![](../images/for_pdf/0823-03001.jpg) | | "Lady in Green" and "Petaluma Sheep" by Orinda artist Lisa Gunn Images provided | | | | | | The exhibit "Art Appassionata" opens today and runs through March 24, featuring light-washed landscapes and portraits by Lisa Gunn of Orinda and oil paintings of the California coastline by Carol Tarzier. A free opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 in the gallery at Moraga's Rheem Shopping Center, 522 Center Street.
Gunn, a classical pianist, fuses musical and artistic principles - texture, tone and color - in her oil paintings, and concentrates on capturing qualities of light. "If it is cloudy, the colors are muted," she explains. "On bright, sunny days, contrasting light and dark colors take precedence." She strives to create a bond between herself and the viewer. "I don't show every detail, but paint as though it is a musical moment for me. I pick my subjects with great care - like a composer - and paint only what I find expressive or wonderful. ... Over time," she says, "I have discovered that music and art, although executed differently, rest upon the same platforms."
Tarzier, renowned for both bronze sculptures and painting, teaches at the Academy of Art University and at Oakland's Studio One Art Center. Her focus is figurative work in bronze and painting in oil, with ventures into abstract sculpture and pastel drawings on black Arches paper.
Fifteen member artists of the gallery also have paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry and finely-crafted woodware on display. The gallery's hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, go to www.moragaartgallery.com, call (925) 376-5407 or email moragaartgallery@gmail.com.
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