Happy Accident, 29″ x 29″, acrylic on panel

12 small BLTs, many of which reference our Tenderloin neighborhood, will be unveiled at the closing show Friday, July 20, 5:30-9pm.

[split]

Closing Party: Friday, July 20, 5:30pm to 9:00pm;
At Ramon’s Tailor

The San Francisco showing of Happy Accidents by the B.L.T. Collective. This Collaborative Painting Project of Bob Stang, Lisa Beerntsen, and Tony Speirs began in late 2009 as a tentative experiment between the long-time friends and has been going ever since.

At Ramon’s Tailor we’re always interested in projects that celebrate process and that is what excites us so much about the B.L.T. Collective. Creating one painting across a group of three people is no small feat and is not something that many artists would be willing to undertake or could do successfully. We love the work that this collective is creating and are thrilled to be able to share it with you.

How does the B.L.T Collective work?
Each painting begins when one member paints a colored &/or textured ground and then passes it on to another painter, who takes a turn, often adding rhythmic or abstract elements. Gradually, the painting gains more specific & narrative imagery, and the juxtaposition of disparate elements begins to suggest themes. This exchange goes on with each member free to incorporate, obscure or even bury the previous members’ turns. When a painting begins to feel like it’s reaching a resolution, the three members convene (Bob lives and works in Oakland, Tony & Lisa (a couple) live & work in Graton, Sonoma County, and discuss what might be needed to complete the piece. They then decide who will make the finishing touches on any given painting.

In addition to working as B.L.T., each artist is establishing a successful, individual painting career. Bob Stang studied at UC Santa Barbara, and has shown his paintings at various galleries and venues around the country. Lisa Beerntsen received her BFA from the California College of Arts (Oakland) and MFA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her paintings have been shown on both coasts, and she has taught art at the Santa Rosa Junior College for the past 14 years. Tony Speirs studied illustration & fine art at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. He has exhibited throughout the Bay Area, and his paintings have appeared in several magazines & books.