In Glenn Dean’s second solo show with Maxwell Alexander Gallery, the young Californian expands upon his repertoire by focussing a large portion of his current work on the figure. Of the more than two dozen pieces in the show “Landscapes of the American West,” more than a third feature peoples of the West – Native Americans, cowboys, and gauchos – interacting with the land that shaped them, as much, if not more than, they had shaped it. It is a departure for the young self-taught artist, but one that is a welcome addition to his award-winning landscapes: not only does it show that Dean does not suffer the shortcomings of the early American landscape painters of the East who could paint beautiful landscapes, but could not convincingly populate them, it shows that he is an artist who is willing to challenge himself (and succeed) – a sure sign of staying power in the art world.

“Landscapes of the American West” is currently on view at the Maxwell Alexander Gallery, and will run through the 17th of May. More information on the show can be found on the gallery’s website, or by contacting the gallery directly at 310.839.9242. Maxwell Alexander Gallery is located at 6144 West Washington Boulevard in Culver City, California, and is open daily, Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00 to 6:00 PM.