STUDIO
2419 1/2 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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 downtown streetscapes, freeway overpasses, empty diners and phone booths, the artist asks the viewer to make a personal connection to stillness and isolation. 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 overpass-these are all places we’ve been to or seen before and can easily relate to.”
Born in Southern California and raised in San Juan Capistrano, David first became interested in art
at an early age. He was fortunate enough to have the encouragement and support of his family—including his grandfather, Theron Imlay, a renowned Southwest Oil and Pastel Artist throughout the 1960's and 70’s. David moved to San Jose in 1995 where he studied Illustration at San Jose State University as well as Lorenzo De Medici in Florence, Italy in 2000. He graduated with a BFA in Illustration in 2001 and currently resides in San Francisco, where he now works as a freelance Illustrator and Fine Artist.
EXHIBITS
2010, Blackbird, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition
2010, Michael Mutt Gallery, New York, Birthright
2009/2010, Artist-Xchange, San Francisco, Group Exhibitions
2009, Triple Crown, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition
2009, 111 Minna, San Francisco, Group Exhibition: Neighborhood SF
2009, Gallery 560, San Francisco, Group Exhibition
2008, Lost Art Salon/Reaves Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibition
2008, Hartside Homes Artist Studio & Gallery, Bolsa Chica, Solo Exhibition
2008/2009, Reaves Gallery, San Francisco, Solo & Group Exhibitions
2007 & 2008, Neue Transit Gallery, Santa Ana, Solo Exhibitions
2007, Madrone Lounge, San Francisco, Group Exhibition: Family
2007, Gallerie 25, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition
2006, Wine Bar & Gallery, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition: Artspan Open Studios
2006/2007, Space Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibitions
2006, Dragon Bar, San Francisco, Joint Exhibition: Youth Speaks Benefit
2005, 550 Bryant Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibition
2005 & 2007, Mission Barrack’s Gallery, San Juan Capistrano, Solo Exhibitions
2004, Sirens Salon & Gallery, Los Gatos, Solo Exhibition
2003 to Present, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Permanent Collection
2003 to Present, ISLG of Campbell & ISLG of Los Gatos, Permanent & Rotating Collection
2002 & 2004, Great Bear Coffee, Los Gatos, Solo Exhibitions
Original paintings and limited prints available for purchase. Contact artist for commissioned work.