Atascadero artist Greg EllisValencia exhibiting at Joebella Coffee
Watercolor birds deal with inspiration and grief 
–On Sept. 4, Local Atascadero artist Greg EllisValencia will be hosting a reception for the closing of his first art show currently taking place at Joebella Coffee Roasters. The show depicts exclusively watercolor and ink birds, dealing with issues of inspiration, the balance between chaos and order, and the profound grief of loss.
EllisValencia is selftaught, beginning painting four years ago on a whim. The watercolor and ink pieces in this show are exclusively of birds from every corner of the globe. The pieces balance failure and triumph as he attempts to combine anatomical accuracy and attention to detail with opportunities for beautiful chaos in the form of splashed, blown, or poured paint.
There are several groupings of work in this show. Chronologically they move through experimental phases, starting with the geometric birds depicted in a limited color palate, moving to organically patterned black and white pen and ink drawings, then to splash techniques where watercolor is left to flow as it wishes, and ending up with realistic birds drawn on sheet music, calendar pages and model airplane blueprints. Each piece attempts to share the inspirational spirit of birds.
EllisValencia says, “Obviously, I am fascinated by the lives of birds; their squawks and trills, their feeding habits, societies, courtship, migrations, the rhythms of their plumage and posturing, and the flash of light in their eyes. They are sparks of consciousness held to the earth only by a thin branch, if anything at all. Occasionally I will draw a flighted insect or a pinecone for variety. Yet I always return to birds. Each piece I create comes out in one or two intensive sessions. In the end I usually find that I am the true final product, more whole through the creative connection. Equally fulfilling is the act of sharing my works with my family, friends and strangers.”
In the series of birds painted on calendar pages April remains blank, representing the month that the artist’s mother passed away four months ago when she committed suicide after a long struggle with chronic pain. EllisValencia says, “I believe that there is a bird to be painted for every one of the infinite emotions that we can feel. I have not yet found the bird for April.”
EllisValencia’s artwork is currently on display at this location until Sept. 4th. Selected originals and prints are available in prices ranging from $25 to $500. Come to see his birds and find feeling, motion and inspiration. For more information, visit www.gregellisvalencia.com or contact EllisValencia at [email protected] or (760) 382-5164.
Joebella Coffee Roasters is located at 3168 El Camino Real, in Atascadero.
