California air

Landscape painters are a dime a dozen in California, in part because landscape is a popular subject for many artists. Another reason is that there’s such varied and visually stimulating scenery to be found here. Many good landscape artists live in this region, but a number of them have a similar and contemporary approach—using lots of bold brushstrokes and unnaturally vivid colors that eliminate details and subtleties. The paintings of Kathy O’Leary, on display through December at the Elliott Fouts Gallery at 4120 Douglas Boulevard #305 in Granite Bay, are an exception. O’Leary’s canvases are a glimpse into a truer California; every leaf is clear, as are the blades of golden grass in the valleys. But the most convincing aspect of her work is the feel, the sense of distance between a crisp tree in the foreground and the far-off mountain range glowing a violet hue. It’s the space, the air that blows through these paintings and gives them life. The exhibition runs through Friday, December 6, and the gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Call 797-7270 for information.