By Daily Press staff
Encounter a whimsical world filled with delectable desserts, bathing beauties and the Santa Monica sunshine. Beginning Monday, local artist Carolyn Fernandez will brighten the Community Focus Gallery at the Santa Monica Place shopping center with her delightful picnic and pool party paintings.
At an early age, Fernandez was exposed to art: Her mother was both an artist and art educator. Growing up in New Jersey, her mother continually took Carolyn to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim Museum, MoMA and galleries in New York City. These outings fueled her imagination and sealed her desire to become an artist.
Having battled the brutal winters of the east coast, Fernandez was quick to trade her snow boots for flip-flops and call Southern California her home. Living in Santa Monica has provided her with an endless source of inspiration for her colorful canvases. Backyard BBQ’s, California cuisine and aquatic sports are a few themes that come to play in her festive works, which have been displayed in galleries and museums nationwide.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 10, 2006. Read the original PDF.