Sayulita, Mexico - Dianne Neuman, a nationally known abstract impressionist painter who lives in Sayulita and California, has opened a fine arts gallery at 39102 Ocean Drive, at Highway 1, in the town of Gualala, at the southern end of Mendocino County, California.

According to Neuman, who lives in Gualala and Sayulita, her gallery will feature a wide array of artistic styles, ranging from representational works to pure abstraction. Neuman says, "I want to show works that will challenge the viewer through approach, material or content. And, just as important, I want these works to delight the viewer as well."

Neuman will feature her own large and bold abstract paintings. Neuman is represented in over 250 private collections throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada and had been featured in 40 galleries in California and Mexico.

Neuman is a well-known artist in Sayulita with her own gallery, Arte de Sayulita. She is an arts activist here, giving workshops, encouraging young artists by giving weekly shows and sponsoring regional art events. Opening date for Arte de Sayulita will be announced soon.

The Artist's Statement

A word about my process: I approach the canvas with what Eastern thought refers to as "no mind." This means the abandonment of the conventional Western structures used in creating a painting. I begin by applying my pigments and work the texture with various tools-brushes, rags and sticks. As I work, I stand back again and again until I reach a point where I have "surrendered" to the painting. When I recognize this '"letting go," I feel the painting is close to completion.

A running theme throughout my work is the recognition of the separation and coming together of two 'universes'-the spiritual and the physical. There is always present a striving for balance, connection and interrelationship between the two worlds. I believe the images that present themselves in my work are messengers of this theme.

When my paintings are finished, they reflect the balance of the essential elements: earth, fire, water and air. The union of these elements radiate for my core, thus I consider my world "Landscapes of the Heart."

---

Ed Schwartz has been involved in many aspects of fine wine for 30 years and has worked with top wineries in California, Italy and France. His writings on wine, food and travel have appeared in the SF Chronicle, LA Times and Image magazine.

Click HERE for more articles by Ed Schwartz