Cunha's Country Store, the Flying Fish Grill, Pete's Market and even the old vacant town jail are stars in the exhibit "My Perspective." And whether you know these spots as a Half Moon Bay resident or have never heard of such places, painter Francis Coniglio will draw you in to the world he said changed his life.
"I did the show because I'm in love with Half Moon Bay," said Coniglio. "Where I live in Hillsborough, you say hello to people and they wonder what you meant by that. It's a different mentality and magical place on the coast."
Most of the paintings in the exhibit feature places in and around Half Moon Bay. The paintings themselves, as Coniglio put it, have a "Quasi photo realism," quality and are so sharp and vivid that the neon sign in the painting of Pete's Market glows.
"My Perspective," is on display at the Coastal Art League gallery in downtown Half Moon Bay where Coniglio has been a member for about a year and a half. It's where he works a couple times a week while filling his senses with the day-to-day life around the building.
"I set up and as soon as I open the door I can smell the flowers," said Coniglio. "Then I hear my buddy the rooster across the street, I hear the music from the Music Hut and watch the humming birds swarm around the front door."
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Coniglio has only been a part of the artist community for a short time, but painting is something Coniglio has done his entire life.
"I went from coloring books to canvas," said Coniglio. "I studied in France and showed there and in Italy before receiving an engineering degree from San Jose State."
Coniglio's work reflects his travels and life interests, moods and passion. His collections include watercolors of Bolzano, Italy, the bright colors of the south of France, and in a large collection the California landscape, including the Napa Valley.
Coniglio said a change of scenery and atmosphere brings him a "stark and stunning contrast, which is displayed in lively, dazzling primary colors."
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