People the subject of Orland art exhibit
Human forms are the focus of February's show in the Orland Center for the Arts and Gallery.
The Depot Figure Society of Chico is showing member works this month that include pieces from Orland artists involved with the group.
There are pencil drawings, oils, pastels, watercolors and more displayed on the gallery walls at 1016 South St. in the Stony Creek Square Shopping Center.
Overall, 30 portraits of various sizes and styles offer visitors interesting glimpses of the human body.
Some are nudes shown from the rear while others are clothed in reflective poses.
Chico artist Sharon Minor served as a gallery docent Wednesday and discussed her work and that of others in the show.
She said the figure society meets Mondays at the Chico Art Center inside an old railroad depot building and includes 12 to 14 members such as well-known Orland artists Rae and George Turnbull and Beth Bjorklund.
Minor said she draws from naked models because "it's a traditional academic discipline for artists to work from nudes."
She added every model and every artist's rendering is different based on light, three-dimensional form and other factors.
"We are examining ourselves and humanity when we do this," Minor said. "You are always learning and starting from scratch. You never get so good it is easy."
Even though the group looks at the same figure, artists all see it differently, she said.
In a written statement on the exhibit, Rae Turnbull wrote that the group "shares an uncommon creative energy and advanced skill level, yet they are unique in their individual styles."
Other artists exhibiting include Pam Oates, a retired art instructor from Butte College with a master's degree in art, Minor said, and teacher Mark Gailey, who works with group on Mondays that are school holidays.
There also is Lois Cohen, the 90-year-old inspiration "to all of us," Minor added, and retired computer engineer Tony Slocum, who is now taking print-making classes at CSU, Chico.
Figure drawing classes are available at the Orland gallery on the last two Wednesdays of each month, Minor said. However, because of the gallery's open windows, the models are clothed here rather than nude as they are in Chico. For information on these classes, call 865-5920.
The show runs through Feb. 13. The gallery is open 3-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
An artist's reception is Friday from 3-7 p.m., and will feature refreshments.
Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com
