The Passion of Life: Master Royo Returns to San Diego!

At Exclusive Collections Galleries, May means International Artist's Month!

Royo, one of EC Galleries' most distinguished artists, joined us from Valencia, Spain for a three-day show at Exclusive Collections Gallery in Fashion Valley Shopping Center May 13-15.

"Royo is discussed in the finest art galleries in the world as one of the greatest figurative painters of all time.  His international gallery presence can be found from Geneva to London, Tokyo to San Diego, New York and Chicago, along with Mexico.  Royo's collectors hail his genius as paintings are rare, demand is high, and the sales of his art are swift" (Off the Easel Magazine).

Royo exhibited his most recent collection of original oil paintings for his beloved collectors, signed copies of his book Utopia, and personally dedicated his paintings to their new owners.

Royo, preparing to write a personal dedication to a collector

Royo's publisher of sixteen years, Greg Bloch, said of the artist, "Unlike any other painter that I have seen, Pepe dedicates his attention to one painting at a time, from start to finish.  He gets up every day with the intention of doing his very best work."  As an inspiration to us all, Royo's beautiful Impressionist oil paintings remind us to live our lives with the intention of doing better, working harder, each and every day.

Master Royo with his interpreter, Mireya, and his US agent, Greg Bloch

On Friday and Saturday evenings, Royo's devoted collectors enjoyed Spanish tapas and the Flamenco guitar of Anthony Garcia and Juan Moro.  Of the show, Royo expressed his delight and gratitude to everyone who appreciates his talent.  Royo took time out of the busy evening to thank his collectors and share with them the love that he has for his vocation.  Through his interpreter, Mireya, he said,

"To be an artist is a privilege.  They used to say in ancient Greece, 'When the gods gave you talent, they also gave you a whip!'  Privilege comes together with sacrifice.  It is a privilege to be a painter, but [I have] the obligation to do better every day.  Talent is not free.  You have to work at it every day."

Flamenco guitarist Anthony Garcia with Master Royo

On Sunday evening, Royo's collectors joined the artist in an exclusive dinner and musical accompaniment at Trattoria La Bocca in San Diego's Downtown Gaslamp District.

Master Royo, with his wife, Margarita, and art consultants Sarah and Keegan

It is a great honor to have Master Royo visit Exclusive Collections Gallery, and we look forward to seeing him again in another two years.

Thank you, Master Royo!

ARTWALK with EC Galleries!

San Diego could not have asked for better weather for the 27th Annual Mission Federal Artwalk in Little Italy last weekend!

Exclusive Collections Gallery joined the many talented local artists in a celebration and support of the arts, featuring live painting demonstrations by Gloria Lee, Michael Summers, Michael Flohr, Daniel Ryan, and Christopher M.

Gallery patrons and new fans alike came out to Little Italy to see the latest and greatest in the art world.  With a great family-friendly, pet-friendly venue, everyone came out to enjoy the sunshine, delicious food, music, and beautiful art.

Gloria Lee's Pop Dogs were a huge hit with  the dog lovers!

 

"Painter of Chefs" Christopher M., paints a new original kitchen scene for all of the Little Italy foodies!

Artist Daniel Ryan personally dedicates the painting, "Northern Spirit", to his collectors.

 

Artist Michael Summers, recently named Official Poster Artist for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, finds a home for his new original painting as well.

As always, EC Galleries feel lucky to be "America's Finest Galleries" here in "America's Finest City".  Hope to see you next year at Artwalk!

Today's Top Artists At Addison Restaurant

Thursday, March 31 was a night to remember!

Recently named "Today's Top Artists" by Art Business News Magazine, Asencio, Michael Flohr, and Christopher M. invited their favorite collectors at Exclusive Collections Gallery to celebrate with them in an unbelievable culinary adventure at The Grand Del Mar's Addison Restaurant.

Ingredients:

- Today's nationally ranked artists Asencio, Flohr, and Christopher M.

- Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef William Bradley

- Wine director Jesse Rodriguez, former head sommelier of French Laundry

- 10 opulent courses and hand-selected wine pairings

- 5 Stars

- 5 Diamonds

- 24 never-before-seen original oil paintings

Directions:

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Enjoy at your leisure.

Christopher M. - newly added to the short list of artists to achieve this honorable recognition of "Today's Top Artist"- unveiled several original oil paintings inspired by Bradley, Rodriguez, and Addison's culinary team.  His fine art originals such as "Chef Bradley's Creation", "Masters in Harmony", and "Five Star" were the result of a personal tour of Addison's kitchen and a behind-the-scenes view of the five-star culinary discipline.

New achievements were not reserved just for the artists.

William Bradley, Executive Chef of Addison, is proud to be named one of Relais & Chateaux's Grand Chefs, joining the ranks of Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and many others throughout the world.  Of his work, Bradley says, “I’m driven not by trends, but by purity of flavor. I’m very rooted in tradition and have a huge respect for the past and Mother Nature” (Off the Easel Magazine).

Will Costello, Addison Restaurant's General Manager and gracious host for the evening stated, “It was a pleasure to showcase Addison’s cuisine and service in a masterfully designed Gallery setting. This would be an event I would love to see happen more often.”

EC Gallery heartily agrees; indeed, every beautiful evening should combine the finest in food, wine, and fine art.