To celebrate her 85th birthday, San Luis Obispo artist Flo Bartell is displaying through March 29 a new collection of paintings called Color Play in Los Osos’ Costa Gallery. The new series “focuses on deep, saturated colors using the ancient art form of encaustic’s materials and techniques,” the gallery announced. “She uses beeswax, pigment, and resin, with applied heat to create her fascinating treasures. The result is a supple and durable surface, best enjoyed in person.”
These paintings represent her most colorful work in years.
“Now, after more than a decade of working primarily in cream, gray, and black, I feel an urgent need to return to strong, rich colors,” she said. “I want to see my favorites—red, coral, teal, and citrus green—melt in my pans and ooze from my brushes. I’m also ready to take a break from heavily content-focused work to enjoy a period of play in my studio.
“Creating this small collection of abstracted fantasy landscapes, sunsets, and seascapes brings joy and a much needed, refreshing break from too much intention,” Bartell added. “I’m grateful to Costa Gallery for making this showcase possible.”
The Costa Gallery is at 2087 10th St., open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Contact at mjcosta.alo.com or call (559) 799-9632. Δ
This article appears in Spring Arts Annual 2026.