Oceanside can boast about many things: the Pier, the Harbor, the Mission, the great beaches, the walkable downtown, historic buildings, and wonderful community pride in neighborhoods rich with diverse cultural traditions. A lesser known Oceanside treasure is the amazing concentration in this city of talented visual artists. Residents and visitors have the opportunity to discover some of that talent at the annual “Days of Art” festival held here on Pier View Way every April. The OMA-Artist Alliance, artist members of the Oceanside Museum of Art exhibit at venues throughout the city. MainStreet Oceanside sponsors the Phantom Gallery and the colorful banners on the downtown light-posts in the spring that are painted by local artists. And provocative exhibitions at the Oceanside Museum of Art have given it the reputation as a cultural landmark for North County San Diego.
What a fine time now to put a spotlight on three distinguished artists who have studios in downtown Oceanside, but have exhibited throughout the United States and abroad. Each of the three artists in Out of Oceanside: Aitchison, Gross & Tysinger, have a unique and definable style, due, in part, to their preferred medium, but also because their work reflects mature lives that have enjoyed creative careers and extensive travels. If there is a common thread that binds James Aitchison, Michael Gross and Burton Tysinger it is the bold and dramatic impact of their artwork that characterizes their personalities. Understatement is not their way.
James Aitchison’s lyrical, figurative paintings emerge from his imagination with humor and contemplation often fused with autobiographical references.
From one corner of his brain, Michael Gross gives us a frenzied glimpse of “show biz” and from the other corner, the serenity of the African bush. His strong linear marks let the viewer carry the atmosphere on beyond the frame.
Burton Tysinger builds. A single line element multiplies until the structure bursts with intensity. The combination of design and color completes the mood.
It has been a joy and a privilege to create this exhibition with these three men, each one bringing to the exhibit the best of himself and some of the best art to come “Out of Oceanside.”
