By Michelle Benatti | The Gainesville Sun
FOR The Gainesville Sun March 1, 2002

This March is a significant month for painting in the Gainesville area -three local galleries will be showing the works of three internationally-recognized painters and a plein- air paint out will be held at the kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

The paintings of Obed Gómez are on exhibit at the Art and Antiques Gallery, in the Union Street Station. Gómez, a graphic designer who was educated in and spent most of his life in Puerto Rico, has lived in Florida since 1995. His Puerto Rican heritage continues to be an important part of his life, however, as evidenced by the subject matter of his vibrant images.

Using acrylic paints as well as watercolors, pencils, pastels and ink, Gómez depicts people, places and iconography that reflect Latino culture, infusing them with color and movement. "It fills me with pride to paint themes allusive to my culture,," he says. "My purpose is to bring fond memories to those Latinos who are far from their country." The exhibition opens with a 6 p.m. reception Saturday.

















Click here to enjoy the artwork »