Patrons of the Los Olivos Gallery will get to see some fresh faces next month or at least some new names, as the gallery hosts a group of diverse and colorful paintings by some talented local artists throughout the month of February. The exhibit will run Feb. 1 through 28. The public is invited to join the artists for a reception on Feb. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Featured artists are Deborah Breedon, Mary Jean Connors, Gail McBride Kenny, Linda Mutti, and Marjorie Palonen. Many of the artists have participated in juried shows throughout their careers. Many have received awards for their artistic endeavors. Work displayed will range in a variety of mediums including, watercolor, oils, acrylics, and pastels. Artists will be available
at the reception to discuss their individual techniques and artistic journeys.
Artist Linda Mutti, who works with pastels, oils, and pencil, took a moment this week to share with the Sun some of her
techniques.
“What inspires and moves me is the never ending journey trying to capture our beautiful California light. I’m driven to try and capture on my paper or canvas how I feel about the place I am painting,” she said.
Mutti said she’s been drawing all her life and began with pastels about 10 years ago. When she started with pastels, she was hooked.
She enjoys painting outdoors and said she finds beauty everywhere, including in what most people consider the mundane. However, she does have her favorite locales.
“My favorite place to paint is Goleta Beach. It offers everything I love to paint; trees, cliffs, and reflections. It is never the same and always gorgeous,” she said.
Check out Mutti’s work at Gallery Los Olivos in February at 2920 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos.
For more information, call 688-7517 or visit Gallery Los Olivos.com.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone can be contacted at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 20-27, 2011.