(STONE HARBOR, NJ) -- This Memorial Day weekend, shore-goers will have the opportunity to “Drift Away” at the shore when guest artist Josef Kote brings his collection of paintings to Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor, NJ. It is the first exhibition in New Jersey for Kote. The exhibition will run May 26 through May 29 with all artwork available for acquisition.
Albanian born, Josef Kote is best known for his distinctive style and technique which combine classic academic and abstract elements, fused together with his signature drip effect. Kote’s trademarks are his bold brushwork and sweeping strokes of vibrant color alongside monochromatic areas devoid of detail, resulting in paintings that captivate the viewer with a tremendous energy.
While many artists will photograph a scene to capture a moment in time and then later paint the imagery, Kote prefers to hand sketch his subject matter. His sketches, while tremendous in themselves, serve as inspiration for the paintings he creates. In recent years, many of his paintings have involved nautical themes, which are always a favorite for shore residents and visitors.
“We have been carrying Josef’s artwork at our galleries in Stone Harbor and Avalon for a few years and our clients absolutely love his paintings! Even though the art is abstract in nature, there is a realism to them that gives you the sense of being at the shore. Taking in his paintings, you can almost feel the cool ocean breeze and smell the salt air,” said gallery owner, Kim Miller.
Much of Kote’s nautical inspiration over the years has come from his hometown of Great Neck, New York. Excited for his first showing in New Jersey, Josef Kote visited Stone Harbor, Avalon, and neighboring New Jersey shore communities a few months back with sketch pad in hand. Like many others, he quickly fell in love with the quaint seaside towns and was inspired to paint a new collection using the sketches he drew during his visit.
Kote has always found inspiration in the beauty around him. In addition to his many seafaring paintings, he has painted numerous urban and rural scapes throughout his career, depending on where his travels have taken him. As his style has developed, so too has his color palette. Recent works have taken on a deeper blue, making his paintings even more rich and vibrant.
There will be two opportunities to meet Josef Kote Memorial Day weekend in Stone Harbor, NJ at gallery receptions from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28. The “Josef Kote – Drifting Away” exhibit includes original paintings, many of which were created specifically for the Stone Harbor exhibition, as well as a selection of limited editions. All artwork is available for acquisition and will be personally signed by the artist during the receptions.
The exhibit and receptions take place at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ/609.368.7777) from Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29, 2017. Exhibit hours are 10:00am to 10:00pm Friday through Sunday and 10:00am to 5:00pm on Monday.
IMAGES: (TOP) "Sunny Days" (MIDDLE) "Drifting Away" (BOTTOM) "Manhattan Vibes" -- all images copyright Josef Kote
