Just Flowers - New Artwork by Julian Lesser

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About the Artist and Show:

Julian Lesser, born and raised in New York, received his BFA from New Paltz University with a concentration in painting in 2005. He then moved to New York City – where he still lives today – creating art and exhibiting his work throughout the country.  His work reflects the energy and rush of the City, while also incorporating a love of color and nature.

While at New Paltz, Lesser fell in love with the surrounding landscape of hills and mountains. It left a lasting influence, which can be seen clearly in his latest body of work, Just Flowers, created this spring in anticipation of the summer.  Long New York winters leave Lesser missing the warmth and ease of breezy summer days, and Just Flowers reflects upon the joy of weekend trips upstate, escaping the city, breathing in fresh air and hiking in the Shawangunk Mountains. Beautiful blooming flowers and clear bright skies calm and ease his soul. 

The Hudson Valley has a diverse and glorious landscape that has been studied by artists for hundreds of years.  Its majestic views, sweeping rivers and dense foliage have inspired an endless number of celebrated artists, writers and musicians, and Lesser is proud to be among them. He hopes the area will continue to inspire creative minds and be a center of thriving culture for years to come.

Traveling is the source of my deepest inspirations. When I travel and see different parts of the world, how other people live, and other environmental settings buttons down inside of me that I never knew I had turn on. One new flower, one new piece of architecture, one new face and my creativity blows up. 

With new places also come new challenges and I find myself try new things, jumping off cliffs, eating local cuisines, and pushing myself physically to conquer new landscapes. My most recent trip, while not overly exotic, was still thrilling and stimulating nonetheless. I took a Southwest Journey through desert-like Nevada and mountainous Arizona. I observed new landscapes, spectacles and life styles that were unfamiliar to me. I walked the notorious strip, descended in to the depths of the Grand Canyon 1 mile deep, slept under the brightest star light sky I’d ever seen and swam in crystal clear turquoise rivers. 

I’ve picked some of my favorite pictures to share.  I hope you enjoy.

for the beauty, enlightenment, inspiration and rebirth. Thousands of flowers, longer days, nicer people...these are all things to be grateful for.

You can’t miss Spring in New York City.  After months of anticipation, waiting out the grey, dark and cold weather, the city comes to life with blossoming trees and bulbs.  The days get longer and the light get’s brighter, reflecting against the soaring walls of glass buildings.  Spring can be seen around every corner in all the purposeful planting that New York City does in its public spaces and parks.  The landscapers are urban artists!

Ahhhh, a sign of relief.  It’s so beautiful out.  I’ve been finding inspiration in the colors, longer days and higher spirits of everyone I come in contact with. I’m bustling with excitement in my studio.  All the new light and life is renewing my energy.  I find that during this magnificent time of year we get to see our planets true magic; the magic of changing seasons and life budding where there was none before.  Sleeping seeds take root and explode with color.  Sleeping people come out of there cocoons.  The earth is truly magical and filled with hidden treasures.

Thanks to everyone show was able to make it to the opening night of Just Flowers!  I had a blast!  With 3 paintings sold out of 13 I pretty satisfied with the night.  For those who couldn’t make it I’ve posted some images below!  See you at the next one!

Dear Friends,
I'm happy to invite you to my latest art opening, Just Flowers,  taking place in Astoria, Friday April 9th from 630-830. There will be plenty of wine, paintings and prints for your pleasure. I suggest making a night out of it and having dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants near by the wine shop.  I'm looking forward to sharing my new paintings with you. 

If you cannot make it to the opening don't worry, the show will be hanging through May 3rd.  Feel free to forward this invitation to whomever you wish.  This is an open event.  All are welcome.

Directions:
Take N or W train to Broadway stop in Astoria
Walk East on Broadway (away from Manhattan)
Astoria Wine and Spirits will be on the right hand side of the Street
3412 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106

Great Restaurants in Astoria:
Il Bambino (Tapas/Wine/Spanish/Italian)
3408 31st Avenue (btwn 34th and 35th Street)
Astoria, NY 11106
http://ilbambinonyc.com/
718-626-0087
 
Linn (Japanese)
29-13 Broadway (btwn 29th and 30th Street)
Astoria, NY 11106
http://www.linnrestaurant.com/
 
Mundo (Mediterranean/south American)
31-18 at Broadway on 32nd Street
Astoria, NY 11106
http://www.mundoastoria.com/
718-777-2829
 
Aliada Restaurant (Greek)
2919 Broadway (at 30th Street)
Astoria, NY 11106
718-932-2240

As my new work progresses I’m enjoying it more and more.  I love painting these flowers.  I could paint them forever.  They’re so peaceful for me.  Each one is a shiny beckon of hope and peace.  They’re so simple and clean.  I love how they look so easy to produce.  People often think they’re transfers or stencils or some other form of mass production but they’re not.  I hand paint every single petal.  Each flower opens up to me with its own individual story and personality.  Each one is unique.