2007

2007

Michael Obermeyer’s plein air “Views of Carmel Mission 2006” to be presented at James J. Rieser Fine Art.

The lovely and historic San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission has been a source of inspiration and fascination for artists for over a century. The first California mission to be built of stone, the Carmel Mission was extensively restored in the 1930’s and is the subject of a one man show by plein air artist Michael Obermeyer. Approximately twenty-five oil paintings, of various sizes, are on exhibit.

 

After the Wedding 6 x 8 oil SOLD	Approaching the Mission 8 x 16  SOLD		Back Stairs 18 x 14 oil  SOLD
Mission Moonlight 6 x 8 oil  SOLD	Morning Reflections 12 x 9 oil SOLD	Mission Courtyard 12 x 16 oil  SOLD	One Moment Alone 11 x 14 oil SOLD

Recognizing that the Mission has become an iconic image, depicted by artists in a wide range of media, Obermeyer sought out unusual and non-traditional approaches to the site. He was given full access to the Mission buildings and courtyards, even to areas that are usually closed to the public. Painting at all hours of the day – and night – the artist has captured its quiet beauty as well as its functionality (the church is almost constantly in use for religious services and weddings). For smaller scale works, Obermeyer worked on site, often painting activities as they took place. For example, he witnessed, and captured on canvas, a bride and her father enjoying a last moment before the large wooden doors opened to her wedding (One Moment Alone). In The Gospel, Obermeyer took a position behind the altar of the church as an evening mass was in progress. Glowing candles illuminate the back of the priest as he holds the Bible aloft, a lovely spiritual scene. The artist did not restrict his efforts to the sun-filled daylight hours; the exhibition will also include several nocturnes. Driving past the Mission one evening, Obermeyer noticed that the church was completely lit up and the choir was in the midst of a practice session. Quickly setting up his easel, he enjoyed the music while painting Mission Nocturne. The contrast of the dark green trees against the white reflections off the building create a haunting chiaroscuro effect. Perhaps the most unusual perspective on a favorite subject is Approaching the Mission. In this work, Obermeyer has chosen as focal point the full front of the Mission, as seen from Rio Road, including the parking lot and the trees and mountains behind the mission complex. It succeeds in fully situating the historic site in its breathtaking location; one can see why Father Serra moved the Mission here from the Presidio in 1771. Whether working in full sun, moonlight or dusk, Michael Obermeyer has added to the canon of Carmel Mission – themed art, with a fresh perspective and an obvious appreciation for the site’s aesthetic and religious significance.
 

Serra's Garden 9 x 12 oil  SOLD	Morning Solitude 12 x 9 oil SOLD		The Wedding Party 16 x 20 oil	Out of the Shadows 8 x 10 oil SOLD
Cool Shadows 16 x 12 oil  SOLD	Dusk 9 x 12 oil SOLD		Silent Night 24 x 30 oil  SOLD	Late Afternoon Carmel Mission 12 x 16 oil  SOLD
The Gathering Carmel Mission 10 x 8 oil SOLD	Bell Tower Carmel Mission 12 x 9 oil  SOLD		The Gospel 12 x 9 oil  SOLD	Recessional 16 x 12 oil  SOLD
Mission San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmel 30 x 24 oil  SOLD		Michael Obermeyer is a native of Southern California and currently lives and maintains his studio in Laguna Beach. He holds a B.F.A. from California State University, Long Beach and was an illustrator for twenty years, working for Disney Studios, McDonnell Douglas and the United States Air Force. He travels to Carmel at least three times a year and says it is “my favorite place to paint” because of the quality of light found in Northern California. Keenly aware of color, the artist says that the light here is not as glaring as in the south and that the combination of fog and sun are “gorgeous.” Even after repeated visits to the area, he claims that he continues to find new places that inspire him. He also feels that the Carmel galleries attract knowledgeable and serious collectors. Working in the plein air style, Obermeyer says he needs a two hour window to complete a small canvas. He works quickly, and often executes three paintings in a day. For large scale work, he takes a slide and paints in his studio. The challenge of plein air work continues to intrigue him the most, as he explains, “There is nothing harder for an artist than to STOP.” Obermeyer competes in painting competitions and invitationals around the state and in the Western half of the country. In 1999, he won first place in the Carmel Plein Air Painting Competition. He exhibits each year at the prestigious Laguna Beach Invitational and has been a juror at the Festival of the Arts, Laguna Beach. Obermeyer is a member of the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, the Society of Illustrators and Artist Member of the California Art Club. James J. Rieser Fine Art is located on Dolores between 5th and 6th in Carmel and specializes in Early California and Contemporary art. The Gallery is open daily from 11 to 5. For more information, please contact James Rieser at 831-620-0530.