From June 6 through July 14, Benicia’s Arata Art Gallery will be bringing together two award-winning Solano County artists: painter Judy Neal and photographer Philip Venable, for a dual exhibition. The public is invited to a reception for Neal and Venable at Arata Art Gallery, Saturday, June 8, 2-7pm.
Although the artists had never met, gallery owner Geraldine Arata brought the pair together to showcase an underlying theme in their art: that of the land. Californian Judy Neal’s background is in advertising art and graphic design. “Painting is my conversation, my dialog,” she says of her works in acrylics. “Every piece I create is my visual voice. I have always had a love of the land whether it is the line and rhythm of the rolling hills or the freshly harvested produce from our garden.” Judy has had numerous art shows and exhibits in galleries, wineries, and government buildings throughout the region.
Sunrise Moonset, acrylic painting, by Judy Neal |
A passion for photography was instilled in Philip as a child when he was given a Kodak Brownie, and in college he planned career as a photojournalist, until life led him to law enforcement. Philip has since picked up his camera and is making art again. His images have been recognized in local shows and featured in online winery sites. “I am drawn to shapes, lines, and shadows and the outdoors, especially of the different wine growing regions in the area. My preference is Nature/Landscape, although I am experimenting with abstract images, including Perpetual Motion: Chaos Contained, a piece in the show,” he said.
