If you have seen Chis Lopez’ work before you know how impressive it is. This new exhibition at the Jo Hay Studio Gallery in Provincetown is a gem not to be missed if you are visiting around Bear Week. The JO HAY OPEN STUDIO GALLERY is pleased to present SIMPLY MASCULINE large-scale paintings by CHRIS LÓPEZ from July 8 through July 17, 2016.

SIMPLY MASCULINE is a collection of evocative largescale male portraits painted with warmth, classical technique, and sometimes unusual materials. Visitors are invited to see this exhibition at 167 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA, from Friday, July 8, 2016, through Sunday, July 17, 2016. The exhibition will open with a reception on Friday, July 8, from 7PM–10PM. There will be a closing reception on Friday, July 15, from 7PM–8PM.

Originally from Barcelona, Spain, López is a new artist with the JO HAY OPEN STUDIO GALLERY.He became interested in painting as a child and furthered his artistic education at Barcelona’s Pau Gargallo University, where he focused on graphic design, artistic illustration, and painting, while consecutively studying photography and set design for television and stage. López currently lives and works in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is known for his intimate portrayals of the male form through oil painting, watercolor, photography, charcoal drawing, printmaking, and digital art. SIMPLY MASCULINE showcases portraits of gay men who identify as Bears, painted with masterly technique. The artist recalls that he has gravitated toward the human form since his art school days, although he used to paint only women. The desire to surprise an ex-boyfriend one day led to López painting a small male nude watercolor for the first time. He notes that he enjoyed the experience so much that twenty years have passed and he is still captivated by the practice of depicting male beauty.

Chris Lopez – by Freddie Rodriguez

“I chose these men because in one way or another they show something interesting about being sexy and masculine, without any sexual reference,” he says of the subjects in SIMPLY MASCULINE. “I find beauty in a rough masculine face and a classically proportioned body. These paintings are examples of my personal concept of beauty.” López’ portraits seem to glow with life. There is strength and stoicism in his subjects, but an open, intimate quality as well that invites viewers to imagine the personalities behind the confident faces and sculpted muscles. Sometimes López works in oil, sometimes in acrylic with accents of gold leaf. Backdrops are minimal, unobtrusive, allowing the subjects the full focus of the viewer’s gaze. Works like the Silence series are painted on particle wood panel, a choice that lends a raw tactility that compliments the artist’s classical painting technique and burl and virility of his regal figures. In López’ own words, “You might want to know more about each subject—and fall in love with him.”

Links:

Chris Lopez – Portrait of an Artist

Founded in 2014, the JO HAY OPEN STUDIO GALLERY is a contemporary art gallery located in Provincetown, MA. Carolyn Kramer, Founder and Gallery Director, with her life partner, painter Jo Hay, have a clear vision and bold new approach to the art scene in Provincetown. The gallery’s mission is to exhibit contemporary painting and conceptual art that challenges the viewer’s intellect and imagination. JO HAY OPEN STUDIO GALLERY, 167 Commercial Street, is open Mondays through Sundays 11AM–11PM. For more information visit johayopenstudio.com or call 508.776.0503.

www.johayopenstudio.com/artists#/chris-lopez/

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