Featured Painting: "Blue"

Shane Townley, Blue, 60"x60", Oil on canvas

About the Artist: Nina K. Cullen

Nina Kolarek-Cullen is an artist who specializes in oils and specialty finishes. She draws upon her diverse background in fashion design and interior design to bring a fresh approach to her paintings. Born in Croatia, Nina studied design in Switzerland and London and became an award winning fashion designer. Nina K was one of the leading fashion labels of the 90's in the USA. Nina, then had decided to turn her ambitions and talents into interior design in which she was equally very successful.


She enjoys painting landscapes, seascapes, golf courses and beautiful skies. Also, she excels in abstracts and is experimental in concepts and materials. Nina sets high standards and has proven with her paintings to be a significant artist.

Artist Statement:

"My greatest pleasure as an artist,is to be able to share the wonder of a special place or moment through my paintings. I am a lover of nature and environment which I embrace with intimacy and perception. Through experiences of travel and photographs,an idea will form in my head for a painting. The best and most fun part of being an artist is the design strategy of being able to decide not only what to paint,but how I want the subject to be seen by the viewer."

Nina is a featured artist at Townley Gallery during the month of November. She is also a member of LagunaART.com. Please be sure not to miss any of our new artists at ArtWalk, every first Thursday of every month, 6-9pm.

Liquid Energy, 72"x48", Oil on canvas

Quote of the day

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for."

Georgia O'Keeffe

Website Updates

Have you seen our latest updates to townley.co? Be sure to check it out for new additions to the landscape and abstract sections, and so much more!

Featured Painting: "Silence"

Shane Townley, Silence, 48"x48", Oil on canvas

Quote of the day

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions derived from anywhere: from the sky, from the earth, from a piece of paper, from a passing figure, from a spider’s web." Pablo Picasso

As Quoted in Letters of the great artists–from Blake to Pollock, Richard Friedenthal, Thames and Hudson, London, 1963

Artist Q&A: Colette Standish

Artist Q&A with Colette Standish

Questions by: Ashley Beliveau

Have you always worked with mixed media? What drew you to the medium?

Yes, in one form or another: I have used mixed media in my photography for years and, more recently in painting. In particular the Abstracting the Figure project. I find that when I work with mix media it frees up my vision. If I work in one format all the time, I tend to get blocked in. Mixing different medias opens up different dialogues and makes me look at the bigger picture.

How do you determine the subject matter for each series? 

Although the figure is always the determining  factor, other factors involve both internal and external responses to environmental issues at the time. For example, with these new paintings, I wanted to express a Joie de Vivre Joy of Life; A result of my new surroundings and the impact it has had on me.

In your recent series, featured at Townley Gallery, what lead you to the figure and your interpretation of it?

The figure is always the first point of reference on any given project I work on. With these recent paintings, the figure was at first constructed then deconstructed and finally reconstructed on canvas via plains of abstract color. I have always worked in between the realms of the abstract and the figurative and with this body of work; I wanted to show the application and the workings of both on the same plane. By moving constantly between the two realms, one creates a home between the two.

I find your series of Abstracting The Figure to be full of energy, and yet minimalist, does this differ from your other work/projects?

The concept of "less is more" has always been an important element in my work. What you leave out of a painting is as important as what is left in. The difference between these paintings and my previous art work is that these new paintings have a lot more space to breathe and evolve. There is no confinement in any aspect of the work: The lines, color and light harmonize at a natural spatial ratio with each other, which is at times very organic.

What kind of narrative are you trying to convey, if any?

There is a narrative running through this series. Like my previous work, the narrative is based on the Cycle of Life and the many encounters one experiences throughout one's life. With these paintings, I wanted to express, as previously mentioned, a Joie de Vivre a Joy of Life. Depicting life as a dance; from its conception, destruction and it's rebirth into something new and vital. Reflecting the alchemical transformation of the soul that happens as we dance through life.

