‘Watermark’

Andra Norris admits she curates an interesting cadre of artists first, then finds the commonality to derive the title. Yes, water is clearly the thematic commonality for artists Elizabeth Geisler, Stephan Hoffpauir, Troy House and Elena Zolotnitsky. Some outstanding paintings and photographs featuring water for the first three. Hoffpauir takes a side trip into architecture, then Zolotnitsky leaves the dock altogether.

But first the water, which is rendered stunningly.

Geisler’s acrylics are as wet as you can get. Remarkably realistic renditions of the surface of water reflecting the sky, buildings, land or whatever abords it. Each a different depiction of water in motion.

“I love what happens in reflections,” Giesler said, “the gorgeous abstracts nature provides.”

She certainly captures those moments with brio.

I was particularly struck by “Quidi Vidi,” a vertical canvas of raindrops and ripples that left me feeling as though I were watching a spring shower on pavement. It’s bursting with colors. The reflection of Newfoundland fishing village buildings in warm orange tones contrast with cooler ripples of water, a classic contrast very well done. Monet and Caillebotte both tackled the same subject, however, theirs were impressionistic.

Another of hers, “Reminiscing,” reflects trees on a tropical shoreline in waves. It hearkens to Monet’s water lilies — as do all her pieces — where the sense of infinite depth is created by implied objects not seen directly, without any horizon line.

Geisler’s paintings drift between colors, patterns and subjects. “It’s like music. You want different things for different moods.”

Just as photo-realistic are Hoffpauir’s watercolors, hard to believe they’re paintings and not actual photos. His “Windmill“ achieves an extra dimension of depth from the trees reflected in the parking lot puddles, backed by a miniature windmill. Billowy clouds overhead capture water in another form.

A couple of other pieces loosely follow the theme. “Pedal Boats (Swans)” is an optical illusion in which boats appear to be swans from above. “Kayaks and Skiffs” is just that.

Hoffpauir’s “Bay Windows“ could have been a photographic ad, an exaggerated upward perspective of the rear of two SUVs against a Victorian building.

His “Café Madrid” is a masterful juxtaposition of a foreground cut glass tumbler on a table, with a café and diner scene in the background. The colors explode into a kaleidoscopic abstract in the water glass, while the background scene could be a dreamy lure for a travel article.

For actual photographs, Troy House offers some large scale archival prints, mostly classic travel scenes of Italian beaches. The kind of watery scene you dream of for a lazy summer day.

One standout is a crescent of white sand against a turquoise sea, with a tiny human figure. Homage to the Caribbean beaches of Mexico.

Then there are Zolotnitsky’s chairs, oils on mylar, which drift in a series from impressionistic to almost geometric cubist abstracts. Reminiscent of Monet’s haystack series, yet dissolving into a Rothko-like collage of color. No water here, but some very interesting mark-making.

Perhaps “Infinity for Isabella” is her abstract take on water surface. Perhaps.

Though it’s not exactly “water, water everywhere,” there’s plenty here to drink in.

Geisler’s patrons say, ”We look at water differently because of you.” I think you will too.

Norris knows how to put on a good show. Come see for yourself. Opening Reception, Saturday, May 16, 4-6 p.m.

Andra Norris Gallery, 311 Lorton Ave., Burlingame, (650) 235-9775, andranorrisgallery.com.

Four-day wonder: Speaking of water, a vase and some of it might be in order for the four day Ikebana flower arranging demonstrations and workshops at the libraries in Foster City, San Carlos, Millbrae and Atherton, May 16, 19, 20 and 22. Gloria Lee is the floral artist honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Space is limited so sign up early.

Bart Charlow, author, artist and consultant blends over 45 years of painting and photography with narrative storytelling. Explore the intersection of observation and expression through his insights on the local art scene, find his books at bartcharlow.com and his art at bartsart.weebly.com.