"Divided." - Coming April 6!

Firestorm (detail), acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 48 x 36 inches

It's About Time!

You'll see what's been on my mind constantly, and, I imagine, what's been on yours too. It's inescapable: on the internet, television, everywhere we look – our deeply divided nation in turmoil. That's the idea behind my new exhibition:

Divided.
Abstract interpretations of our fractured political system.
April 6, 2018  •  Opening reception 6 to 10 pm
 

JRB Art at the Elms
2810 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 528-6336

Silence Breakers (detail), acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 40 x 40 inches

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Tulsa representation:
Joseph Gierek Fine Art  •  1342 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK  74120  •  (918) 592-5432

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Let's Connect on Social Media:

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2018 is looking up!

Outside Voice, acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 30x24 inches

Bring. It. On.

Ice cold January usually brings a period of hibernation, but not so for me this year. First up: an invitational exhibition at Northern Oklahoma College showcasing the diverse styles of three Oklahoma women artists. In this show, realistic serene landscapes and colorful florals counterbalance loose abstract expressions of an idea or state of mind. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by.

Juxtaposition:
Janice Mathews-Gordon, Jude Tolar and Jill Webber
January 31  – March 15
Eleanor Hays Gallery
Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma (map)
Reception Thursday, February 15, from 5:30 to 7:00

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New and Improved!

Take a look at my redesigned website!...mathewsgordon.com

Created by Trulata Solutions (yes, my son Tracewell Gordon), it's big and bright, easy to navigate too.

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Coming in April 2018

Divided.
Abstract interpretations of our fractured political system.

Opening reception April 6, 2018
JRB Art at the Elms
2810 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 528-6336

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In Tulsa, find my paintings at:
Joseph Gierek Fine Art

1342 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK  74120
(918) 592-5432

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Stay in touch with me through social media...

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It's that time of year...

Arc de Triomphe, acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 12 x 12 inches

Every fall I take a break from my current project to paint a few doves in memory of my father. A lawyer and civil rights activist, Dad worked at the grassroots level to advance peaceful solutions to legal and social injustices of the time. 

My mother fought similarly in her own multifaceted arena and continues to be a champion for many of the same issues plus several others. So I enjoy taking a little time each year to reflect on my upbringing and pay homage to the simple but remarkable values imparted to me and my four sisters. 

Season of Peace 2017
Several new dove paintings will be exhibited at JRB Art at the Elms in Oklahoma City starting Friday, December 1, and continuing through the end of the month. Several others will be on display December 7 through the 23rd at Joseph Gierek Fine Art in Tulsa.

Christmas at the Elms
December 1 – 31 - JRB Art at the Elms
2810 N Walker Avenue  •  Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 528-6336

Jingle and Mingle
December 7 – 23 - Joseph Gierek Fine Art
1342 East 11th Street  •  Tulsa, OK  74120
(918) 592-5432

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Save the Date!  •  April 6, 2018
New abstract paintings
JRB Art at the Elms  •  Oklahoma City

Giving back in style...

Seedling, acrylic and mixed media on hardboard, 12 x 12 x 2 inches

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition works hard for artists so, once a year, we love to return the favor. I donated this mixed media painting titled "Seedling" to OVAC for their annual 12x12 fundraiser showing for one night only on the evening of September 29. But in the meantime, you can get a sneak peek during the preview show through September 25! 

12x12 Preview
Now through September 25
Bank of America Gallery, Leadership Square in Oklahoma City

12x12
September 29
50 Penn Place in Oklahoma City
Sponsor preview at 6pm • Opens to public at 7pm • Bids close at 9:30pm
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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Coming in April 2018
New mixed media paintings - JRB Art at the Elms
2810 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
 

Tulsa representation - Joseph Gierek Fine Art
1342 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK  74120

I'm thrilled to be Tulsa bound...

Truth Seeker, acrylic and mixed media on canvas, 40 x 40 inches

I am pleased to announce that I will be exhibiting several new paintings in a dynamic group abstract show at Joseph Gierek Fine Art, a lovely gallery in Tulsa. I'll be at the opening, so if you're in the area, please stop by. This promises to be one fascinating exhibition!

"Covfefe"
A group show of abstract art.
Joseph Gierek Fine Art
1342 East 11th Street  •  Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 29, 6 to 8 pm
Exhibition Dates: June 29 - August 19, 2017

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She scape, acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 48 x 36 inches

Art of the Nude.

Yes, JRB Art at the Elms is hosting a show by this title during the month of July. Created in a wide array of medium, you'll find interpretations of the extraordinary human form in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional and abstract to realistic. I enjoyed taking a brief break from my series in progress to paint this larger than life bold female figure.

"Art of the Nude"
Opens Friday, June 7, from 6 to 10 pm
JRB Art at the Elms
2810 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 528-6336

I have a very early flight the next morning, but I'll be at the opening for the first hour, from 6 to 7pm. Join me then, or come a little later, but don't miss this beautiful group show.

Just in time for sunny May!

View of my studio wall at the end of April, 2017.

Since January, I've taken a little time to regroup, developing new concepts and experimenting with different techniques. These little creative sojourns, both challenging and exciting, seem to be integral to artistic growth. Finally, as April came to a stormy close, I finished several new paintings, and a series was born. And, much like a bear coming out of hibernation, I'm hungry to paint more. Happy May!

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Emergence (right), 40x40, mixed media on canvas

BEFORE: working painting with a cocoon shape.

AFTER: rotated 45%, reworked and finished!

Before and After.

The painting of an abstract cocoon you see above on the left was "stuck" for several months before I reworked it to the version you see on the right. While I liked the transformational idea of a cocoon, I actually didn't intend to portray it literally. Try as I might, the cocoon shape kept surfacing. Finally, I rotated the painting, and the fresh perspective did wonders! In the course of about an hour, I punched up some areas and reconfigured others until the idea of transformation remained, but the cocoon shape was gone. Titled Emergence, this painting was exhibited in my State of Mind show at JRB last year and just sold this spring, high time to let her fly.

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New mixed media paintings coming early 2018
JRB Art at the Elms
2810 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 528-6336