My boss, Linda Wehrli and I were ecstatic when we learned that one of our favorite artists, Malcolm T. Liepke was having another gallery opening at our best-loved gallery, Arcadia Contemporary in Old Town Pasadena.

We both had the pleasure of attending his October 2016 gallery opening when Arcadia Contemporary was at their Culver City, California location. Having met the artist himself, we can safely say he is a truly inspiring creative spirit. And did I mention he’s self-taught? (#Goals). Here’s our blog on his 2016 solo show. We recommend giving it a glance before attending this show so you know what’s in store for you.

Liepke’s “Recent Paintings” solo show exhibits a number of new pieces. My boss and I are obsessed with the artist’s skin tones and choice of background palettes as well as his brushwork with hands. She says Liepke’s manner of painting hands reminds her of John Singer Sargent‘s work.

She is pleased to share her favorite close-up shots from the gallery opening. Which ones are your favorite? We’d love to hear. Please feel free to chime in below the blog. Thanks!

At Liepke’s 2016 Arcadia Contemporary show, my boss purchased his book which he graciously autographed for her. This time, Arcadia Contemporary generously made available a number of American Art Collector November 2019 issues for guests to have signed by the artist. Linda stepped right up for hers. BTW – if you get a chance to purchase the magazine, there’s a great article on the artist and exhibit on pages 68 – 71.

My boss has a way of engaging her favorite artists in deep conversation at these gallery openings. (She basically asks the questions she and her readers are eager to know and then listens intently to the artist.) Tonight was no exception. The artist generously shared some of his key thought processes and techniques for creating the “Liepke style”. For example, we learned he uses both brush and palette knife when creating his works. Although he uses high-quality oil paint, he prefers to use inexpensive brushes for the projects at hand, disposing of them when they are worn out.

Linda’s hubby, Barry interjected about how his skin tone seems so real yet not realistic. The fabric patterns reminded him of those from the 1940s – 1950s. Liepke admits that although he works from the models, his skin tones and fabric patterns come from his imagination, going with what he feels works best for the painting, instinctually. Over the years the artist has developed palettes and color combinations as well as fabric and wallpaper patterns that create “his people”. They don’t exist in real life, but instead, they exist in their own world. We love getting lost in Liepke’s reality.

Linda asked if Liepke works on several canvases at a time. He does! Working on multiple projects, he says, keeps it fresh and hopefully prevents pieces from being overworked. He jokingly mentioned one of his favorite quotes by William Merrit Chase: “It takes two to paint. One to paint, the other to stand by with an ax to kill him before he spoils it.” Haha. True!

It was such a treat to attend this remarkable artist’s gallery opening and enjoy hearing him share his creative thoughts. Linda asked if he does demos + workshops. Although he does not, Leipke does do lectures! Hmmm. Maybe my boss can work out a schedule to have the artist lecture at the studio. If that would be of interest to you, would you kindly take a moment to say so in the comment section below? Thanks. Fingers crossed.

Before I sign off, Linda wanted to thank her hubby, Barry Michael Wehrli for his photo contributions to the blog.

Missed the gallery opening? No worries! The show runs through December 12th, 2019.
Peruse the show from your favorite easy chair at their online catalog.