Blue Rain Gallery is set to host a new exhibition by the esteemed artist Brad Overton. This eagerly anticipated showcase shines a spotlight on several new works, each a testament to Overton's distinctive artistic flair. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of pin-up pop art in the 1950s-60s, Overton's latest paintings provide a contemporary twist on this classic genre. The artist seamlessly melds refined high-art techniques with visually striking imagery, presenting a collection that boldly places the female figure at the forefront.
Influenced by the legendary pin-up artists Mel Ramos, Gil Elvgren, and Alberto Vargas, Overton elevates the iconic form with a dash of modernity. His paintings boast highly stylized, eye-catching graphic elements, meticulously structured through technical figure drawing and a carefully curated color palette. Evoking memories of the heyday of American cigarette advertisements, movie posters, and popular culture visuals, these works exude a vintage nostalgia with a contemporary western flare.
Working with precision and a clear artistic vision, Overton employs live models, intricate sketches, and polished figure drawings, coupled with an intentionally developed color palette, to bring his creations to life. The artist effortlessly captures a tongue-in-cheek humor and a straightforward visual approach in these paintings. Themes rooted in the Southwest and the open road thread through the collection, resulting in a whimsical and erotic journey through quintessentially American subject matter.
Overton playfully remarks, "I'm merging pin-up art, cowgirls, and a hitchhiking motif to depict an armed western siren." Drawing viewers into their world, these sirens challenge observers with their grace, power, and beauty.
The exhibition is scheduled at Blue Rain Gallery Santa Fe from February 23rd to March 8th, with an opening reception on Friday the 23rd from 5-7 pm. Art enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike are invited to immerse themselves in this visually enchanting experience, where Overton's mastery unfolds in each stroke and hue.
See all of Brad Overton's available works here.