You come from the UK, what experiences there first inspired you to become an artist? 

I come from a long line of a creative and artistic family. My Great grandfather invented the color Magenta and had chemical color dye factories in both France and Switzerland. From an early age I was always drawing and painting. I guess it was part of my destiny to be an artist.

What places/people were the most crucial to your creative development?

France- Southern France and Paris, London, Rome and New Mexico.

As far as people, apart from my family, Picasso for structure and risk: Matisse for color and light: Egon Schiele for pushing the boundaries: George Bataille for his Erotic sensibility and Anais Nin for being a woman that encompasses all the above.

You have done some artist residencies, what has that experience given you? Do you recommend it?

Art residencies are imperative to any artist at some point in their life. It's a chance to get away from societies pressures and concentrate and focus on ones work. Overseas residencies are always a good idea as it also gives you a chance to experience the culture of the country and in return can have a big influence/effect on your work. Also a lot of Art residencies are free which again can free up any financial burden and allows total freedom to work on ones Art. I have benefited extensively from all the residencies I have been on and not only do I recommend them, I encourage them.

You have travelled many places. What place feels the most like "home" to you, or are you still searching?

Good question!! I have recently moved to California having lived in London for most of my life, so I feel like I am in transit at the moment. If I had to pinpoint a place it has to be London; I always seem to return there and energize. That said, I love being in California, particularly Southern California, as it reminds me of the Mediterranean. The light and color here, I find very inspiring. So in answer to your question, California could well prove to be a home from home. I hope to be here for a while.

Colette is a featured artist at Townley Gallery during the month of October. Her opening reception at the October 4th Art Walk was a great success. Please be sure not to miss any of our new artists at Art Walk, every first Thursday of every month, 6-9pm.

About the Artist: Colette Standish

Colette Standish is an English painter and photographer. Colette graduated from St Martin’s School of Art in London, and has exhibited extensively throughout Europe and America. Her achievements include: Jessop’s Photography Prize in London, 2000 and fellowship awards in New Mexico, Italy, and Spain. Her work is in many public and private collections, including the Museum of Fine Art in Santa Fe and the Anais Nin Foundation Art collection. Colette published her first art and poetry book in 2010, Viaggio: A journey through life. Other publications include- A Cafe in Space: The Anais Nin Literary Journal Volume 8, 2011 and Volume 9, 2012, Sky Blue Press. Colette’s new paintings are based on an on going project: Abstracting the Figure. Colette currently lives in San Francisco.

Artist Statement:
I have always worked in between the realms of the abstract and the figurative. With these paintings, I wanted to show the application and the workings of both on the same plane. Images moving between the abstract and figurative, flipping between the conscious figurative and the subconscious abstract, making a home between the two. A world of mirages and often surreal imagery brought on by this constant movement.

Abstracted Figure #8, 60"x48", Acrylic and collage on canvas

Colette is a featured artist at Townley Gallery during the month of October. Her opening reception at the October 4th Art Walk was a great success. Please be sure not to miss any of our new artists at Art Walk, every first Thursday of every month, 6-9pm.

Featured Painting: "Dream Home"

“I do not only paint what I see, I paint what I feel within a scene, hoping to bring the viewer on the journey with me, every moment and every second is like poetry and will be gone for ever. This emotion and glimpse, in time is what I strive for.” Townley

Shane Townley, Dream Home, 60"x60", Oil on canvas

Featured Painting: "The Light"

“I do not paint an actual place, I paint dreamscapes, I paint from within.” –Townley

Shane Townley, The Light, 48"x72", Oil on canvas

Art as an Investment

Here is an interesting note I found on art as an investment. I always try to point out to clients that the purchase of artwork is an amazing investment and an acquisition which will enhance their home and enrich their lives for years to come. 

We all have a personal affinity to a work of art which fulfills and brightens our homes and our daily life, but rarely in our other purchases do we see the item truly grow all-around in it's worth.

