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Jason Roberts

Acrylic Block Sets

ARTIST STATEMENT

I began painting professionally in the 1980s. My art evolved from small still life and abstract drawings and watercolor paintings into larger plein air landscapes and studio figurative works. Small shows were offered to me and I developed a clientele of modest scale collectors.

I took my artwork to the next level by exhibiting at the Sterling K Gallery of Santa Barbara, California. This is where my landscape painting developed in quality and popularity. For three years, I created bright energetic scenes of the Central Coast but as all things change so did I. My art took a turn toward contemporary ideas. I found myself free to pursue the cutting edge of modern art. Without the constraints of the landscape and figure I focused on color and form mixed with harmony and balance to create a highly unique form of expression.

To further expand my knowledge, I moved to Paris to study fine art. With other local and international artists, I pursued the use of texture on surface as a vehicle to expand the depth of my painting. Upon my return to the United States in 2002 and a new life in Palm Springs, my art emerged complete with all the years of experience behind it. The geography, architecture and changing colors of the surrounding area have given me boundless material to work with for the coming years for both my abstract and figurative paintings.

My abstract paintings focused on a sense of discovery. I want the viewer to constantly uncover something new in each piece and to find paintings within paintings. I want the viewer to consider new meanings not thought of before. My goal is to challenge your imagination.

Starting in mid-summer 2004, I began sketching some new ideas - a return to the figure. The local drag scene in Palm Springs became my inspiration. Their freedom and carefree spirit motivated me to document this unique element of society. These figurative pieces invoked a sense of playful mystery. They were brightly colored and full of movement, hopefully bringing one word to your mouth - FUN! All of these paintings cumulated into a vibrant show entitled “Drag Queens & Lounge Scenes” at the J. Behman Gallery in Palm Springs, CA.

2005 found me incorporating all of my past experiences, training and techniques into dynamic, brightly colored and sophisticated paintings with organic figures and shapes intermixed with rich textures and architectural lines. Everyday I search for new inspirations and outlets for my creativity.

Changes in life are inevitable, it is what you do with those changes are the key. Since moving to New Mexico and a new life of painting in Santa Fe, I have reconnected to the ideas that have given me success so far. To trust myself, paint with confidence and take a risk once and awhile.

~Jason Roberts

Education

• L’Ecole Des Arts Paris-Italie, Paris, France

Born

• Los Angeles, CA, March 1969

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2006

• “Squared”, Canyon Road Contemporary Art, Santa Fe, NM
• “Vacillate: A Contemporary Femininity Group Show”, Z Gallery, Providence, RI

2005

• “Textures”, J. Behman Gallery,Palm Springs, CA
• “Drag Queens & Lounge Scenes” J. Behman Gallery, Palm Springs, CA

2004

• “Abstraction by Jason Roberts”, J. Behman Gallery, Palm Springs, CA

1999

• Roy’s Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA

1996

• “California Impressions”, Simi Valley Fine Arts, Simi Valley, CA
• C.A.L.M. Showcase House, Montecito, CA
• Bay Café Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA
• Sterling K Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA

1993

• Sawdust Festival, Laguna Beach, CA

1992

• Café Sienna, Santa Barbara, CA
• Beverly Hills Art Expo, Beverly Hills, CA

1991

• Los Angeles Art Expo, Los Angeles, CA
• University of California - Featured Artist, Santa Barbara, CA

1989

• Gallery 101, Santa Barbara, CA.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

• Canyon Road Contemporary Art, Santa Fe, NM, 2006-present
• Santa Barbara Art Company, Santa Barbara, CA. 1990-Current
• La Rochelle Civic Center, La Rochelle, France, 2001
• Beauvais City Hall, Beauvais, France,2001
• Paris-Italie Academie des Art, Paris, France, 2001
• Sterling K Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA, 1992-1995
• Cochran Gallery, San Francisco, CA, 1993
• New York Art Expo, New York City, NY. 1992
• Devorzon Gallery, Hollywood, CA, 1990-1991
• Gallery 101, Santa Barbara, CA, 1989-1990

 

MISCELLANEOUS

• “Under the Full Moon” Key Lime Pie CD Cover, San Francisco, CA. 2004

 

LECTURES/DEMONSTRATIONS/CLASSES

• Introduction to the World of Art, Palm Springs Art Museum, 2005
• Design, Draw, Paint!, Desert Fine Arts Academy Workshop, 2005
• Artist in Action, Palm Springs Art Museum, 2005
• Artist Council Workshop, Palm Springs Art Museum, November 2005, (Week long class for beginners.) May 2006, www.psmuseum.org
• Desert Fine Arts Academy Landscape, Figure, Composition,Weekly Classes (3 hours each 2004-06.)
• Landscape and Plain Air Painting, Santa Barbara Art Association, 1992-1995
• Fauve Landscape & Abstract Workshops, Sterling K Gallery, 1992-1995
  

CURRENT REPRESENTATION

• Canyon Road Contemporary Art Santa Fe, NM
• J. Behman Gallery Palm Springs, CA
• Palm Springs Art Museum Store Palm Springs, CA
• Santa Barbara Art Company Santa Barbara,CA
• Long Beach Art Museum Store Long Beach,CA

COLLECTIONS

• Norman Pattiz, Westwood One Founder, Beverly Hills, CA
• Senator John V. Tunney, Malibu, CA
• Tony and Patty Kouba, Cloverleaf Investments, Brentwood, CA
• Steven Bochco, TV Producer, Los Angeles, CA
• Donna and Mack MacMillen, Cargil Corporation, Minnesota
• Michael Childers, Photographer, Hollywood, CA / Palm Desert, CA
• Jerry and Barbara Keller, Finance and Restaurants, Palm Springs, CA
• Ron and Carol Fragen, Plastic Surgeon, Palm Springs, CA
• Burt and Fern Miller, Business, Rancho Mirage, CA
• Bob and Cheryl Fey, Real Estate, Palm Springs, CA
• Greg O’Brien, Restaurateur, Santa Barbara, CA
• Mayor Hal Conklin, Santa Barbara, CA
• Barbara and Bernie Fromm, Palm Desert, CA
• Muriel Myerson, New York, NY
• Betty and Jordan Bushman, Kansas City, MO
• Bob and Patrick Roach, Santa Fe, NM
• Brian Wanzek, Palm Springs, CA
• Suzanne Smith, Pioneer Town, CA
• Libby & Burton Hoffman, Rancho Mirage, CA
• Harriet and Karl Schreiner, Santa Fe, NM
  

MEDIA COVERAGE

• Desert Sun Newspaper (front page), 2005, “Roberts Teaches the Desert How to
  Paint”
• Featured Artist on the Yellow Brick Road TV Productions, 2005
• “Drag Queens & Lounge Scenes: Paintings by Jason Roberts.” Christopher Michaels. The Bottom Line. February 14-17, 2005. pg. 92-95.
• “Drag Meets Canvas: The Art of Jason Roberts Goes on Display.” Scott Brassart. Buzz Magazine. February 3-16, 2005. pg. 74-76.
• “Showgirls Local Color Prevails on Inspired Canvases.” Steven Biller. Palm Springs Life. February 2005. pg. 63.
• “Delicious Display,” Richard Guzman, The Desert Sun, February 4, 2005.
• “He/She Art: Local Artist Paints Drag Queens for Inspiration,” Valerie Christopher, Desert Post Weekly, Volume 6, Number 6, February 3, 2005.
• “Local Color: A Palm Springs Painter Finds Inspiration in the Desert.” Kimberly Nichols, The Press Enterprise, January 4, 2005.
• University of California, Santa Barbara Media and Tuition Guide. 1991

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