Expressions of Art
By Gabriel Davidson
One may define art as the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. We have gathered a small group of artists who have expressed their own definition of what art means to them; what inspires them, what projects they currently are working on, and their future plans. As you discover these artists, you will see how they interpret their expression of art.
Bret Palazzo
Bret Palazzo has been an accomplished artist for the past 30 years.
Bret began his career doing character and design work for Disney, Warner Bros, Universal Studios among many others. His love of mid-century art and design was a strong element in most of his work for those 2 decades.
In recent years Bret has ventured out to perfect his own successful painting and print career inspired by the lively culture and lifestyle of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s that he grew up with. Having had the love of the late mid-century culture and art his whole life,
Bret prides himself on creating artwork that looks like it could have been made in those decades’ past. Whenever possible he uses vintage, restored frames to add to the whole authentic retro vibe.
Bret and his husband Donne feel fortunate to be part of the Palm Springs and Portland Oregon communities. Living in these two beautiful parts of the world has inspired Bret to create artwork that can enhance any stylish space with a cool vibe that makes others know how much you love where you live. Bret hopes you enjoy his art as much as he enjoys creating.
Free Ramos
Free Ramos, a Hong Kong born Filipino, moved to Los Angeles when he was 16 years old. He has been creating art since he was old enough to hold a pencil, but aside from his high school art teachers, Free has mostly been self-taught.
Involving elements of fashion, fantasy & fun, Free’s artistic vision is expressed through mixed media in a signature style he calls “The Glamour & The Whimsy.” Informed by Erté, Disney & comic book art, he creates “Art from the Heart” which he hopes moves, touches, inspires & encourages all who experience it.
Continuing to expand his artistic repertoire, Free has explored different media, from chalk & pencil to marker & ink and now, in digital media, Free is currently working on interpreting pop culture characters through his own designs in the Japanese kawaii & chibi styles, as well as creating new original characters reviving his LoverBear line of clothing and accessories.
Free presently resides in Pasadena, CA and is pursuing his BA in Illustration at the Academy of Art University.”
Socials: MARTINfreeArt on Facebook & Instagram
Etsy:etsy.com/shop/martinfreeart
Jaime O’Neil
I’ve been painting as long as I can remember. I was eight years old when my grandma finally allowed me to sit in on her art classes, so I started my art journey in grandma’s tole painting class, using oil paints. My grandma and I painted many weeks and months together; I keep those years close to my heart.
Through my education and careers, I continued to paint. Sometimes for pleasure, sometimes commission work. I began using acrylics, and painted on furniture, walls, wood, and textiles. I’ve painted on just about every surface that will take paint (and a few that didn’t). I’ve recently taken an interest in the medium of pastels.
I’ve had a few careers, all of which involved some sort of art – floral designer, graphic designer, editor. “Artist” is my superhero persona; “teacher” is my day job. For the past twenty years, I’ve been fortunate to teach video production to high school students. My classroom walls look more like a gallery than a classroom, and I tend to attract many artists as students.
I’ve tried to keep up with the online world and have a website where my paintings are available as original work or prints, www.goddessknowsart.com. I started the site during the pandemic, when I had time to paint and was cranking out three paintings a week! I take online and in person classes and workshops and am always striving to learn new techniques. This is evident in my body of work, which is broad in subject, while portraiture is my favorite.
I’m currently juggling being a full-time teacher, artist and entrepreneur in the wide world of art, but mostly painting for the fun and joy of it.
Joe Dietl
Joe Dietl was a successful working actor in Hollywood for 25 years, mainly as a commercial actor who appeared in over 50 network spots. He also did guest spots on sitcoms like “Two and a Half Men” and “Mom” and indie features alongside David Schwimmer, Mike Meyers, Jennifer Aniston and others. He and his husband now reside in Palm Springs and create art at his newly expanded gallery on Sunny Dunes Rd., just south of the airport.
His newest series is a Pop-Art inspired set of serigraphs featuring “Robo-Bears.” What are “Robo-Bears” you ask? They were originally ceramic sculptures that Joe, the artist, created by hand from clay at his studio. He has now transformed one of his ceramic “Robo-Bears,” “Max,” into a series of Pop-Art Paintings that will be featured in his gallery beginning Thursday March 28th at the Opening Reception from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Dietlart Gallery – 4629 Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264.
Each “Max” “Robo-Bear” is unique and one of a kind, while still being very affordable. Joe’s goal with this show is to make art that anyone can afford, so that fans of his work from any economic background would be able to own an original piece of his art. He was inspired by Andy Warhol’s serigraphs, where each one is a little different, with small imperfections adding to the uniqueness of each piece.
“Robo-Bears” will be featured in the gallery until July 4th, 2024. Schedule an appointment to visit the gallery at joe@dietlart.com.
For more information go to: https://dietlart.com
Richard Prescott
Palm Springs artist Richard Prescott curates a vibrant collection of his Mid-Century inspired contemporary art at Mod City Gallery. Prescott’s work captures the desert city’s essence, offering a window into its storied style and culture. His fresh perspective, balancing sophistication with approachability, has drawn international art enthusiasts and collectors to his popular artwork.
SHAG (JOSH AGLE)
Josh Agle, also known as Shag (a contraction of the last two letters of his first name and the first two letters of his last name) is a painter, illustrator and designer based in Southern California. Since 1997 Shag has had numerous gallery exhibitions in the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.
While Shag’s work might easily be dismissed as retro-kitsch, the influential New York Times art critic Roberta Smith has called his painting catchy and witty, saying “the eye is snared by Mr. Agle’s economic use of saturated colors — sharp greens and warm lavenders, smoldering reds, sour ochres — and the tinted-gel space created by his thin-on-thin paint handling.” Interest by museum curators and academics has led to his work being featured in museums such as the L.A. County Museum of Art, The Andy Warhol Museum in Pennsylvania and the Naples Museum of Contemporary Art in Italy.
Shag’s distinctive imagery can be found on merchandise and products worldwide. He has created work for Coca Cola, Star Wars, Playboy and the city of Palm Springs. In 2005, he was chosen to be the official artist for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland.
