'Play and be creative': New art gallery debuts in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- "My art is a reflection of my intuitive process and love for exploration and play," said Dawn Tappen, a North County abstract painter who's bringing colorful vibrancy to the Carlsbad area.

Like most artistic journeys, it took time for Tappen to fully uncover her deep-rooted passion for process-based abstract painting. As a child, her art depicted fantasized unicorns and recreations of the lazy and sarcastic cat from the American comic strip known as "Garfield."

"I always took art as my electives in middle and high school. In college I wanted to be a wildlife illustrator or maybe a children's book illustrator, " Tappen told FOX 5. "At the time, I drew and painted very realistically; my professors would continuously encourage me to loosen up."

Then in her last year at California State University, Northridge, where she received a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in painting, she found herself in a classroom with a professor by the name of Samantha Fields.

"I was hooked," Tappen said of the abstract painting class. It was then that her true artistic style began to unfold, splattering on canvas after canvas over the years since then.

As a self-described "process-based" abstract painter, Tappen said she lets her instincts guide her while "embracing the spontaneous journey of creation."

"With acrylic paint as my medium, I use bold and vibrant colors; each one chosen intuitively to build multiple layers on my surfaces, infusing them with depth and texture," the artist explained further.

It's common for Tappen to work on multiple paintings simultaneously, something she said allows each of her pieces to evolve at its own pace.

"Sometimes, a painting may sit untouched for weeks until it calls out to be finished, highlighting my patience and receptiveness to inspiration's ebbs and flows," she told FOX 5.

When asked what four words she would use to describe her artwork, Tappen said, "joyful, engaging, colorful and vibrant." After taking a look at her pieces, many may agree that those expressions seem fitting.

San Diego County locals and tourists alike will now have an opportunity to gaze upon Tappen's creations up close and personal as the artist is happy to announce the opening of her very own gallery, located at 6872 Embarcadero Lane in Carlsbad.

Dubbed "Tappen Studios," the grand opening celebration for the space is set to take place Sunday, April 21 from 4-8 p.m. She alluded to the event as an "evening of fine art, music and community" that will include her vibrant paintings and music beats from DJ Racer-X.

The public is encouraged to stop by to mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and check out Tappen's working artist studio.

"I want to offer a unique opportunity for people to witness my creative process firsthand. I want my space to encourage people to play and be creative," she told FOX 5. "A place where people can purchase art that will bring beauty and joy to their space."

After the gallery's launch, the space will be open by appointment only, aside from days when Tappen will specially open for painting and artist gatherings. Follow her Instagram page (@tappenstudios) to stay informed on those updates.

"I’m hoping the space will evolve organically into a creative community with many artistic events," said the abstract painter.

Tappen is well-known in the North County art community as she is one the event managers for the First Friday Oceanside Art Walk, as well as a member of the planning committee for the Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance.