ARMS OF THE MOTHER: Full of bold colors and fluid patterns, the paintings in the show resonate with calm and evoke the feelings of sea, air, and landscape. Quiet pre-planning and knowledge of spiritual symbolism are all part of the artist’s process. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
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ARMS OF THE MOTHER: Full of bold colors and fluid patterns, the paintings in the show resonate with calm and evoke the feelings of sea, air, and landscape. Quiet pre-planning and knowledge of spiritual symbolism are all part of the artist’s process. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
DRAGONFLY: Lawrence Abrahamsen uses pours, drips, splatters, and energy to create his paintings. He creates layers of oils, acrylics, metallic leaf, powders, and resins—which are up to three-quarters of an inch thick in some places. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
Some artists opt for planned chaos. Some like to make bold statements. Others, like San Francisco artist Lawrence Abrahamsen, choose to evoke a sense of calm, inviting viewers to become part of the creative experience.
Abrahamsen’s Creating Sanctuary evokes sea, air, and landscapes to offer an atmosphere that conveys his physical energy while retaining a meditative quality. He said he likes to strike a balance between planning and spontaneity in his work.
Originally from New York, Abrahamsen has exhibited extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. A former Central Coast resident, he was a founding member of the Great American Melodrama and took life-drawing classes at Allan Hancock College. He lived on the Central Coast for 15 years before moving his art business to Carmel, and then the Bay Area.
GURUPURNIMA: Lawrence Abrahamsen pours materials onto canvas one at a time in a particular order. Once one dries, he applies another and another, until he gets his desired thickness. He explained that the world, too, is made of layers and veils. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
WALKTHROUGH: Lawrence Abrahamsen’s canvases range from 12 inches square to 10 feet long. Art Gallery Director Marti Fast said the scale alone is one of the reasons to see the show, as the pieces’ sizes give viewers the feeling they can walk right into the painting. Credit: PHOTO COURTESY ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
Twenty-four of his works will show at Allan Hancock College’s Ann Foxworthy Gallery through May 29. See them, and relax.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone wants to take a nap in a painting. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
