Roy Lerner Workshop at Beth Kokol Studios

Pulling into the parking lot at Beth Burley Kokol's studio at 3318 W. Bay to Bay in Tampa, there were paintings drying on the tarmac, looking like scattered giant azulejo tiles shining in the sunlight.




In the studio, easels were everywhere, with a wide variety of abstract paintings in different stages being worked on. Music played loudly, some of the painters swaying to it. Beth Kokol introduced me to Roy Lerner, an international artist based at the Northern border of NY State who is conducting this spirited workshop. 


       Work by Roy Lerner.




Work by Roy Lerner.


In the studio, easels were everywhere, with a wide variety of abstract paintings in different stages being worked on. Music played loudly, some of the painters swaying to it. Beth Kokol introduced me to Roy Lerner, an international artist based at the Northern border of NY State who is conducting this spirited workshop. 

We talked about his work, which is very sculptural and done with pigmented acrylic gels. Unlike many artists, Roy is at the zenith of his powers, very outgoing, open, clear, confident and obviously a great teacher, given the energized workshop members and their work.



As with any mature artist's work, there are multiple ties and roots woven into it. Music and time figure prominently, not to mention color. Miles Davis and Clement Greenberg were mentioned. I photographed the painters at work as seen below.
Roy Lerner's own show at Beth Kokol gallery opens this Saturday, October 18 at 5:00 PM at 3318 W. Bay to Bay Blvd.

Close-up of one of Roy Lerner's paintings showing the terraced rhythms, very similar, yet each different. Like Time descending a staircase.



I particularly liked this work by a workshop member because the artist "paints" beyond the edges of the frame. By the dynamics of the forms the viewers' mind choreographs the dance of the abstract forms extending them beyond what can be seen. We are enjoined as collaborators. Lovely.





Roy Lerner and one of his works.


--- Luis