Bernice R. Gross's Contemporary Paintings Portray
Nostalgic Mid-Century American Dream and Peacefulness of Nature
Bernice R. Gross's bold paintings thoughtfully expose the eccentricity of human experience and the vitality of nature. Each work demonstrates the artist=s deft use of a contemporary sensibility to tenderly observe and to evoke with humor the optimism, and comfort of mid-century America .
Her bright, figurative paintings call to mind a simpler time, capturing the humor, awkwardness, and charm of common family milestones like childhood birthday parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, trips to the beach, and New Year=s celebrations. Her vibrant landscape paintings depict the calm majesty of nature, highlighting the vivid colors of autumn leaves, the dramatic shadows of snow-capped mountains, and the striking beauty of expansive meadows.
Bernice bases her quirky, nostalgic figurative paintings on found photographs and commercial images from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Her paintings incorporate collaged elements such as textured archival paper, fragments of antique lace tablecloths and doilies, and vintage jewelry and rhinestones to recall the bold colors and embellished clothing of mid-century suburban life.
Working en plein air, Bernice's landscape paintings record specific moments in the natural cycle, capturing the fresh scents, crisp air, and lush foliage of Northern California , the New England States , and the Canadian Rockies.
Bernice's works are in numerous private collections; her work is currently exhibited at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and Fourth Street Studio, both in Berkeley, California. Recently, Bernice showed selected works at Artexpo New York , an art fair that has been defining popular art for 29 years.
About the Artist
Born on June 14, 1954 in University Heights, Ohio, Bernice Gross grew up painting and drawing the people and sights around her. She studied fine art at Ohio State University, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and the University of California at Berkeley. She currently lives and works in Berkeley, California.
On the west coast, Bernice is represented by 4th Street Fine Art in Berkeley, California.
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