Lanning Gallery

Monday, 01 September 2008 20:50

SEDONA, AZ - For its “1^st Friday” reception on September 5^th, from 5-8 pm, Lanning Gallery features “Rise of Talent: Emerging Art” spotlighting artists Jonathan Howard and Sarah Vaaler.  While wholly disparate in their styles, both artists bring unique sensitivities and unique methods to the paintings they create.

Jonathan Howard is drawn to urban settings and his mixed media paintings draw compellingly from his Surrealist past, his existentialist core and his leanings toward an influence of the Ashcan school.  This wholly contemporary and unique style allows viewers to become part of discovering the meaning of the work.  “Cities, towns, and buildings are a telling extension [of ourselves], perhaps a portrait of humanity,” Howard has said.  “You can see the good, bad, hopes, dreams, nightmares and ambitions of mankind through examining our urban footprint on the planet.” 

Howard mixes Realism with collaged elements and aspects of Abstract art; he also loves patterns and mixing different moments of time within his work.  A palimpsest technique allows words, often in the form of collaged newsprint, to bleed through acrylic surfaces.  This half-hidden print can unexpectedly date to the 1700s and hidden collaged burlap can, upon detection, explain a ruggedly rich surface. 

Vaaler’s abstract work exhibits the kind of layered dimensionality that rewards repeated viewings.  “To live with her work, to spend time with a piece, allows for a decided sensitivity to come through,” states Gallery Director Isabelle Cozart.  For close to twenty years Vaaler worked in graphic arts and advertising and she now brings that considerable skill and vision to her fine art.  The acrylic abstracts Vaaler creates are non-uniform color fields highlighted with overlays of amorphous shapes.  “The paintings are created on a wet surface with varying amounts of color melting together,” the artist explains.  “A second layer highlights some elements from the first layer and obscures others; some color is wiped away leaving traces behind.  On occasion I will outline the focal point or float lines of charcoal pencil to add organization to the chaos.”  A glossy finish brings out the layers of color on each piece, an effect that is rather like looking through a still pool of clear water to the rocks beneath. 

Continuing its summertime program, Howard is Lanning Gallery’s “Featured Artist” in September with a one-time-only 25% courtesy offered on his work.  A Sedona Gallery Association “Art of Gold” event.  For information, contact:  Lanning Gallery, 928.282.6865, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or www.lanninggallery.com.  Open daily: 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-5 Sun.