Santa Monica Art Studios hosts new exhibitions which opened on July 25. In Arena 1, “Bliss Point” debuted  throughout the arts complex, the work of many Los Angeles artists are now on view. The work of several LA Art Party artists will remain on view in the South Hanger. Flavio Bisciotti joins the exhibition and will display works in the middle wall (South Hanger) along with the art of Ty Cummings, Scott Horton, Jennifer Verge will remain on view.

Flavio Bisciotti will will be featuring works from his Architectural series. “There are images taken to different buildings. The proportions and architectural elements converge over canvas applying layers of acrylic paint and collage technics. An accomplished Architect, Flavio loves to travel the world. The series is inspired by his travels. http://www.flaviobisciotti.com/

* Please note the 50′ wall featuring the works of Ty Cummings, Scott Horton and Jennifer Verge was originally curated by LA Art Party and VICA – Special shout out to Juri Koll for co-curating it with me.

Ty Cummings is a street artist who has lived on both Coasts, LA & NYC. Having received his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, back in 2008, he then attended CalArts in Los Angeles, where he received his MFA in 2012.

He will be featuring a work (along with others) tilted “Back & Forth.” Cummings explains his motivation for creating the work. “The painting is inspired by overlapping imagery from both coasts and in the middle. It’s about what’s above, below and in between. It’s a kind of mission.”

Ty Cummings, Back & Forth, mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 36,” 2015

Cummings paints everyday and he uses a variety of unusual tools and techniques. He chooses to paint on wood and incorporates found objects, glitter spray, and various odd objects into his work. “I started painting on wood about ten years ago – liking the immediacy and velocity of a loaded paintbrush sliding across the smooth surface.”

He works in a variety of media and said he bases his choice of medium on what he feels will most effectively feature what he wants to communicate.  http://www.tycummings.com/

Jennifer Verge will also be exhibiting two works at SMAS. Working on wood, Verge creates truly original art with a positive spin. One of her pieces is titled “Basquiat.”

See image: Basquiat-Mixed Media-36×29

She explains her inspiration: “Basquiat is a huge inspiration to me,” explained the artist. “He’s a trail blazer…a true original, a risk taker with a style that is truly genius. I love that he painted in Armani Suits, while listening to Charlie Parker. I love that his first art show at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills He turned the back office into a VIP dance party. He had the GUTS to walk up to Andy Warhol and sell him his homemade POST CARDS before they would eventually become friends . His paintings are intelligent and playful, paintings that took the art world by storm. I loved painting this Piece it was pure pleasure.” http://www.jenniferverge.com/

Scott Horton’s work will also be included in Saturday’s SMAS exhibition. Horton’s love for music, and movies, has inspired him to create pop and street art. His college art professor was instrumental in encouraging Horton’s talent. Like many artists he paints when he is moved. “I’m not consistent, but when inspiration strikes, I’ll make multiple pieces; sometimes at the same time.”

See image: Scott Horton, Space Cowboy, mixed media, 36×48″

“Space Cowboy” is just one of his works set to be featured. “This is my tribute to Han Solo and Andy Warhol; in my own “street art” style,” said Horton. “I’m a nerd, a ‘techie.’ and have always loved Star Wars. When I saw the pose that Harrison Ford did as a promo shot for the movie, it reminded me of posters from Westerns, where the cowboy would stand with his gun held up in the air.”

Horton is also a lover of pop art. “Taking a queue from Andy Warhol’s ‘Double Elvis,’ I had the idea to do a spray-painted version of Han Solo (Harrison Ford’s character) in a quad. Done in “mod” 70’s colors, as you look deeper in the piece you can see the background is filled with old newspaper clippings and comic strips from the Star Wars heyday. You might even find Darth Vader in there…” For more info about Scott Horton, visit his website http://dreamscolor.com/

What: Opening Reception
Where: Santa Monica Art Studios, 3026 Airport Ave. SM 90405
When: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm  – July 25
Website: http://www.santamonicaartstudios.com  http://arena1gallery.com/