Janell Lumley’s theme for her virtual solo exhibit at the Art Gallery at Wilder, “Déj`a Vu on the Wall,” expresses her desire to stay light-hearted about her paintings. All are inspired by the many travels she and her husband enjoy. She says the paintings allow her to revisit faraway places. When you view On the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, a 24” x 36” oil painting, you can almost hear whispers of water lapping against the shore of this freshwater lake.
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view a virtual solo exhibit of Janell Lumley’s oil paintings from June 1-30 in the Art Gallery at Wilder. All Wilder art exhibits are virtual until COVID-19 restrictions change. Learn more about Lumley’s theme, “Déjà Vu on the Wall – Paintings of Faraway Lands” at www.lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/.
Lumley, of Walnut Creek, says, “I was the child who always wanted to draw or read rather than run and play.” Life intervened, but she returned to creating once her family was raised. She began by taking oil painting classes a dozen years ago and is delighted that she still loves the experience of painting in a group. “I think the friendships I have developed in class are the best reward I get from painting and the main reason I will continue,” said Lumley.
Prior to COVID-19 Lumley and her husband traveled extensively, always with copious picture taking. As she derives most of her subjects from photographs from their travels, keeping her work fresh is a built-in bonus. She considers painting an experiment rather than a science and like many artists is always working to learn and improve.
She says she paints for the fun of it, and that it is okay to like a painting without analyzing it or getting the artist’s meaning. Analyzing and taking herself or her painting too seriously is not her style. Déjà vu is the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. Lumley invites you to view her paintings at http://www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries/ to see if you travel to any faraway places.
The Art Gallery at Wilder is virtual because it is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions; this is expected to change. Contact Curators Denise Nomura and Aniston Breslin at wildergallery@lamorindaarts.org for up-to-date information on reopening or with any questions. To learn more about the Lamorinda Arts Council, visit www.lamorindaarts.org.
