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The URBAN IMPRESSIONISM SERIES

Urban Impressionism is a series of abstract, mixed-media paintings exploring the nature and character of specific urban environments through the recreation of actual surfaces, textures, colors and shapes visually extracted from that environment. These textural “thumbnails” create an impression of the surroundings through a sensory response to the local color, characteristic surfaces- man made or natural, and organic or geometric shapes that are prevalent. The Impressionists used reflections of light to describe a scene, allowing the viewer to absorb the landscape through the familiar sensations of and responses to light and color. Urban Impressionism seeks to describe the scenery and atmosphere through sensory associations with colors, textures and forms ubiquitous to that environment, in a more abstract and microcosmic way. These textural “snapshots” explore the juxtaposition and interplay of man made and natural surfaces found in modern urban landscapes. When viewed together, these works create a backdrop of color, texture and form that evoke a particular place and time, and bring the viewer into that environment on a visceral level. Urban Impressionism is also about honing in on the beauty and poetry of seemingly mundane or unrefined aspects of our everyday surroundings.

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***This piece, and two other studies from this series appeared in the Raandesk Gallery of Art “Feminine Continuity” solo exhibition of Carla’s mixed media collage paintings at In Good Company, 16 W 23rd Street, NYC, February 8- April 18, 2008. Opening reception Fri., Feb 8th from 6-9pm.

More information about the exhibition

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The series continues with a suite of five larger canvases, three of which are well underway in the studio and here online for a sneak preview…

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MINI ORGANIC MANDALA, 2008, acrylic and mixed media on canvas board, 4in x 6in, Carla E. Reyes

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The RAANDESK GALLERY OF ART takes the idea of giving art as a gift to a new level with ART2Gift - a collection of small and “portable” limited edition, original works of art.

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Perfect for the holidays, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions, ART2Gift offers the perfect way to introduce a friend or family member to collecting contemporary works of art. Each piece is an original, framed work that’s signed by the artist ranging in size from small (4″ x 6″) to medium-sized (10″ x 14″) and priced from $35 to no more than $500.

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Find out more about ART2GIFT

Carla’s design for a mural in Kew Gardens Cinemas Park in her Queens neighborhood, is coming to life! All the participating artists have completed their individual painted panels, and a large scale film strip along the park’s brick walls await their installation.

Due to weather issues, the original installation date of May 31st (in time for the local Kew Gardens Community Day) was not possible. But Queens residents will be able to enjoy the mural in the Fall. Stay tuned…

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Pictured above is Carla’s depiction of the “Whomping Willow” tree in the Harry Potter series of films. The mural theme is based around the cinema, as the park owner is also the proprietor of the cherished Kew Gardens independent film theater. The actual “Whomping Willow” appeared in the film as a more sinister, dark image, but Carla’s interpretation is brighter, more lush, and friendly for the enjoyment of her neighbors viewing the mural while spending time in the park. This piece is also a textural collage in painted relief using strips of tree bark, dried moss, dried plant material and seeds, and sand. This work is consistent with her style of painting, but in a representational format rather than her usual textural abstraction.

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More information about the mural in the below Queens Courier article…

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Art Into Action - Action Into Art featured over 40 NYC emerging artists at the Theater for the New City in conjunction with the annual Lower East Side Festival for the Arts.

Three of Carla’s paintings were selected for the show. The group exhibition was curated by artist Walker Fee, and was on view from May 20- June 20.

Be on the lookout for Carla’s paintings in the upcoming romantic comedy, “The Rebound,” starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, which includes scenes shot in the Theater For the New City gallery during the exhibition.

Take a virtual tour of the exhibition.

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Carla will be donating her recent collage painting to A More Perfect Union’s annual fund raising gala and auction.

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Remains, 2008

acrylic and mixed media on canvas

12in diameter

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A More Perfect Union, Inc. (amoreperfectunion.org) is an organization that trains women at risk to have supportive, healthy relationships. They deliver their program, The Circle of Women, to women recovering from lethal addiction, domestic abuse and homelessness. Through the sharing of common experiences, the program engenders trust, promotes personal responsibility and demonstrates the power of strong female bonds.

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A MORE PERFECT UNION has been helping women for more than two decades. Each day, volunteers set about the task of making a difference in the lives of women learning how to sustain themselves in supportive, healthy relationships as well as creating and fulfilling their life goals.

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A MORE PERFECT UNION’S THIRD ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT AND SILENT AUCTION

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WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 2008 6-9 p.m.

WHERE: Connolly’s Times Square
121 West 45th Street (btwn 6th Ave. & Broadway)

Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, with special guest, renowned local musician, Jon Christopher, performing a benefit concert!

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To Purchase Tickets:

Tickets to the event are $35 ($45 @ the door). You may purchase tickets online at: http://amoreperfectunion.eventbrite.com

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The Beyond the Surface II art viewing and reception events hosted by the studio @ DFB in Long Island City on Thursday, May 8 and Saturday, May 10th were a great success! The openings were well attended by family and friends of the artists, clients from the architecture, interior design, and decorative finishing world, and art enthusiasts from the local community.

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VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EXHIBITION

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Participating Open Studios: Joseph Biunno Antique Restoration, Natalie Chase Studios, the studio @ DFB, Osmundo Echevarria + Associates, W.P. Sullivan, Oliver Westermeier Fine Furniture Restoration

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VIEW THE BEYOND THE SURFACE 2 EXHIBITION CATALOGUE

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***Selected works by Carla E. Reyes on view by appointment. Call the studio at 718-475-4521***_

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Read the press release

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View photos from the exhibition opening on May 14, 2008

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Raandesk Gallery of Art presents: “Feminine Continuity- Collage Paintings by Carla E. Reyes,” was on view from February 8 through April 18, 2008 at In Good Company, 16 West 23rd Street, 4th floor, viewing hours: Monday through Friday, 9am- 8pm, and by appointment.

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Thanks to those who joined the artist for an afternoon viewing and intimate gallery talk on Sunday, April 13th from 12-1pm. This event was free and open to the public. Light refreshments were served and there was an artwork purchase discount for attendees.

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View photos from the event

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Raandesk Gallery of Art has produced an exhibition catalogue, in collaboration with the artist. Copies of the catalogue were available to guests at the event, as well as online by request. This publication is 25 pages, including full color images of all the works on view, descriptive content in the artist’s own words, and an introduction by Raandesk Gallery Director, Jessica L. Porter.

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Click to view Feminine Continuity Catalogue in pdf format

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