“Wanderlust," a solo exhibition by Bobbie
Rich opens on Sunday, July 30th at
Upper West Restaurant in Santa Monica. The artist reception will be
held from 4-7pm.
As most foodies know, Upper West Restaurant
features the most amazing cuisine. In addition to many special events such as
tasting evenings featuring brand ambassadors and food pairings, the restaurant
is known for its incredible happy hour. However not everyone knows about the
art events that take place throughout the year. Every few months Upper West
welcomes a new artist and hosts an opening reception…this has been taking place
since the restaurant opened in 2010.
Bobbie Rich is a talented artist who will be
returning to the restaurant to show new work. Not only has the artist been
featured in a solo exhibition at the restaurant back in 2015, she has hosted
several benefits at Upper West for various charitable organizations that she donates
her time to.
A frequent diner at the restaurant, Rich
said she recently enjoyed a cocktail named the Paloma - "very refreshing
with just the right amount of zing for summertime. One of the reasons I
love Upper West though, is that there are so many wonderful cocktails to choose
from…and the whiskey flights. Oh my!"
Rich's previous paintings are known for their whimsical people. She currently uses oil paint with other media layered in - acrylic, paper, metal leaf, moon paint, etc. She will be displaying over twenty new paintings, including abstract waves, exotic animals and a mixture of people inspired by travel, fashion, nature and personal relationships. Some of her work leans towards portraiture and a few of the characters in her paintings are adorned with angel wings.
“Wanderlust” will spotlight works from several
series. One work to be included in the exhibition is titled La-Keysha 2 and is from Rich’s Angels Among Us series. “One of my first paintings
to gain significant gallery and television coverage, close to a decade ago, was
my original La-Keysha. She now resides with one of my
collectors in Redondo Beach. La-Keysha 2 incorporates new materials
and detailing while, still utilizing the buttery quality of oil paint to create
beautiful flesh tones.” La-Keysha 2, 30x24 inches, mixed media
Rich painted a former student named Asia who
posed for her on the steps in the yard of a previous residence. “The painting
is not so much a realistic portrait, as it is the essence of Asia. She is
young, fresh, hip and cool with a love for art, color and Japanese pop
culture. Asia has a huge heart and is kind and gracious to others, earning
her a pair of beautiful wings.”
The opening reception will be held on Sunday,
July 30, 2017 from 4-7pm at Upper West located at 3321 Pico Boulevard. in Santa
Monica. The exhibit runs through October. For more info about the artist, see www.BobbieRich.com For more info on
the restaurant, see http://www.theupperwest.com/
