Currently on view at Maxwell Alexander Gallery in Los Angeles, California is artist Danny Galieote’s solo exhibition, “Americana West.”
Galieote was raised in the San Fernando Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles, surrounded by the most famous movie studios. As a kid his obsession with Hollywood Westerns and the like were exaggerated by the fact that his family owned horses, where he could experience a taste of rural life.
Fast forward and it all makes sense why Galieote became a successful Disney animator – turned fine artist. Today, Galieote works out of his Burbank studio not far from his childhood roots. His obsession with America hasn’t faded – influences of the regionalists can be seen throughout his artwork, while his focus on the West has become a common theme. Paintings like “Monument Morning” bring us back to the desert and the early mornings we have all experienced on our travels – calm and at peace with nature. “Hollywood Western” reminds us of a simpler time, before streaming services, when we had to actually go somewhere to watch a movie. The painting features movie posters of John Wayne & Gene Autry and other elements to pull at our nostalgic heartstrings.
Galieote’s unique style and his ability to draw from the past make his work something truly special. We have not even touched on his classical techniques that he applies to his works – but they are there – and most noticeable when viewing in person.
