Pleiades Gallery (547 West 27th Street, Suite 304) will host “A Still Colorful Life” – a solo exhibition featuring pieces of Mitchell Rodbell’s work from February 18 to March 15, 2025. This is Rodbell’s debut solo show, which will feature works in acrylic and watercolor, on both canvas and paper, featuring landscapes, still lifes and abstract paintings with an abundance of color. To kick off the month long solo show, Rodbell will host a reception on Saturday, March 1, from 3 to 6 PM.
In this show, Rodbell explores the fluidity and the beauty that surrounds us in everyday life. He draws inspiration from oceans, sunsets, nature preserves, sky scenes, and blooms. As an artist, he is fascinated by the process of capturing images of these scenes and digitally manipulating their colors and shapes, and translating them into reimagined compositions in his art. His rich use of color and texture evokes the rhythm and the energy of the world in which we live. Working primarily in acrylic and watercolor, on both canvas and paper, Rodbell incorporates intense washes of paint, various mediums, blending techniques, spraying, scraping, and lively brushstrokes. His spontaneous process allows for many layers and renditions within each piece, underscoring the fluid journey of his work and his inspiration.
Reflecting on his debut solo exhibition, Mitchell Rodbell shared,“‘A Still Colorful Life’ celebrates the beauty which is woven into our everyday lives, which often goes unnoticed. I believe that life can surpass our expectations when we embrace it with creativity alongside a commitment to growth and discovery – these are principles that guide my art. I am so often inspired by the power of color and its profound emotional resonance. Through this show, I’m excited to share my love for vibrant light, rich hues, and dynamic textures with my community and beyond.”
In concert with the inspiration from Rodbell’s personal life, he is also heavily influenced by impressionists and fauvists. As a young man, he spent countless hours in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, absorbing the greatness of Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, and Cezanne, among many others. His own process in tandem with influence from these legendary artists is observable in many of his colorful paintings on display throughout “A Still Colorful Life.”
