Skidmore Contemporary Art presents two new exhibitions…”Vanishing America,” features the art of Emile Dillon, and “Desert Garden” spotlights the paintings of Brighton Smith.

Emile Dillon, Dunkin Donuts, Acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 48″ 2019

Emile grew up in New Jersey in a family of artists. His grandfather was the painter Frank Joseph Dillon. His uncle Felix Vargas was a Latin American artist. Emile began painting at an early age after watching both his grandfather and uncle. In the mid 1970s, Emile started working for the Eastman Kodak Company. During the course of his career as a photojournalist and editorial photographer, Emile photographed many famous people and traveled extensively in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean. In 1998, Emile went back to his first love, painting. He studied at the School of Visual Arts and the Art Students League in New York.

Brighton Smith began creating art at a young age. Starting in Middle School and High School he delved into a full curriculum which included figure drawing and painting at the Orange County School of the Arts in CA. He went on to graduate with a BA at Pepperdine University.

Brighton Smith, Agave and Prickly Pear, Oil on canvas, 48″ x 48″ 2019

His interest in desert plans developed after he moved to Arizona. He started working with gallery owner Lia Skidmore in 2011. He will be exhibiting large scale (4ft and larger) pieces celebrating his love of desert plants.

On view: July 27 – August 31, 2019

Where: Skidmore Contemporary Art, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, B-4, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-828-5070
Website: http://www.skidmorecontemporaryart.com