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Press Statement"Luck"
Worldwide Premier with Gabe Leonard
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Distinction Gallery is excited to present LUCK, a new collection of paintings focusing on the thrill of fate, chance and fortune by artist Gabe Leonard to be unveiled at SHe by Morton's in Las Vegas.
Leonard's LUCK series will consist of 20 original oil paintings and 10 sketches comprised of dramatic, slice-of-life captures of games of chance, and the tempting of fortune. Says Leonard, "The Oxford Dictionary states that 'luck is success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.' In this collection I would like viewers to draw their own conclusions." He adds that LUCK is the most exciting series he has produced to date. Giclee prints will also be available at the event only, and will include a signed edition of the LUCK book created to commemorate the collection.
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 and rugged noir characters to create narratives full of dramatic possibility.
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, John Travolta, Arnold Shwarzenegger, and Eli Broad-whose painted portrait appeared on the cover of C-Suite Quarterly. Leonard currently resides in Los Angeles.
LUCK will be held at SHe by Morton's nightclub located in The Crystals at City Center Las Vegas at 3720 South Las Vegas Blvd., #260. The public reception with the artist will run from 8 pm - 10 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2013. A cash bar will be available.
A second reception will be held at Distinction Gallery, 317 E Grand Ave. Escondido, CA following Escondido's Wedge event on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 6-9pm. The show will then continue at Distinction Gallery from October 16 - November 2. For more information, high res images, or to set up an interview with the artist, contact Melissa Walker or Beth Kwapis at 760-707-2770
SHe by Morton's , 3720 South Las Vegas Blvd., #260, Las Vegas, NV 89109
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