“Omagawd,” 2010, oil on canvas, 23 x 23 in. Since the overwhelming success of his January retrospective, Columbia artist Jeff Donovan has been on fire. The ceramicist and painter completed some 15 new paintings that will be shown in an upcoming exhibition at if ART Gallery, 1223 Lincoln Street.

The exhibition, Post– Retrospective Perspective, will run from August 13–September 4, with the opening reception Friday, August 13, 6–9 p.m.

Most of the new paintings feature the psychologically ambiguous figures with a somewhat invented physiology that Donovan is known for. But while the artist’s current cast of characters is as subdued as usual, the new paintings are especially lively. Donovan uses bright colors or high contrasts, continuing the trend that was visible in the most recent paintings included in his January retrospective.
“On Line,” 2010, Acrylic, gouache, charcoal, and pastel, on canvas, 36 x 36 in.
“Night Cap,” 2010, Gouache, charcoal and pastel on canvas, 6 x 8 in.
Twist & Shout, 2010, Acrylic, pastel and gouache on canvas, 24 x 24 in.