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Signature Focus News -October 2020

2020 Image Collection Posted to Website
Our 2020 collection of new nature based contemporary images has been posted to our website: www.signaturefocus.com . Please check them out and ENJOY!

Signature Focus Photos Selected for "Wide Open" - Excellence in Photography Exhibition
Two of our images were selected by judges for exhibition in "Wide Open", Excellence in Photography Exhibit currently on view at the Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio.

"Wide Open" is an international photography exhibition sponsored by SONY. A traveling tour of the exhibit's selected images will include the SONY Gallery, New York City, New York.

"Wide Open" is a collaboration between the SONY Corporation, Ohio University's School of Visual Communications and College of Fine Arts and the Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio.

Signature Focus News -July 2020

Assembling our new collection of images for 2020. Hoping to post to my website www.signaturefocus.com in July.

Calla

Signature Focus News -May 2020

Two requests from Art Consulting Groups (Las Vegas and Houston) for nature images intended for hotels, hospitals and corporate settings. I am excited to be working with these two highly regarded companies.

Signature Focus News -March - April 2020

M1. My work was selected for the collector's Issue of Portfolio Magazine, Naples Fl. Great design, superb photos and printing quality make this magazine a winner!

Mahoe Compass

Swirly Bird

Dragon
Portfolio Magazine Collectors Issue 2020

2. Donated a framed piece to "The Contemporary" (the premier gallery in Dayton, OH) for its annual art auction fundraiser. This fun event had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak but the supportive work of this premier art organization will continue to lead artists through this difficult period.

"Palm Goddess"

Signature Focus News -Jan - April 2020

A couple of my photographs were accepted into the prestigious annual SW Florida photo exhibit called "Natural Selections" at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, FL.

Sticks

Signature Focus News -September 2019

Enjoyed a full Winter - Spring - Summer schedule of art exhibits that attracted enthusiastic viewer responces for my nature inspired art.

July 25 - October 19
Riffe Gallery, Ohio State House
"Natural Expressions"

Go to: oac.ohio.gov for additional info.
Vern Riffe Center for Government & the Arts, First Floor Lobby 77 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio

   

June 20 - September 4
Brukner Nature Center (solo exhibit)

July 5 - August 10
The Contemporary Dayton
Annual Member's Show.

July 24 - August 4
The Ohio State Fair

September 14. 2018 - April 14, 2019
Springfield Museum of Art, Springfield OH (solo exhibit)
      


Recently completed selection of a new collection of nature images for 2019. Fun times exploring the nature of orchids, Southwest native American symbols and design, and other nature oriented design ideas. You can view the collection on my website at www.signaturefocus.com ENJOY!!

Signature Focus NEWS - July 2018

- 2018 Work Posted to Website
Just completed final selection for my 2018 collection of contemporary nature images. Check my website at www.signaturefocus.com for a long look.

It seems each year working with my 'scanner as camera', I am discovering new areas of botanical life to explore. The scene just keeps expanding as my eyes learn to discover more every time I venture outside . one path leads to another. Still so much to discover.

- Springfield Museum of Art
A feature selection of my nature based images titled Spirits, Illusions & Discoveries is scheduled for exhibit at the Springfield Museum of Art from September 14, 2018 through January 19, 2019. The exhibit will be installed in the museum's Chakeres Gallery. Lots of new nature based work to wrap your head around. The Museum is located at 107 Cliff Park Road, Springfield OH 45504

Spirits, Illusions and Discoveries Invitation

This museum is one of those small treasures you discover and can't wait to tell friends about. Enormous quantities of wonderful art, a supportive community and a very nice/knowledgeable staff. Hope you get a chance to take a trip to Springfield and take a long look around

- Ohio State Fair
Recently notified that one of my pieces called "Dakota Grass Dance" was selected for exhibit at the Ohio State Fair, Columbus, OH. It will be at the Cox Fine Art Center during the fair July 25 - August 4, 2018. Hope you can check it out.

- Dayton Society of Artists
The Society held it's Spring Exhibition May 4 - June 10. My work titled "Chorus Line" won an award. Looking forward to showing more of my work at this wonderful location at 48 High Street, Dayton, OH.


Signature Focus News - April 2017


Upcoming Exhibit

A solo exhibit of my work is scheduled for July 28 - Sep 17 at the Fellows Riverside Gardens, Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center Gallery, Mill Creek MetroPark, Youngstown, OH.

