Grit

PRESS RELEASE:
Distinction Gallery is pleased to present:
Gabe Leonard “Grit”

October 14 – November 4, 2017
 
Distinction Gallery is proud to present long time-represented artist Gabe Leonard’s a solo show “Grit”. The exhibition will include outlaws, and nostalgic portrayals of many important figures throughout history including Amelia Earhart, Jim Thorp, and other hard working figures that helped shaped US history. The opening reception will be held on Saturday October 14, from 6-10pm.  Gabe will be present for the reception and we will also have live music, ArtHatch open studios, BK Cellars Wine, and Stone Brewing.
Gabe Leonard spent his early years in rural Wyoming, sketching wildlife and selling his drawings for one dollar. After earning his BFA from Columbus College in Ohio, Leonard honed his talents on the ultra-competitive Venice Beach boardwalk.

Described as "Johnny Cash meets Quentin Tarantino," Leonard's work possesses an intense cinematic quality combining the gestural brushwork of expressionism with the expert lighting and framing of a Hollywood cinematographer. His oils are cinematic, atmospheric and moody, revolving around outlaws, rugged noir characters to create narratives full of dramatic possibilities. 

While his subjects and compositions belie a heavy influence of modern and contemporary cinema, Leonard's artistic style is rooted firmly in a European tradition. While he often breaks from academic restrictions with his loose brushwork and characteristic drips, he counts Rembrandt, Mucha, Klimt and Schiele as amongst his influences.

Following a string of sell-out shows and acquisitions by high-profile collectors, Leonard has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists in the world. Recent celebrity collectors include Quentin Tarantino, Charlie Sheen, and Rueben Fleischer. Leonard currently resides in Los Angeles.
Gallery Director - Melissa Inez Walker:  “Gabe has long time been a favorite of the gallery.  I would say his work is addicting as many collectors have purchased any where from 10-80 of his artworks from the gallery.  Whether he paints outlaws, gamblers, or couples in love, his work has the same feeling – a timeless moment that will last for eternity.  This excitement is what keeps collectors coming back for each new series.  I look forward to sharing the new “Grit” artworks.”

The exhibition will include oil paintings, oil studies, acrylic enhanced artist proofs, giclees, and paper prints.


The exhibition will run from October 14 – November 4^th, 2017. The opening reception with Gabe Leonard, live music, ArtHatch open studios, Stone Brewing Beer, and BK Cellars wine will be on Saturday October 14, from 6-10pm.
 
ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, multiple exhibition spaces featuring work by represented artists, "The Alley" featuring over 20 local artists, 14 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 800 square feet, featuring local artists and the ArtHatch teens.