I f you pay attention to the local art scene, you've probably seen Elsie Stewart's (who paints under the name E.L. Stewart) mesmerizing, colorful abstract paintings at more than one venue around town. If you're not familiar with this longtime local artist's repertoire of expressive figurative works, you can discover her this weekend.
Showing this month at the downtown wine bar Nectar Tasting Room, Stewart's art ranges from sensual, soft nudes of the female form to abstract landscapes, still lifes and ethereal scenes of figures in motion, and also showing emotion. Both soft and vivid color schemes can be found in Stewart's pieces, some of which deftly evoke the style and techniques of the expressionist movement's masters.
Born in Michigan and drawn to art as a child, Stewart's professional career was launched in the late 1960s during the Vietnam War. That era became a strong early influence in her work, and one that still resonates with her now in her desire to create art that is peaceful in nature and in expression.
For a complete listing of First Friday events this month, visit Inlander.com/FirstFriday.