The gallery is a wonderful venue. It's got it all! Beautiful gardens, knowledgeable nature lover staff and patrons, and a premier art gallery space! Hope you can make the exhibit.



Recent Installations:

Several Signature Focus 30" x 40" nature images were installed at University Health Systems, San Antonio Texas. The hospital's new million-square-foot "Sky Tower" includes a greatly expanded emergency department, 35 surgical suites on two floors, 420 private patient rooms and three beautiful healing gardens.


Aloe Bait Ball

Caribe Blue

Awakening

Vortex d'Hibiscus

Recent Honors: Award Winner
One of my new pieces for 2016 was an award winner in the yearly "Works on Paper" competition at the Kettering Art Center, Kettering, Ohio. The work entitled "Dragon" consists of gooseneck loosestrife plant stems, hedge vines and a polished black marble.





Signature Focus: Nov 2015 / January 2016 News & Notes


Doug McLarty's Art Featured
Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery Presents The Inaugural Juried Exhibition
by Molly Rutledge



Signature Focus: March - May 2016 - News Update


1. Florida Magazine features McLarty photos

Portfolio Magazine
Portfolio Magazine of Naples, FL recently published an article that included several of my photographs. The article features a cover photo and PP 72-79. Enjoy!


2. New Images for 2016 Collection: Working several new images for 2016, here are a few.

Quackers

'Bird In Hand' Dance

Focus

Gaga

Island

Unnamed 1


3. Upcomming Exhibits: July 22 - August 27, 2016
"Lit Up - Midnight Tour of a Magic Garden"
Exhibited at Studio 14 Gallery in Tipp City, Ohio




Signature Focus: Nov 2015 / January 2016 News & Notes


Doug McLarty's Art Featured
Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery Presents The Inaugural Juried Exhibition
by Molly Rutledge


Columbus, Ohio--The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery will feature 59 Ohio artists in The Inaugural Juried Exhibition from November 5, 2015, through January 9, 2016.

Ohio artists (not enrolled in a degree-granting program, age 18 and older) were invited to submit up to three artworks in a statewide call for entries. Nearly 400 applications were submitted in a wide range of media including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, and video.

Exhibition jurors include Tyler Cann, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus; Petra Kralickova, formerly of Ohio University, Athens; and Marilyn Simmons, SPACES, Cleveland. For a complete list of the accepted artists, click here.

Opening Reception Thursday, November 5 | 5-7 p.m. At the public opening reception, a $1,000 Best of Show Award and three $500 Jurors Choice Awards will presented during a ceremony at 6 p.m.

Ohio Arts Council show: a look at the local 5






Signature Focus: June / July 2015 News & Notes


Doug McLarty's work featured in June 2015 issue of Gulfshore Life


A feature article on Doug McLarty's photography appears in the June issue of GULFSHORE LIFE magazine, a popular lifestyle, fashion and design publication serving Naples and Ft Meyers, Florida. The magazine has been recognized as "Best Overall Magazine" two years in a row from the Florida Magazine Association.

Gulfshore Life Magazine

    





Signature Focus: Jan / Feb / March 2015 News & Notes


Link to video of comments by Ohio Governor's wife Karen Kasich and Doug McLarty at the Governor's exhibit reception 1/22/2015


The January 2015 Ohio Magazine features a fun story on my photos installed at the Ohio Governor's Residence. Hope you get a chance to check it out.

Go To: www.OhioMagazine.com and click on Arts and Entertainment on top menu. Then look for "Treasure Hunt".



I was notified by the Ohio Arts Council that Ohio's First Lady, Karen Kasich, wife of Governor John Kasich, has selected me as the "Featured Artist" for the Ohio Governor's Residence during the first quarter of 2015. Several of my pieces, as selected by Mrs. Kasich, will be on display.

Mrs. Kasich said, "The goal of this program is to promote the wealth of talented artists in our state. It's our hope that people will visit the Governor's Residence and Heritage Gardens not only for their historical significance but also for the fine examples of Ohio arts and Crafts on display here."

Address: 358 North Parkview Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43209

Free tours of the Governor's Residence and Gardens (including artwork) can be arranged by calling 614/644-7644.

