7/16/2017

Sunday, July 30th, Artist Bobbie Rich Set to Exhibit at Upper West Restaurant!


“Wanderlust," a solo exhibition by Bobbie Rich opens on Sunday, July 30th at Upper West Restaurant in Santa Monica. The artist reception will be held from 4-7pm.

As most foodies know, Upper West Restaurant features the most amazing cuisine. In addition to many special events such as tasting evenings featuring brand ambassadors and food pairings, the restaurant is known for its incredible happy hour. However not everyone knows about the art events that take place throughout the year. Every few months Upper West welcomes a new artist and hosts an opening reception…this has been taking place since the restaurant opened in 2010.

Bobbie Rich is a talented artist who will be returning to the restaurant to show new work. Not only has the artist been featured in a solo exhibition at the restaurant back in 2015, she has hosted several benefits at Upper West for various charitable organizations that she donates her time to.

A frequent diner at the restaurant, Rich said she recently enjoyed a cocktail named the Paloma - "very refreshing with just the right amount of zing for summertime. One of the reasons I love Upper West though, is that there are so many wonderful cocktails to choose from…and the whiskey flights. Oh my!"

    Bobbie Rich paints live at Resonate Church; photo by Michelle Goering


Rich's previous paintings are known for their whimsical people. She currently uses oil paint with other media layered in - acrylic, paper, metal leaf, moon paint, etc.  She will be displaying over twenty new paintings, including abstract waves, exotic animals and a mixture of people inspired by travel, fashion, nature and personal relationships. Some of her work leans towards portraiture and a few of the characters in her paintings are adorned with angel wings. 

“Wanderlust” will spotlight works from several series. One work to be included in the exhibition is titled La-Keysha 2 and is from Rich’s Angels Among Us series. “One of my first paintings to gain significant gallery and television coverage, close to a decade ago, was my original La-Keysha. She now resides with one of my collectors in Redondo Beach. La-Keysha 2  incorporates new materials and detailing while, still utilizing the buttery quality of oil paint to create beautiful flesh tones.”

La-Keysha 2, 30x24 inches, mixed media

Rich painted a former student named Asia who posed for her on the steps in the yard of a previous residence. “The painting is not so much a realistic portrait, as it is the essence of Asia. She is young, fresh, hip and cool with a love for art, color and Japanese pop culture. Asia has a huge heart and is kind and gracious to others, earning her a pair of beautiful wings.”

The opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 4-7pm at Upper West located at 3321 Pico Boulevard. in Santa Monica. The exhibit runs through October. For more info about the artist, see www.BobbieRich.com  For more info on the restaurant, see http://www.theupperwest.com/