Paintings inspired by photographs
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Looking Out, Looking In
Paintings by Nicole Reader
November 2022
Orinda Library Art Gallery
26 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563

In this solo show, the artist exhibits 13 paintings of contemplative people turning their eyes elsewhere.
The figures in these paintings are focused on their own environment, whether internal or external, rather than acknowledging the gaze of the viewer.
Some are perched on literal overlooks, dramatic landscapes opening up before them; others barely look off the edge of the canvas, vision turned inward.
Even when they are in action – as they walk, sing, row, or listen to a story – the people here appear introspective, lost in their own thoughts and emotions.
Although most of these paintings are of a single person, in each the artist has used a distinctive light source to interact with the figure. Serving almost as an additional character, the expressive lighting helps create atmosphere and mood.