"Movie Palace" 24" x 30" oil on board
Bonner David Galleries is delighted to welcome artist, Francis Livingston, in his upcoming show “Arrangement and Color.” Ice cream, amusement parks, and wooden roller coasters bring back nostalgic memories of simpler times. These impressionistic paintings emphasize brush strokes, creating an abstract approach to realism. “A good portion of my paintings involve that moment when individuals, by themselves, might take the time to make the same observations as I have. The subjects that I paint, whether they are abandoned movie theaters or amusement parks, must have a sense of time and place. I need to feel the emotion, either good or bad, about the place or subject,” states Livingston. The emotion behind his work is superbly executed and viewers clearly feel that moment of yesteryear.
With great anticipation for this show, we had the pleasure to ask Livingston a few questions to better get to know him and his new pieces!
"Red Brick Soho" 20" x 15" oil on board
What is your new collection about and what does it mean to you?
Francis Livingston: Although it is a continuation of past shows, it’s more personal. It is about exploration and a progression in quality.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
FL: Collecting comic books. I used to draw them and I remember going to the comic racks. My favorites were the early Spiderman and Marvel comics.
What are your inspirations?
FL: I find inspiration in all types of buildings and structures. I look at the abstract qualities of the structures and build shapes. Looking at the structure as abstract I focus on the positive and negative space in each element.
Who are your favorite artists?
FL: It changes from year to year. I am always finding new artists or rediscovering artists. But if I had to name a few I would say Richard Diebenkorn, a bay area artist; N. C. Wyeth (Andrew Wyeth’s father); and Walt Kelley, a comic artist famous for Pogo.
As a teacher what do you love about aspiring artists?
FL: I love their energy level! Although sometimes the skill set might not be quite there yet, their energy is invigorating and contagious. I really do like passing knowledge down.
Have you traveled anywhere fun recently?
FL: No! My son and daughter in-law are in France, so maybe I’ll go there. Hawaii or the Caribbean are probably my favorite places to visit. However, I live in a beautiful place, Sun Valley, ID, so it’s hard leave!
"Triplets: 8" x 8" oil on board
What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
FL: Surprisingly, I don’t actually eat much ice cream, but coconut would probably be my favorite.
How do you create such luscious textures in your paintings?
FL: It is actually a really intensive process. Although my brushstrokes are quick, many layers of paint, texturing, scraping and glazing go into each piece. It takes weeks or even longer to finish a painting. Also, I work on 5-10 paintings at one time. I need to step back from my work and look at it from a fresh perspective every few days.
Join us on March 31st, 2011 from 6-9pm and enjoy the stunning new works of Francis Livingston. The show will hang until April 13th.
Don’t miss Livingston in the March issue of American Art Collector (click here to read full article)
For more information about Livingston or any of his works please contact us at 480.941.8500 or via email at art@bonnerdavid.com
