Rex Kochel’s “Eclectic Adventure Continues” will be at the Buenaventura Gallery from January 31 – Feb. 25 with an opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 4 – 7 pm. Kochel’s “Eclectic Adventure” includes watercolors, watercolor/collage and some mixed media pieces as well as several drawings.

When asked exactly what “Eclectic Adventure Continues” means, Kochel laughed and commented, “People have wondered if the same artist painted all these paintings because they look so different…it truly is an eclectic adventure.” Kochel continued, “Of course, it can also refer to the fact that a number of the paintings were drawn without looking at the paper: a blind continuous line. This definitely creates interesting details and unusual shapes.” Kochel's interests and approach continues to evolve, as patrons will notice in his exhibit. His eclectic approach and appreciation of diverse styles will no doubt continue throughout his career.

Kochel's evolution as an artist began late in life. As a high school and college athlete (he attended Oregon State University on a basketball scholarship) it was nearly impossible to include art into his course of study. He was well into his 30's when he first enrolled in an art class at Ventura College. Several years later, at the urging of the administration at Ventura High School, Rex agreed to head the Girls' Basketball Program if his teaching assignment included teaching art classes. From that beginning, Rex eventually became a full time art instructor at the high school. Upon retirement in 2004 Rex was commissioned by Remax in Ventura to provide painting (54 in all) for their new office building. In 2005 Rex was juried into the Ojai Studio Artists.

The Buenaventura Gallery is located at 700 E. Santa Clara St. in downtown Ventura. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information, call the gallery at 805-648-1235 or visit their website at www.BuenaventuraGallery.org.