The theme of Lompoc artist Liz Poulin Alvarez’s latest solo exhibit—dedicated to the dogs who’ve left lasting impressions on her throughout her life—sprung from a very human place.
“The impetus for the show was influenced by Fred, … my daughter’s dog,” Alvarez said in an email interview. “[Fred] is a kelpie-blue heeler mix and currently lives with us. … He’ll be returning to my daughter next month, and my plan was to capture his personality in a variety of outdoor settings.”
During the rescue dog’s temporary stay with Alvarez, the prolific artist—who shifts between oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal when working—painted pieces inspired by their walks together, from casual neighborhood strolls to creekside hikes and beach outings.
“The show evolved from that point,” said Alvarez, whose November exhibition at Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery features paintings of Fred and seven other canine subjects.
“All the dogs featured are ones that I’ve met and lived with—spanning 20 years,” Alvarez said. “Each one has a distinct personality.”
Some of the show’s paintings pay tribute to her pets that have passed away, including Jack, her beloved Huntaway brought over from New Zealand—where Alvarez earned her Master of Fine Arts, while studying at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design in Auckland.
“Jack was a rescue dog and a remarkably smart fellow,” said Alvarez, whose personal favorite of her dog paintings is Jack at Jalama Beach. “Jack is no longer with us so this environment embodies my memory of him. … [He] always seemed happiest by the ocean.”
Prior to Alvarez’s Cypress Gallery exhibit, which opened in early November and is scheduled to remain on display through Nov. 24, Jalama Beach became a frequent destination for her recent walks with Fred, among other scenic spots along the Central Coast.
“We take him along on our adventures to the beach, … as well as hiking in the mountains,” said Alvarez, who currently has about a dozen additional paintings on display at Leo’s Cafe in Solvang, where they’ll remain up through the end of December.
Solvang also happens to be one of Alvarez’s favorite cities to take Fred to because it’s so dog-friendly, she said, but she clarified that he’s pretty much “welcome everywhere,” including at Lompoc’s Cypress Gallery, where the dog was invited to attend Alvarez’s art reception to celebrate her exhibit, titled Canine Companions, in mid-November.
Although participating artists at Cypress Gallery are scheduled to showcase their works at least a year prior to their exhibits, they’re not required to commit to a concept or theme ahead of time, which allows creative flexibility for Alvarez and others, gallery board member Kathy Badrak explained.
“We book our featured artists a year in advance, and asking for a plan that far off could discourage an artist from applying,” Badrak said over email.
“Artists must follow our gallery guidelines … regarding practical matters such as wiring, size of work, and pricing, but they are encouraged to get creative with the ‘featured artist’ area and express themselves any way they choose,” Badrak said.
Periodically, the gallery—managed by the Lompoc Valley Art Association—hosts training workshops intended for both artists and art collectors hoping to apply for membership and exhibition consideration, specifically for a featured artist solo showcase.
“We like to encourage our new members as well as longtime members to apply for a featured artist show,” Badrak said. “We find it’s a great opportunity to introduce a new artist to the community, as well as welcome collectors of a known artist.”
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is taking his chihuahua for a walk. Send comments to cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Nov 21 – Dec 1, 2024.