Three cheers for three artists at Z Cafe

FALLBROOK – June, July and August will see the artwork of Jim Bates, Gabriele Bitter and Neill Ketchum on display at the Z Cafe and Gallery. The community is invited to celebrate their art at a reception, 3-5 p.m., Saturday, June 23, at the Z Gallery in River Village, in Bonsall.

Bates is a native Californian who began his professional career after studying art and graphic design at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.

"My watercolor paintings, using only three primary colors, are rich and bold colorful evocative images derived through many translucent layers of watercolor glazes," he said of his approach to fine art. "The planned, and frequently accidental, experience of mixing water with pigment is spiritual. I am inspired by the moment. Some paintings tell a story, others capture a fleeting glance to let the observer experience a personal emotional moment. All of my original watercolors and my prints are matted, framed and ready to hang. I personally print all of my signed limited edition prints on watercolor paper using archival inks."

Bates' representational style paintings have been exhibited in galleries and shows throughout San Diego and Los Angeles and are hung in private collections in Berlin, London, Paris, Madrid, Tokyo and the United States. He lives in Fallbrook.

Bitter is a German-born artist whose love for art can be traced back to her childhood. As a girl, Bitter was always drawn to artsy things, whether if was music, dance, theater or visual arts. It wasn't until she moved to the United States that she explored and obtain a formal education in the arts. She has been influenced by different painting styles, which can be seen in her work. Her works are distinguished with their strong colors and textures, geometric shapes and texture.

"My artwork is a reflection of myself," Bitter said. "I work intuitively, without a plan. In a way, that is how I move through life."

In addition to painting with acrylics and oils, she said she enjoys creating prints with modern and old printmaking techniques. Monoprints, intaglio and linocuts have become an intricate part of her artwork as well. She has a deep love of encaustic painting which uses wax-based pigments, she said.

Bitter has had her works exhibited throughout Germany and the United States. Her art was also featured in "Project 36" with Theatre Arts West and in the Playwrights and Artists Series II. She is currently represented by the Lark Gallery in Los Angeles.

Ketchum, a watercolor artist, said she is delighted to return to her old haunting grounds.

For more information, call (760) 940-1751.