WHAT: Don Bachardy's "Portraits of L.A. Artists" 

WHERE: Craig Krull Gallery, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Building B-3, Santa Monica, CA 90404

WHEN: September 10-October 15, Tuesday-Friday 10AM-5:3-PM, Saturday 11AM-5:30PM

WHY THIS SHOW MATTERS: You would be hard pressed to find more of an L.A. artist than Don Bachardy. Born and educated in the city of angels at the famed Chouinard Art Institute, which has since become the California Institute of the Arts, Bachardy's main subject for decades has been the movers and shakers of California. Known for his portraits of Hollywood stars, writers, politicians, and artists, his chunky, colorful brush strokes and refined draftsmanship have freeze-framed an entire generation.  

As a participating show in Pacific Standard Time, "Portaits of L.A. Artists" is an intimate view at the many artists that are being shown in other museums and galleries across the state. Bachardy has captured a youthful Chris Burden in the same year that his controversial performance piece "Shoot" rocked the art world. He tenderly draws a contemplative Robert Irwin in pencil and ink in 1964, the same year that his dot paintings hung at Ferus Gallery. David Hockney's portrait from 1970 is faintly drawn, maybe the artist's mind is elsewhere, thinking about the beginnings of his "joiners" series. George Herms is painted in ink in 1987, years after the close of Ferus, but his assemblage pieces had already made their mark. Let's not forget Ed Ruscha, who leans casually in a chair in his portrait, a decade after he burned LACMA. 

This show's importance is measured by the many great artists hanging on the galleries walls. As Pacific Standard Time kicks off, Bachardy's portraits turn back the clock.  

To see the works in Don Bachardy's "Portraits of L.A. Artists," click on the slide show at the left.