I’m going to post some observations about the art scene in LA over the coming weeks.

What is true is that LA has a massive, thriving, diverse art scene. I’m not just talking about the gazillions of galleries on show but also the hundreds of jobbing and part time artists that take up residence in LA. As you would expect from such a culturally diverse City the art is varied and exciting. We have many accomplished classical painters, sculptors and every other art form you care to mention. We are particularly strong in modern art which takes may different forms not only in the form of tools but also style.

We have a particularly strong Hispanic and South American artists in LA and this often leads to vibrant art although some of the younger artists are using gang culture as a inspiration for their pieces. This can be powerful and shocking, exactly how art should (sometimes) be. Much of this art gets its inspiration from the street and street art. Indeed more and more artists are moving from street art to mainstream art and its only a matter of time before one of them makes a breakthrough on a huge scale as Banksy has in the UK (although it is rumoured that Banksy is a privately educated middle class guy). Although street art is looked down upon by some of the art establishment I believe it brings even more flavour and texture to the art landscape.

We also have some great illustrators in town as well as some people who are amazing with the lost art of charcoal and a pad, which is simple but beautiful in my eyes. Classic illustrators are probably slightly on the wane with more people using MAC’s to create digital art and illustrations no doubt inspired by PIXAR rather than classic Disney. I hope we don’t lose all the illustrator skills that have been built up over the years. If young people don’t learn these skills from the older generation the art will die. Lecture over!

So over the next few weeks I’m going to showcase great local talent and galleries. And when I talk about local talent I mean talent that resides in LA not necessarily natives of LA. I am going to cover categories of art from landscape painters through to sculptors so there should really be something for everyone. I’ll try to spot who are the next big things so you collectors out there can jump on them. I’ll also tell you the coolest art joints to hang out at. I’ll let you know when it goes live.

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