The Way Home Toucan Island Voyage



Signature Focus: Aug/Sept/Oct 2014 News & Notes


My collection of 2014 images will be posted to my website in August. Watch for it! You will be happy you did. (Windscafe.com)

I am looking forward to showing my work at the Winds Cafe in Yellow Springs, Ohio during September and October. Owned by Mary Kay Smith the Winds Cafe has a tradition of epicurean excellence ... and the art on display isn't bad either.

Fusion Water Circles



Signature Focus: Jan/Feb/March 2014 News-Notes


Traveled to Florida in January to begin collecting images for my 2014 collection. It was a good time to be away from Ohio where the weather, in a word, was snow � for the entire time I was traveling.

While in Naples, Florida I was fortunate enough to be allowed to wander the Naples Botanical Garden to collect some plant specimens to play with. When anyone interested in botanicals visits these gardens one gets the feeling your head could explode at any time. Talk about a lot to look at. If you get to Naples make sure you visit this small slice of paradise. Chief Horticulturist Brian Galligan and his staff have done a superb job of transforming this visitor center into one of the very finest botanic gardens in the county.

An early thrill for me was walking into the Garden�s administration offices and seeing one of my large images hanging prominently in the entrance lobby. Talk about a head spinning thrill...



Signature Focus: Nov./Dec. News/Notes


In 1998, the Columbus Metropolitan Library began partnering with the Ohio Arts Council on The Ohio Online Artist Registry, an online database of some 1,200 artists and 8,000+ images. Since 2006, the library has hosted the annual Ohio Online Visual Artist Registry (OOVAR) Juried Exhibit, an exhibit displaying the work of artists from the registry.

I entered this juried competition for the first time this year and was fortunate to have two of my pieces of nature inspired photography included in the 41 pieces of art exhibited.

The exhibit, featuring a wide range of exceptional artwork, is on view at Columbus Ohio's Main Library, Carnegie Gallery, thru January 11, 2014.



Signature Focus: Sept./Oct. News/Notes


2013 Image Collection Released

Doug McLarty has added over 60 new images created in 2013 to the "Nature by Design" image collection. The new images can be viewed at the Signature Focus website (www.signaturefocus.com). Click on New Work - 2013 to view the collection. To see larger images and get background simply click on the menu picture.

Exhibit: "Uncommon Grace" runs thru September 22, 2013 at the Troy- Hayner Cultural Center (www.troyhayner.org/) , 301 West Main Street, Troy OH 45373. Exhibit features over 20 of Doug McLarty's "Nature by Design" images.

From the "Uncommon Grace" exhibit review in the Dayton Daily News by Pam Dillon

"McLarty gathers pieces of nature in the environment, and places them in unique ways on a scanner. Like a huge frostbitten Brazilian Cecropia leaf he found during a cold snap in Florida. With this he created "Blackfoot Spirit Dance."

"I sensed it could become something else, but had to take it home and keep it moist enough to shape while considering the possibilities,� said McLarty. �Two days later morning light broke in my studio illuminating the leaf and I knew immediately the image I wanted to create. I bended the leaf and added fern for feathers and a medicine stick for effect. I gave the mask eyes to bring the figure to life."

In addition, he turned crab legs into toucans for "Toucan Island," and twisted ribbon pasta into "Sorrento Surprise."

"Each scan-o-graph is an extremely unique media for us. The colors are so vibrant and bright, with joyous figures and dancing forms transfixing the viewer," said Troy-Hayner exhibit coordinator Nancy Hutchins."






Signature Focus: June - July News/Notes


Signature Focus Selected to Provide Artwork for New Community Health Center

Signature Focus Photography was recently selected to provide its unique nature art photography for patient rooms at MetroHealth's new Community Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. MetroHealth System is one of the largest, most comprehensive health care providers in Northeast Ohio.

University Health System - San Antonio, Texas chooses Signature Focus Art for its Salud-Arte Program



The Salud-Arte Program of the University Health System of San Antonio, Texas has selected 17 of Signature Focus's limited edition nature focused images for their program aimed at inspiring healing, compassion, hope and trust and to improve the health care experience while promoting the mission of the University Health System.


Exhibiting June-July at Canton Museum of Art

If you are in the Cleveland, Akron, Pittsburgh or Columbus OH area and are looking for an unusual, exciting, provocative, and memorable Spring activity suggest you plan a visit to the Canton Museum of Art. You'll be glad you did.

