High Desert Gallery April Artist Feature - Kimry Jelen April 1, 2010

Kimry Jelen Artist Feature: April 1 through April 25th, 2010

Special Preview Artist Reception: Thursday April 1, from 5-8pm - Meet Kimry! Live music by Dennis McGregor

First Friday Artist Reception: Friday, April 2, from 5-9pm, Meet Kimry during the Art Hop and Bend Oregon First Friday Gallery Walk.

Featuring new original paintings by Kimry Jelen. Refreshments, live music by the Anvil Blasters, and an opportunity to meet the artist.

Our Wine Selection:
Thursday: The Pines Satin (white) and The Pines Red Blend
Friday: Stonecap Chardonnay and Stonecap Syrah

Our Live Music Selection:
Thursday: Dennis McGregor
Friday: The Anvil Blasters

Where: High Desert Gallery, at our downtown Bend Oregon Art Gallery location, 10 NW Minnesota Avenue at The Oxford. Gallery hours: Open daily10am to 6pm. For more information, please call 541-388-8964 or visit www.highdesertgallery.com.

"Ardor" (Original Painting as shown): The large canvas offers freedom and at the same time - intimidation. I wanted to start out simple, just dark and light galloping across the wide open space. A few days after working on this painting, I went to dinner at a fellow artist's home. Upon entry, I noticed their stairway with a bold red wall behind it. I loved the shape this wall made with the stairway going up in front of it - up is good I thought. I started musing on the pleasure I got from that initial introduction to the red wall. As we ate a delicious meal, enjoyed thoughtful conversation and good company, my vision grew stronger and became linked to the painting. It is the best feeling to have glimpses of beauty and cherished moments in life translate to direct inspiration if even in an abstract way. It is not the same red, and I tried not to look at the wall again - I didn't want to ruin the imagination with a reality check... I knew where this painting was headed. Sometimes life is so innocent yet so meaningful. The visual strength of this piece with the bold color of red, touches of gold and the darkest brown/blue I could muster - pays tribute to the vibrant, greathearted, daring spirit an artist must have to do what he or she loves - I named it "Ardor". Kimry Jelen, March 2010.

About Kimry Jelen: Central Oregon is home for professional horse trainer and artist, Kimry Jelen. She demonstrates an intimate understanding of her subjects. Her contemporary style flows freely from abstract to representational. She uses playful perspectives and surprising colors to express passion in her art. "My art is an opportunity to share with others what nature shares with me. Every creation is a celebration of life, whether an aspen grove, the power of horses, or an animal's sense of humor! I receive so much joy from interpreting my love of nature with paint, brush and palette knife."

Kimry's art is also influenced by the places she has lived and traveled. She worked for ranches in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and New Mexico. She's walked with primates on safari in Africa and rode horses in the classical arenas of Portugal and Spain. Inspiration from these places can be seen in her use of space, unique texture and remarkable color combinations. This native Oregonian's work has found its way into private collections across the United States and the continents she's visited. High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing of Central Oregon is honored to represent Kimry Jelen exclusively in Central Oregon.

Official Website: http://www.highdesertgallery.com