As the dust settles against the earthy, amber light of a western sunset, we embark upon the rugged silhouettes and ambient cinematics of Gabe Leonard’s ever-captivating rustic noir and new exhibition “In a Perfect World”, opening this weekend at Distinction Gallery. With bold crimson backdrops and nuanced shadowed light, expressive brushwork and romanticism whispers to the wilderness. We delve deeper into his intriguing narrative and formidable characters as if immersed in the tattered pages of yesteryear.
Join us in celebration – and if you’re looking for more – go back in time and check out the previous exhibitions. Visit Distinction Gallery today to view the entire collection!
Gabe Leonard, “In a Perfect World”
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 8, 2022 | 6-10pm
With the artist + live music
Exhibition Dates: October 8 – November 5, 2022
Distinction Gallery
317 E Grand Ave, Suite B | Escondido CA 92025
phone # 760.781.5779
ArtHatch | ArtHatch Escape | Last Spot
About the Gallery //
Distinction Gallery was created in 2004 to give beginning and established collectors a venue to purchase high-quality, cutting edge artwork. Distinction has hosted over 185 exhibitions since its inception featuring emerging, mid-career and veteran professional artists. Distinction’s artwork is available for purchase online to clients around the world, and most of our artists are available for commissions. In order to further expand offerings to the community, Distinction converted part of their location to ArtHatch, a non profit organization.
ArtHatch is a 7,000 square foot building which houses Distinction Gallery: exhibitions changing monthly, “The Alley”, featuring 15 local artist, the teen room featuring artwork by 15+ teen artists, 16 artist studios, ranging in size from 150 to 500 sq ft, ArtHatch Escape Rooms, and Last Spot Art Bar.
About the Artist //
Gabe Leonard spent his early years in rural Wyoming, sketching wildlife and selling his drawings for one dollar. After earning his BFA from Columbus College in Ohio, Leonard honed his talents on the ultra-competitive Venice Beach boardwalk. Described as “Johnny Cash meets Quentin Tarantino,” Gabe Leonard’s original art and prints possess an intense cinematic quality combining the gestural brushwork of expressionism with the expert lighting and framing of a Hollywood cinematographer. His oils are cinematic, atmospheric and moody, revolving around outlaws, rugged noir characters to create narratives full of dramatic possibility.
While his subjects and compositions belie a heavy influence of modern and contemporary cinema, Leonard’s artistic style is rooted firmly in a European tradition. While he often breaks from academic restrictions with his loose brushwork and characteristic drips, he counts Rembrandt, Mucha, Klimt and Schiele as amongst his influences. Following a string of sell-out shows and acquisitions by high-profile collectors, Leonard has quickly become one of the most sought-after artists in the world. Whenever his work is up for sale, galleries, art enthusiasts and high-profile celebrities rush to buy his admirable art and paintings. Recent celebrity collectors include Quentin Tarantino, Charlie Sheen, and Rueben Fleischer. Leonard currently resides in Los Angeles.
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