Estherly Allen Figurative Paintings

Artist Comments
In artist Gail Ragains' figurative piece, a woman takes a breather on the beach. She reclines comfortably on a green chair, in a mix of gestural marks within a thought-out composition. The muted color combination allows the warm and cool shades to play off each other.

About the Artist
Artist Gail Ragains paints abstract figurative works defined by strong color combinations and intuitive mark-making. "I approach each creative process as an open-ended improvisation," says Gail. "It is an evolving journey without preconceived plans for a predictable outcome. I react to the materials at hand, stripping away the non-essentials to give a loose interpretation of form, movement, and human expression." Inspired by the physical gestures and emotions of people, the human figure dominates Gail's art. As a young person, Gail was active in dance, ice skating, and gymnastics and competed in triathlons in her 20s. While pursuing a career as a massage therapist for 25 years, Gail simultaneously attended art classes through community colleges, the local Art League, and workshops with artists she admires. Having lived in California her entire life, Gail is influenced by the California colors—golden hills, clear blue skies, swimsuits, and swimming pools. Today, her studio is in her backyard just a few steps away from the home she shares with her husband. “In this workspace, I have everything I need. Good light, music, fresh air, and my studio mate, Sadie, the cutest 14 lb. mixed-breed rescue pup.”

Words that describe this painting: figure, figurative, people, Richard Diebenkorn, gestural, expressive, colorful, beach, sand, paper, acrylicpaint, portrait, expressionism, people, acrylic painting, beige

Beach Chair...

Artist Comments
Artist Sharon Sieben presents a strong portrait of a woman in bright yellow, orange, and teal with defining black strokes. "It takes time to make a commitment...

Artist Comments
A flowing, expressionist portrait of woman lost in dance and embracing the promise of a new day. "I created this painting as 2020 drew to a close and 2021 daw...

Artist Comments
A cluster of butterflies beckons a young woman. Artist Sharon Sieben used graphite and acrylic paint to create this expressionistic portrait. With Sharon's th...

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Part of artist Naoko Paluszak's signature series Who Are These Angels. A diaphanous figure appears to be swaying on her feet. Focused light shimmers on her wh...

Artist Comments
Artist Sharon Sieben presents an expressive portrait of a woman in warm tones of red, maroon, beige, and ochre. With her eyes closed and head tilted forward, ...

Artist Comments
A contemplative portrait rendered in bright oranges and green. Artist Gary Leonard first developed the abstract background and then worked the figure into the...

Artist Comments
Artist Gail Ragains portrays two gestural figures clad in swimwear on a hot summer day. The piece pays homage to the Bay Area figurative movement yet retains ...

Artist Comments
"Isolation sometimes bodes well for artists," says Mary Pratt with a smile. "Since I am a people person, being trapped in my house has allowed me to paint wit...

Artist Comments
This piece transforms brightly colored abstract forms into the figure. The overall warm color palette and dynamic contrasting values create a striking balance...