The world in black and white: latest FCAL exhibit creates drama through contrasting tones

While the use of black and white is commonplace in photography, the stark contrast of the two colors can be just as visually stunning when seen in other mediums of art. That is the theme of  “Black and White and a Touch of Grey,” the first-ever show of its kind by the Flagler County Art League Gallery.

The exhibit, which opened March 11, features works ranging from oil to colored pencil, photography to sculpture, and is currently on display at the Art League's gallery. Stripped of color, it’s a study in both subtlety and drama. The works boast deftness of imagination and execution in a variety of mediums juxtaposing the two tones. The result: many striking, powerful two- and three-dimensional monochromatic creations to dazzle visitors.

At the opening reception, awards were given out to local artists who were judged by JJ Graham of the Salvo Art Project. The winners and his comments are below:

Best of Show: "Backwater,” pen and ink, by John Robak. "Excellent use of foreground, middle ground, and background in composition. Flawless use of hatching technique. Balance of quiet and busy areas in the composition as well as dynamic areas of contrast and subtle transitions. Exquisite!"

First Place of Show: “F-Tram,” oil, by Robert Rohrich. "Masterful use of linear perspective, combined with atmospheric perspective and a delicate soft, tonal brush give this work its overall strength. The work combines areas of subtle detail with slightly understated marks that act as suggestions. The composition conveys the artist’s understanding of design, shape and value in a way that allows the viewer’s eye to breathe it in."

Second Place of Show: “Elegant Nesting,” colored pencil, by Bill Shoemaker. "At close inspection, I am drawn in by the subtle movement in the dark negative shapes that envelop the subject. The chaotic writhing of the nest provides necessary tension with the calm graceful execution of the crane. The work avoids clinical depiction and leans also on the artist’s passion for the subject matter."

Third Place of Show: “Girl in a Headdress,” clay sculpture, by Marilyn Leverton. "The expression of the face longs to be elsewhere, as well as the exaggeration of the feet that want to carry her to the place that she holds in her mind. She clings to her body and covers it, as if it were her last possession. It takes courage as an artist to attempt to evoke something intangible. This work does just that."

The Flagler County Art League Gallery is at City Marketplace, 160 Cypress Point Parkway. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 12 to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact the gallery at 986- 4668. For a complete schedule of shows, classes and workshops, visit FCAL online at www.flaglercountyartleague.org.