-Ashley Beliveau, Sales Consultant at Townley Gallery

Fine Art as an Investment

"The attraction of art as an investment is that fine art provides an opportunity for portfolio diversification into an area that has historically provided high returns and shown a low correlation to other asset classes.

Since the end of World War II the value of art works has appreciated enormously. Quality works of art have proved to be a remarkable store of value. This is predominantly due to increasing rarity caused by an expanding demand from museums and collectors, and dwindling supplies.

The very rapid price rises that characterised the market at the end of the 1980s and the early 21^stcentury were the result of speculation. The market has become much more selective, with an emphasis on quality."

Shane Townley, Copper Patina Wave, 48"x24"

SOLD

About The Artist: Shane Townley

Shane Townley (b.1972)
Contemporary Artist / World Traveler

Born in Ithaca, New York to father Donald Townley (a Cornell University graduate) and an english mother, Michelle Hall. Don, Townley’s father, was in the medical equipment business which required the family to move around the country frequently until settling in Southern California in 1984. At the age of 12  Townley designed the artist signature he uses today and changed his own name. His mother recollects the day he ran to her and said, “this is my name from now on and this is my signature for when I’m a professional artist.” She nods and says with excitement, “ok, and you will be a very famous artist!” This positive attitude was vital to the progression of a master painter in the making.

Townley graduated from Platt college of art and design in 1995.  He then moved to New York to study under professional living artists, while also working in the advertising world as a commercial artist. It wouldn’t be until 2004 that Townley leaves New York and the commercial world.  In search of more of a fine art career, he returns to the sunny weather of the west coast he was so familiar with as a child. He opened his first gallery in San Clemente and 2 years later a second gallery in Laguna Beach, CA.

“Every painting has a history and a story behind it.” Townley, travels the world capturing images of his different journeys, cultures and people. You will notice “origin” on the placard next to the artwork. This is the country or city the idea and concept of each piece originated from. “Executed” is where the painting was created. Currently, Most of his pieces are created in a 2000 square foot studio just outside of Laguna Beach.  All of Townley’s work is original, one of a kind works of art and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Christie’s Auction house will hold an auction of Townley’s work in 2022 with estimated price ranges expected to be in the $20,000 – $40,000 range.

Currently, Townley is an internationally renowned artist. His work can be found in private and corporate collections worldwide.Townley has exhibited in shows in New York, Beverly Hills, San Diego, Las Vegas and Scottsdale with connections to galleries in Venice, Italy and Barcelona, Spain. Townley is the current art director of Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art.

When Townley is not traveling the world in search of his next inspiration, Laguna Beach is where he currently resides with his wife Adela.

Artist Statement

“I do not only paint what I see, I paint what I feel within a scene, hoping to bring the viewer on the journey with me, every moment and every second is like poetry and will be gone for ever. This emotion and glimpse, in time is what I strive for.” – Townley

“I do not paint an actual place, I paint dreamscapes, I paint from within.” – Townley

“I have dedicated my life to creating awareness of our natural surroundings.” – Townley

About The Gallery

TOWNLEY gallery was founded by Shane Townley and aims to be a leader in the presentation and promotion of contemporary visual arts set in the artist colony of Laguna Beach in between San Diego and Los Angeles, CA.

Featuring local, emerging, national and international artists from paintings to sculpture and jewelry and photography. We always make sure acquiring original art is an enjoyable and pleasurable experience with knowledgeable art consultants. 

Townley Gallery is located at 570 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 92651, and is open 7 days a week.

Art walk is every 1st Thursday of the month from 6-9 pm. Meet the artists, enjoy wine, music and food.

Welcome

Welcome to the blog for Townley Gallery, located in the artist colony of Laguna Beach. Here you will receive updates pertaining to our openings, happenings in the artist colony of Laguna Beach, and artist biographies and inspiration. Enjoy.

Shane Townley, Contemplation, 30"x30", Mixed Media

SOLD