Washington, DC, artist Dee Levinson learned at an early age to collage imagery and colors together.  As a child she began by pasting small museum art reproductions into little booklets her mother provided.  This seemingly inconsequential activity instilled in Levinson the notion that one could mix just about anything together to make a piece of art.  Today she does this “collaging” by mixing classical forms painted in a linear manner with highly saturated colors reminiscent of early 20th century German Expressionists.

John Blee, a Washington DC artist, explores new spatial and emotional dimensions in Orchard Suite, his latest series of acrylic paintings on exhibit at Touchstone Gallery.  While most of his works vibrate with the intense spring blossom hues that are signature to his palette, several other paintings offer  deeper, nocturnal shades, reflecting inverse color themes. Playful geometries activate abstract, luminous sky-and-earth compositions and dance with one another to create an unlikely balance and playfulness.  The effect in the viewer is usually an uplifted spirit one might call joie de vivre.