Doug McLarty's exhibit �Lux Botanica.� at the Canton Museum of Art, Canton OH continues through July 21. A wonderful venue with a great grouping of exhibits scheduled at the same time.

Featured in an adjoining exhibit will be the vibrant color of Northeast Ohio artist Joseph O�Sickey. A major new retrospective exhibition, �Unifying Art, Life and Love.� will showcase more than 160 of this Northeast Ohio artist.

O�Sickey works, from oil paintings to watercolors to sketches. He is a retired art professor and graphic designer who taught at The Ohio State University, the former Western Reserve University and Kent State University.

Now 94, O�Sickey was the recipient of this year�s Ohio Governor�s Award for the Arts in the individual artist category, which Gov. John Kasich presented to him last week at a luncheon in Columbus.



Review of the Canton Museum Exhibit
Part whimsy, part high drama, the botanical imagery of photographer Doug McLarty is wholly enthralling.... Read more





Signature Focus: January / February News and Notes



Doug McLarty s photograph
"Awakening" is an eye-catcher and
an award winner.

Acclaimed Florida Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher (left) with
Doug McLarty, whose work was awarded first place in a contest judged by Butcher.

Feb 16, 2013 Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH
VISUAL ARTS
Area photographer captures essence of Florida
Xenia man earns praise from a great source.

By Pamela Dillon

Tiny red buds rise up on delicate stems to dance across a layering of wide green leaves in Doug McLarty's nature photograph "Awakening." That image awakened the admiration of internationally acclaimed Florida Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher. The artist chose "Awakening" for first place in the Annual Florida Juried Photography Exhibit.

"I noticed one of these wonderful 1-inch long tubular flowers atop long green stems in a small area of wild grass just off the beach. I had never seen anything quite like it. I had to search 40 feet in each direction to find enough of these flowers for the image design," said McLarty, who lives in Xenia. "The background is a grouping of sea grape leaves found near the beach in Florida. Black beach stones complete the picture."

Any lucky readers who plan to be in Naples, Fla., from now until March 31 will get a chance to see it up close and personal at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

"Most Florida photo exhibits feature gators or birds," said Butcher. "There is much more to the Florida landscape, and Doug's work highlights the depth, beauty and design of the environment."

Butcher is often referred to as the "Ansel Adams of the Everglades." For him, the wilderness is a sacred necessity that answers questions that are probably very different from questions scientists ask. "The mysterious spiritual experience of being close to nature is restorative. Discovering the intimate beauty of the natural world is healing to the human soul," said Butcher. "Doug's photograph provides a full, Florida feeling."

For the past 40 years, McLarty has photographed landscape and botanical images throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Florida and the western United States.

At first he used primarily black-and-white film with darkroom processing. About 11 years ago, he switched to digital imagery. He launched his Signature Focus business in 2006 and has an elegant website to show off his art.

The retired Air Force colonel's works can also be found in art collections across the U.S.


Signature Focus: November / December News and Notes

Premier health Partners Selects McLarty Art for New Headquarters


Premier Health Partners, Dayton OH installed McLarty's Signature Focus photographic designs in its new corporate headquarters in Dayton, OH.

2013 Exhibit Confirmed at the Canton Museum of Art


Doug's artwork was selected for an exhibit at the Canton Museum of Art, Canton, OH May 11 - July 29, 2013


Inquiries Welcomed

To inquire about purchasing artwork on paper or canvas please call 937-572-5444 or email doug@signaturefocus.com.

Notes...........

I will be heading down to Florida in December. I plan to accomplish a healthy mix of photography, fishing and reading over the holidays and into 2013 while enjoying friends and family. Looking forward to connecting again in 2013.


News and Notes September - October

Doug McLarty's Photographs Part of MGM Grand Renovation.
MGM grand logo


McLarty Photo's in MGM Grand rooms
Several of Doug McLarty's botanical photographic designs are included in MGM Resorts guest room remodeling of its Las Vegas signature hotel, MGM Grand.

Every hotel room in the main tower of MGM Grand has received a makeover in the past year. That's 3,570 guest rooms and 642 suites.

Tim Kelly, vice president of hotel operations, said "We always want to enhance the guest experience. We felt it was necessary to refresh our room product not only for look and feel but also for functionality and from a technology perspective. There are basics customers expect when they come to Las Vegas."

