. The gallery is open Thursday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, or by appointment. There is additional parking across the street at The Country School. More information is available at 717gallery.com and on Facebook. Or contact Yolanda Escobedo by email, [email protected], or phone 410.241.7020.
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