David Imlay's approach to painting draws influence from twentieth century American Contemporary Realism as well as Photorealism which both emerged in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Artists such as Robert Bechtle, Richard Estes and John Register utilized a straightforward approach to representation which continues to be widely practiced in these post-abstract eras.
In his paintings of urban and suburban landscapes, the artist often asks the viewer to make a personal connection to the perceived stillness and isolation of commonplace locales. His usage of warm light and limited color are meant to conjure an emotional dissonance tinged with nostalgia and hope. “I try not to be too specific in my work and choose commonplace subjects that we see everyday but don’t necessarily ponder over. A cafe, phone booth or quiet street-these are all places we’ve been to or seen before and can easily relate to.”
Born and raised in San Juan Capistrano, David first realized his passion art at an early age. He was fortunate enough to have the encouragement and support of his family and was heavily inspired by his grandfather Theron Imlay a Southwest Oil and Pastel Artist.
David studied Illustration at San Jose State University as well as Lorenzo De Medici in Florence, Italy. He graduated with a BFA in Illustration in 2001. He currently resides in San Francisco.
EXHIBITIONS
De Young Museum, San Francisco, The De Young Open, 2020-2021
Silvas Adobe, SJC Historical Society Presents: LOCALifornia, 2019
Seeing Things Gallery, San Jose, 2014 and 2016
SCOPE Art Fair, New York via Reaves Gallery, 2013
Art Toronto, Art Miami & Art L.A. Via Modernbook Gallery, San Francisco, 2011
Exchange L.A., Los Angeles, Launch Event for Bluecanvas Issue #9, 2011-2012
Dolores Park Cafe, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2011
Reaves Gallery, New York, Group Exhibition, 2010
Blackbird, San Francisco, Solo Exhibitions, 2010, 2011 and 2017
Michael Mut Gallery, New York, 2010
Artist-Xchange, San Francisco, Group Exhibitions, 2009
Triple Crown, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2009-2010
111 Minna, San Francisco, Group Exhibition: Neighborhood SF, 2009
Gallery 560, San Francisco, Group Exhibition, 2009
SOMA Grand Gallery, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2009
Lost Art Salon/Reaves Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibition, 2008
Harthside Homes Artist Studio & Gallery, Bolsa Chica, Solo Exhibition, 2008
Reaves Gallery, San Francisco, Solo & Group Exhibitions, 2008-2009
Neue Transit Gallery, Santa Ana, Solo Exhibition, 2007 & 2008
Madrone Lounge, San Francisco, Group Exhibition: Family, 2007
Gallerie 25, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2007
Wine Bar & Gallery, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition: Artspan Open Studios, 2006
Space Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibitions, 2006 & 2007
Dragon Bar & Gallery, San Francisco, Joint Exhibition: Youth Speaks Benefit, 2006
550 Bryant Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibition, 2005
Mission Barrack’s Gallery, San Juan Capistrano, Solo Exhibitions, 2005 & 2007
Sirens Salon & Gallery, Los Gatos, Solo Exhibition, 2004
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Permanent Collection, 2003 to Present
ISLG of Campbell, Permanent & Rotating Collection, 2003 to 2008
REPRESENTATION
Stafford Gallery, Healdsburg CA
Reaves Gallery, New York NY
Original paintings and limited prints available for purchase. Contact artist for commissioned work.