The John Natsoulas Gallery is pleased to present a new solo exhibition of paintings by Sacramento-based artist Boyd Gavin. Known for his evocative depictions of suburban life and richly observed still lifes, Gavin captures the fleeting beauty of everyday moments with both intimacy and depth. His latest body of work turns a keen eye toward shared history, inviting viewers to contemplate the past, present, and future.
Through effortless brushstrokes and masterful use of tone, Gavin brings to life the textures of mid-century suburbia and the distinctive atmosphere of Northern California. His painterly style, rooted in the traditions of artists such as Paul Cézanne, allows him to balance abstraction and observation with remarkable clarity. Whether depicting the shimmering blue of a backyard pool, the soft geometry of rooftops, or the golden haze of Sacramento’s summer light, Gavin creates works that instantly transport viewers into a poetic suburban world.
The artist’s reflections on his subject matter speak to the emotional resonance that drives his practice:
“I’m drawn to mid-century suburban subject matter as a pretext for telling stories. What I find in these backyards of manicured lawns and azure pools is a beautiful kind of melancholy. The families that settled these wide open spaces are long departed. The chairs lie empty. The rituals are lost to us. What remains is the poetry of absence.”
A lifelong resident of Sacramento, Boyd Gavin received his BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his MA from California State University, Sacramento. His work has been widely exhibited, including at the Crocker Art Museum, Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco, and the John Natsoulas Gallery. This exhibition celebrates Gavin’s ongoing commitment to portraying the beauty and poignancy of the suburban landscape.
Please join us to celebrate this new exhibition at the opening reception on November 1 from 7-9pm. It will feature live music and free refreshments.