McLarty said, "I was thrilled my work was selected for this ambitious project. My photos will be viewed by thousand of guests to the hotel and only good things can happen from the experience.


Photos Exhibited at Meadowlark Restaurant Through October
Great food seasoned with McLarty Artwork


Meadowlark Restaurant, 5531 Far Hills Ave, Dayton OH, located in the Lamplighter Square shopping Center, is exhibiting a large selection of my images. The food is always wonderful, the service is excellent, the bar is friendly and the art is stimulating. Come out for lunch or dinner and enjoy the total package.
www.MeadowlarkRestaurant.com


Images up The Art Vault Gallery, Troy OH

Framed images from my botanical collection are now hanging at the Art Vault Gallery, 2 East Main St., Troy OH (at the main square). The gallery features the work of 40 artists displayed in a contemporary gallery setting. www.theartvaultgallery.com


Images Exhibited at CADC, Dayton OH

We installed new pieces at our exhibit in the CADC Gallery for the months of July and August.
CADC is located at 45 St. Clair St. (street floor of the St. Clair Lofts, in Dayton) at the corner of St. Clair and East Fourth Street in Dayton.


News and Notes July - August



Photos Exhibited at Meadowlark Restaurant Through October
Great food seasoned with McLarty Artwork


Meadowlark Restaurant, 5531 Far Hills Ave, Dayton OH, located in the Lamplighter Square shopping Center, is exhibiting a large selection of my images. The food is always wonderful, the service is excellent, the bar is friendly and the art is stimulating. Come out for lunch or dinner and enjoy the total package.
www.MeadowlarkRestaurant.com


Images up The Art Vault Gallery, Troy OH

Framed images from my botanical collection are now hanging at the Art Vault Gallery, 2 East Main St., Troy OH (at the main square). The gallery features the work of 40 artists displayed in a contemporary gallery setting. www.theartvaultgallery.com


Images Exhibited at CADC, Dayton OH

We installed new pieces at our exhibit in the CADC Gallery for the months of July and August.
CADC is located at 45 St. Clair St. (street floor of the St. Clair Lofts, in Dayton) at the corner of St. Clair and East Fourth Street in Dayton.






News and Notes May - June

"Botanica" at the Dayton Art Institute

Receiving excellent reviews from members and visitors to Dayton Art Institute who have viewed my "Botanica" exhibit in the DAI's Caf�. The exhibit, organized by the Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC), was developed to complement the contemporary Chinese Fiber Art exhibit titled Changing Landscapes which will be on exhibit At DAI through June 14. Check it out!



Major Group Exhibit in Cincinnati

I am part of a major group exhibit at Bromwell's Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio May 5 - July 14. Flora and Fauna is a sensory wave of delight featuring 10 artists who explore many narratives and structures inherent in nature. Linked by subject matter and iconography, but covering a diverse range of media including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and photography.






News & Notes: March /April 2012

Dayton Art Institute (DAI) Displays SignatureFocus Images

The Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC), in partnership with the Dayton Art Institute (DAI) invited me to display a selection of my work at the DAI from March 24 to June 17, 2012. The display aims to compliment a visually stunning exhibit of contemporary Chinese Fiber Art titled Changing Landscapes opening at DAI on March 24. Check out my work "Lux Botanica" in the DAI's Caf� when you visit the exhibit. Dayton Art Institute

"Lux Botanica" Exhibit Opens to Enthusiastic Audience in Cleveland

An Exhibit of my photographs opened at the Guren Gallery located at the Cleveland Botanical Garden in mid March. The exhibit runs through April 15. A fun experience. Great crowds, super venue and the chance to expose my work to a new audience.

       

Info: www.cbgarden.org / Tel 888-853-7091
Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle
11030 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106



Photos Installed in Two Ohio Hospitals

Four of my images were selected for installation at the new Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, Ohio that opened mid-February. The large photographs feature peppers and are located in the hospital's cafeteria. If you are in the area, check them out. They make a mouth watering collection. Supremes

Catherdral Two of my photos were selected for installation in the new addition to Miami Valley Hospital South, Centerville, OH. The images measure 50" x 70" and were printed on canvas. They make a memorable impact!








All art represented on these pages are copyright Doug McLarty 2006 - 2020 and cannot be reproduced without the express written permission of the artist.