The Portola Art Gallery presents
"Atmosphere And Land"
Paintings from the SF Peninsula and Beyond, by Mark Monsarrat
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Location: Portola Art Gallery, Allied Arts Guild
Event Dates: 3/1/2011 - 3/29/2011
Reception: March 5, 2011, 1 - 4 pm
Award-winning San Francisco plein-air and studio painter Mark Monsarrat is featuring large works in addition to smaller pieces in his classic tonal-colorist landscape style. Inspired by 19th century romantic landscapes and Early California painters, Mark's work reflects the dramatic tones of the Hudson River School, as well as the Craftsman style paintings of Arthur Matthews and the California Impressionists coming out of the Arts and Crafts movement. Mark's Craftsman style is evidenced by his dark, warm tones offset by golden lights and delightful temperature shifts; his simplified organic designs in celebration of nature; and the hand-hewn touch of his impressionistic rendering.
Mark holds a BFA from the California College of the Arts and recently received his MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Monsarrat's painting "Crystal Springs Overlook" (16x20", oil on canvas panel, 2011) evokes the awe of distant water and mountains as backdrop to the meandering trunks and branches of a hardy oak tree in front, its foliage framing the composition at top. Sumptuous greens, purples, and reds greet the viewer in the fore and middle ground, while silvery water and distant hills of teal stretch out under a pink-orange sky. The painting is set off by an antique-style craftsman frame with gold lip and dark, hand-rubbed finish.
A larger work is "Twilight Lagoon" (24x36", oil on canvas panel, 2010) featuring graceful trees of orange-red and olive looming over a twilight watery marsh, silhouetted by a dramatic gold evening glow from behind.
The reception will feature live flute and guitar music provided by musician Herb Moore, along with refreshments.
