La Peña presents "Essence", an exhibit of paintings that convey essential aspects of the human being and his environment by Monterrey, Mexico artist Barbara Fernandez. The show will be on display at La Peña Gallery and runs from August 5 th thru September 2 nd with the opening reception taking place on Friday, August 5 th from 6-8 pm.

Barbara Fernandez has been in contact with the arts all her life. She studied graphic design in Arte A.C. in Monterrey N.L. Mexico. Afterwards she founded an art school called "Arte y Forma" for children as well as adults. The art school was a great experience for her because she learned along with her students, especially with the children because of their spontaneity and freedom. She received great satisfaction in seeing their incredible art that was full of color and to be able to instill a love of art in them.

Barbara's art reflects the essence of the human being and his surroundings, from the moment he first appeared in the world to modern days, his evolution and his unlimited and fascinating mystery. She considers man the greatest art creation. The work can be interpreted differently by each person since everybody has their own inner universe. What Barbara considers important is that the artwork transports everyone into their own interior world. She is always interested in the formal qualities of form and its relationship to space, searching for balance and harmony. The colors that are present in her work tend to be warm earth colors. There are always organic and mineral elements because color and textures refer to man's environment within the universe.