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Explosion From Paradise @ Bonfoey Gallery 5/9 Explosion from Paradise, an exhibit of new works in watercolor by San Francisco native Gary Bukovnik. April showers brought these May flowers to the Bonfoey Gallery. Giant watercolor paintings splash exuberant colors across the papers with the planned precision of a master.

With names like Mischievous Tulips, Dancing Lysianthus, Flying Daisy Mums and Tipsy Lillies (my personal favorite), Mr. Bukovnik controls the very difficult and unforgiving medium of watercolor painting expertly to show us these flowers with attitude, frolicking across the paper. As the clear vases tip to spill their joyful contents, water sloshes out in thick splashes. Ribbons that were reining in the feisty stems appear to burst apart with exultant vigor as the flowers they had bound nearly explode apart. The bright clear and mostly flat tones of the stems and leaves sharply contrast the detail of the irrepressible flower petals.

On the back wall of the gallery is the most tremendous painting on display, both in size and spirit. This whirlwind of scattered poppies, roses, lilies, tulips and mums, vibrates life, its intense color moving your eye in a frenzy around the painting. You remain fixed in front of it, taking in this festive grouping, allowing it to elevate your mood with its animation.

Besides the party of sassy paintings in the room, Mr. Bukovnik displays a few sculptures which are made of flat steel which is cut into sillouhettes and fire coated, each with a flat, clear, bold color. One of them , entitled Dawn Cala Lily - Blue Lilac is beautifully detailed with delicate tendrils swirling off the tips of each bloom.

Explosion from Paradise is blossoming now at the Bonfoey Gallery, 1710 Euclid Avenue, until June 8. Learn more at http://www.Bonfoey.com.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Carol Drummond carolATdrummondesign.com

Learn what Carol is up to at http://www.DrummonDesign.com
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