Tina O’Brien’s solo exhibition “Gone Surfing” is showing at the Buenaventura Galley from February 1 to February 26, 2011. Opening reception is Saturday, February 5 from 4-7pm.

Over the past decades Ventura has been known for many things. A tangible part of California history, locally inspired chefs, nature based adventures and even its thrift store and antique shopping. As the trends boom or ebb, there is one constant as honored to her residents as is intriguing to its visitors and that’s surfing. Early morning locals and international athletes have surf the waves off Ventura’s picturesque shorelines, but O’Brien combines the beauty of the sport with her artistic talents.

O’Brien’s love for the beauty in her backyard, the natural splendor of the Ventura beach scene, has taken over as prime subject matter for her images. Painting for over 20 years, and surfing for just as long, the days spent with her family at the beach or on the waves help bring fodder to the canvases she creates.

Sunny days, good surf and new board made by local shaper Mel Kelly, are latest inspirations for transforming the fortune of “living in a little piece of heaven” into the poetic realism of O’Brien’s acrylic and oil paintings. The hues of Ventura’s iconic blue and grays gently blend into wet sandy mornings and golden days when the boarders have gone surfing.

This is O’Brien’s second solo show with the Buenaventura Art Association.

The Buenaventura Art Gallery is located at 700 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Hours are Tuesday-Friday from noon-5pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5pm. Please call (805) 648-1235 or visit www.buenaventuragallery.org.