Arcadia Fine Arts Gallery Online Log / Blog

Today is the final day at the 2012 Los Angeles Art Show, and I have to say– it’s been a good show for us. We had the chance to debut a great batch of new works from a large cross section of our favorite painters, while making some new friends, catching up with familiar faces, and paying a few bills. As a gallery, we can’t complain. (Although, as the guy typing this, I must confess– I’m in Soho with a bunch of ice on the ground, and while I greatly enjoy being a part of this whole thing, I would appreciate it if the guys could bring back some of that 80 degree weather.)
Anyways, as you know {since you’ve been reading these posts all week (thanks!)}, The LA Art Show is where we preview the year in shows on the way. This year marks the return of Francis Livingston to the New York show scene. Livingston’s last show with us was in the fall of 2008, which was a strange time. After thoroughly exploring the urban landscape over the last ten solid years, Francis is ready to take those themes to a new level by juxtaposing a series of unexpected elements into those scenes, tackling different setting, and injecting a new sense of adventure into his work. While many people know Francis as a painter with a serious painting career in galleries and illustration, most people don’t realize his intense love for science fiction and comic books. Well, long story short— that influence is bubbling to the surface on his next one man exhibition, which will debut this fall. Get a taste of the new direction with his new rendering of a day at Penn Station.

Francis Livingston, “Penn Station,” Oil on Panel, 60″ x 60″

Francis Livingston has a unique outlook on the genre of Urban Landscapes. His work isn’t bound by the graphs and mathematics of architecture. Light and color dictate the laws of his panels. In a rare private commission, Francis had the opportunity to dive straight into the brilliant light of color of the Lincoln Center Opera House with a fantastic view of the fountain and chandeliers. This incredibly classy piece is a shift in subject matter, and a major technical breakthrough for Livingston that simultaneously captures light, color, motion, and elegance.

Francis Livingston, “Lincoln Center,” Oil on Panel, 38.5″ x 55″

This week has given me the opportunity to spend a lot of quality time with some Francis Livingston paintings.  When you’re in the mood for thick, buttery paint— this guy just nails it.  His work feels serendipitously haphazard– like some kind of explosion of color and paint that just happens to land in the right place and give all the right information without bleeding together and turning into mud… every single time.  Even the tightest parts are so loose that they feel lucky.  We all know better than that though.

Francis Livingston, “Soho Storefronts,” Oil on Panel, 30″ x 60″

I’ve been digging to find a really great high res shot of a Francis Livingston, and I finally came across a real gem.  This was cover of his 2008 solo exhibition catalog.  Livingston is such a generously thick and loose painter, that I think it’s amazing to really stick your nose into his brush strokes.  It’s incredible to see how abstracted his shapes become through his technique while still maintaining a distinct sense of form, and shape.  His use of color is impressive too.  Considering his super thick, luscious, and incredibly wet paintings, it’s a miracle that these don’t turn into mud with the amount of color he uses.  This guy is in control.

Francis Livingston, “Dawn on Grand Central,” Oil on Panel, 36″ x 36″

Francis Livingston has developed an incredible career by exploring the urban landscape– rendering unique architectural structures with thick, buttery, vibrant oil.

After years of experimenting with different combinations, Livingston has decided to push his work into a different direction influenced by his deep affinity for science fiction. In this new piece entitled “Rush Hour,” Livingston is breaking into a whole new realm of architectural based realism.

Francis Livingston, “Rush Hour,” Oil on Panel, 60″ x 60″

Francis Livingston debuted a new direction for his work at the LA Art Show. His paintings have always been an interesting push of pull of thick brush, loose brush strokes against bold architectural facades. Now he is introducing new elements of drama through lighting and somewhat surreal elements. We’re planning a show for him in 2012, but until then, enjoy one of his new pieces called “The Sentry.”

“The Sentry,” Oil on Panel, 60″ x 36″

Here are a few photos of last night’s Opening Gala at The Los Angeles Art Show. Many of the Arcadia artists were there!

Our booth at the L.A. Art Show!

Aron Wiesenfeld and his epic new painting “The Well.”

Francis Livingston and Ron Hicks in front of their new works.

Here is a shot of Brad Kunkle and Julio Reyes!

Francis Livingston’s paintings for the Small Works Show September 23, 2010:

Francis Livingston "View From The Eastside" Oil on Panel Panel- 15x14 Frame- 20x19

More works below:

(continue reading…)

Fresh off the truck, here is a brand new painting by Francis Livingston called “Empire State Building.” More images and details posted below.

(continue reading…)

Welcome to the big, official blog of Arcadia Gallery.  This is where you can find all of the most up to date news about what our gallery and our artists are up to.  Enjoy!