Cows, Bulls, and Yaks — paintings by artist Dean Hoornaert — are featured in June at the Portola Art Gallery in Menlo Park. His exhibit is a tribute to the wonderful world of cows. Cute and curious, awkward or ungainly, even menacing — these amazing animals have been part of human civilization for centuries. Dean’s works capture the unique qualities of these expressive creatures in their many settings.
A reception for Dean will take place on Saturday, June 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Dean grew up in the East Bay town of Concord, attended UC Berkeley in the mid-’80s, and earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Ever since, he has lived, worked, and raised a family in the South Bay. Primarily working in the medical device field, Dean’s ability to draw and visualize 3D shapes was particularly useful as a design engineer; however, it was not until an early retirement in 2016 that he was at last able to turn his attention to art.
Taking adult education classes and joining local painting groups, Dean developed an understanding of various drawing and painting mediums — watercolor, acrylics, oils, pastels, and charcoal. During the pandemic, he was able to keep his artistic brain engaged, working on dozens of portraits as part of online classes offered by John Peck, a local portrait artist and instructor. Nevertheless, landscapes and wildlife comprise the majority of Dean’s paintings.
Portola Art Gallery, located at the Allied Arts Guild (75 Arbor Rd.), is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
“Who Goes There” (oil on canvas, 2024, 24×37″) is one of the featured artworks in Dean Hoornaert’s June exhibit