Jeanne Sparks / Contributing Writer | Posted: Monday, January 31, 2005 12:00 am
Niles Nordquist/s new oil painting of the Grand Tetons will be featured at the David Ryan Gallery during the month of February. Nordquist will give a short presentation about his artwork during the gallery/s "Art and Wine Party" from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4, at 205 E. Clark Ave. in Orcutt.
"We are honored to have plein-air artist Niles Nordquist from the San Diego area as our featured artist for February," said Ron Thatcher. "If you enjoy landscape paintings, this is a show you won/t want to miss."
Nordquist paints natural scenes of the Pacific Coast, mountains of the West and California deserts and backcountry. His paintings are described as reflecting the "timelessness of creation in special places." His paintings show the effects of light on the sense of place and time.
Nordquist has studied with Scott Christensen, John Budicin, Joseph Bohler, Charles Reed and Robert Reynolds.
His love of nature was shaped through a childhood on the Oregon coast and summers in Montana. He spent much time camping, hiking and exploring in the backcountry as an Eagle Scout.
His experiences in nature and as a landscape architect helped develop his ability to capture the nuances of nature and landscapes.
A native of California, Nordquist lives in the San Diego area. He won awards at juried exhibitions in 2004 including "Artists/ Choice Award of Merit" during La Quinta Arts Festival; "Honorable Mention" at the Hilton Head Art League 2004 National Juried Exhibition and "Award of Merit" and "Collectors/ Choice Award" at the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Invitational.
Last year, his works were also exhibited in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Kirkland, Wash.; San Antonio, Texas; Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, among others.
In March, he will exhibit at the La Quinta 23rd Annual Arts Festival, and in July at the Telluride 2005 Plein Air.
He is a member of the California Art Club, the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters and the Oil Painters of America. His works are also displayed in Snowfire Gallery in Estes Park, Colo.
Cambria Winery will also be featured at the Feb. 4 reception. Known for its tropical Chardonnay, velvety-textured Pinot Noir and rich, spicy Syrah, the winery/s tasting room is at 5475 Chardonnay Lane, east of Santa Maria.
Nordquist and the winery representative will give short presentations at 7:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer period.
Members of the public are invited to the reception. For more information, call 937-1058 or visit www.davidryan gallery.com.
Jan. 28, 2005