CESAR SANTOS "pages" SOLO EXHIBIT
December 7 - 21, 2019
Pricing Available by Request
Inquiries: info@MaxwellAlexanderGallery.com or 213-275-1060
“The process is just as important as the completed painting.” On December 7th Maxwell Alexander Gallery will host “Pages,” the second Los Angeles solo exhibition for Cuban-American artist, Cesar Santos.
In the “Pages” solo exhibit, Santos shares the creative process or as he states, “the building blocks of art.” And in a way, he answers one of the most common questions from collectors and art enthusiasts, ‘When do you know when a painting is finished?’ In these new works, Santos shows us his process from start go finish all in one picture.
His typical process of sketching out a painting or idea in his sketchbook would then lead to him doing the same in charcoal on linen, then using a fixative to secure the drawing. Next the oil paint would completely cover all evidence of the expressionistic strokes to show a detailed rendered painting. Santos looks to highlight each aspect of the process that he loves so much. From the drawing underneath to the notations scribbled on the side of the page. Some of the paintings, when viewed on their back, show additional notes and sketches. The framed works have been left open on the reverse side for this purpose.
In the work “Domesticated,” which is featured on the Cover of American Art Collector Magazine’s December issue, Santos shows a man in profile stretching an arm overhead. The torso, head, and arm are fully rendered in oil paint, while the lower half of the figure is black and white drawing simply drawn in charcoal. The artist knows exactly where to stop. There is just enough color and information for the mind to finish out the colors and detail the artist has intentionally left out.
“It definitely creates the potential for a lot of imagination. Your mind can run free. Your interpretation will be based on your subconscious, and while there are hints to what’s going on there’s enough there to still think about.”
Join us in our downtown Los Angeles gallery on December 7th from 6-8pm for the opening reception of “Pages” by Cesar Santos. The exhibit will feature 20 new works, the majority in a smaller sketchbook format, all ranging from full graphite drawings, to completed oils, and everything in-between. The artist will be in attendance.
Full collectors preview available by request. info@MaxwellAlexanderGallery.com or 213-275-1060
