Behind the Picture

Exhibit encompasses connectivity of life

// Author:Chico ENterprise record - By Leila Rodriguez, Correspondent//

Anastasia Nelson painting a commissioned work

Anastasia Nelson works on a commissioned painting ‘Monster.’ Nelson’s art is featured in the lobby at Chico Sports Club.

A collection of vibrant works by North State painter Anastasia Nelson is currently on display at the Chico Sports Club lobby, 260 Cohasset Road #190.

Samples from three different series Nelson has worked on over the years encompasses the body of work showcased at the sports club.

A treescapes series represents interconnections, exhibiting individuality and the interconnectivity of life, the artist said. Nelson’s artwork captures trees with pretty metallic paints and texture, she explained. Her works can also be interpreted as symbolism.

“I like to think of it as being really individual to the viewer, like planting seeds of thoughts,” Nelson said. “Depending on how tall you are and how the light hits the paints changes your perspective of it.”

The Electronica series mocks the highly tech-savvy generation engulfed with their devices. A charming Buddha is distracted from mediation because he is taking a selfie. These scenes bring up the conversation of modern nuances.

Lastly, brightly painted farm animals with enticing googly eyes hail from Nelson’s Barnyard series where she depicts her ranch animals in a colorful and charismatic way.

An interesting gem in the show enhances when the lights go out. Phosphorescent paint coats “Metropolis River” revealing a night-time city street glow on the I-5 drive to Sacramento. The image shifts as a viewer walks by the painting.

“I was trying to get the emotional realism of being on water and seeing those misty, low-light times of day like dawn and dusk where you get the low light and you get that haze of the mist but you get that bright intensity of light too,” Nelson said. “It’s more imaginative where you get that flow in of thoughts. It’s meant to provoke thought.”

Many of the 15 pieces on display were collaborated with Nelson’s husband, Phil Dynan.

“When I’m painting with him I’m using all that texture but you can also see the modification of bouncing ideas off another style and another artist,” Nelson said.

Nelson said she finds relief while working with Dynan because he helps her through artistic “speed bumps.”

“On my own it doesn’t mean I don’t work it out, it’s just a different way of working through that,” she said. “That’s one thing people often think when we work together, that there might be a challenge of us both wanting to do the same part but it’s more like when I get stuck it’s exactly what I’m really happy about.

“In a way you can collaborate with your self but it sure is fun when you have someone else,” Nelson said.

Solo and collaborative works will up in display until Jan. 22, 2015.