Derek Harrison
"Warmth"
August 5 - 28, 2011
Artist Reception: Friday, August 5th; 8-11 PM


Derek Harrison first caught our attention in this year's annual Everything But the Kitschen Sync show with his distinct, painterly portraits of strong and vulnerable women. His friendship and work/study with fellow La Luz de Jesus alumni Shawn Barber has further enriched his already exceptional talents in the areas of foundation painting and composition. His unique blend of masterful technique and nostalgic eroticism combine to produce a stunning collection of femme fatales (and the objects of their mystique) captured ever more in moments of great candor.

ARTIST STATEMENT
"The human form has always been one of the most inspiring and beautiful subjects to portray with oil paint. I find it to be one of the most efficient and honest ways an artist can express the vast array of emotions and thoughts that we can all relate to on a deeper level. In this series of works I chose to depict the female figure and the warmth that is felt when viewing this subject. Whether that's a sense of comfort, sensuality, calm, etc. I believe it's a very strong and iconic image that can ignite positive self-reflection and can be enjoyed on a purely visual level as well. After studying the figure, portraiture, and so on. I find this to be the most exciting body of work yet, bringing classical and traditional techniques mixed with contemporary settings and subjects that bring to life a timeless work of art."

This is Derek Harrison's first featured exhibition at La Luz de Jesus.

Contact the Gallery Director for availability and purchase info: (323) 666-7667

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Gazing Oil on canvas 24" x 36" $3,200.00	Venus in White Oil on canvas 30" x 50" $3,600.00	Sound Your Horn Oil on canvas 32" x 48" $3,800.00
Warmth Oil on canvas 48" x 32" $3,800.00		What Say You Oil on canvas 22" x 35" $1,900.00
Seven Oil on canvas 35" x 32" $2,700.00	Draped Oil on canvas 16" x 30" $1,600.00 Sold	Candle Light Night Oil on panel 18" x 18" $850.00
Duo Oil on panel 12" x 16" $750.00	Self-Reflection Oil on canvas 36" x 24" $2,100.00	Female Figure Study Oil on panel 16" x 20" $950.00