On view at the McBride Gallery through June 26, “Cuba Today: Studies to Studio” shows the work produced by some of the artists who participated in PleinAir magazine’s Paint Cuba! Publisher’s Invitational trip in February.
 
PleinAir magazine publisher Eric Rhoads took 100 painters to Cuba before the island nation was fully opened up to American tourism, giving the artists a chance to capture the embargoed country before development changes it forever. Read about it here.
 


“Che Guevara,” by Hai-Ou Hou, 2016, oil, 14 x 14 in.


“’35 Ford Convertible,” by Richard Sneary, 2016, watercolor, 6 x 5 in.

 
Now, the artists have had a chance to digest their experience and create studio paintings based on their photos, memories, and plein air studies. Some of this is collected at McBride Gallery’s exhibition.
 


“The Patriot,” by Eric Rhoads, 2016, oil, 20 x 16 in.


“Turquoise Procession,” by Janet Anderson, 2016, oil, 16 x 20 in.

 
In addition to the pre-colonial and colonial history discernible in Cuba, the artists say there were struck by how the outward signs of society in Cuba seem stuck at the point when the trade embargo began — circa 1960. Their painted images explore this and more.
 


“Havana Music, Plaza Viejo,” by Carl Dalio, 2016, oil, 24 x 18 in.


 “Abuela,” by Scott W. Prior, 2016, oil, 12 x 9 in.

 
Those who can’t visit the Annapolis, MD gallery in person can view the work here.
 


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