The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is thrilled to present the vibrant and movement focused works of Zrondeb, a local artist whose paintings capture the essence of Ventura County’s coastal beauty. This special exhibit titled, Fluid Moments, Visions of Ventura County's Coastal Jem's will be on display through January 20, 2025, and invites visitors to explore the ocean’s ever-changing palette through Zrondeb’s unique perspective.
Meet Zrondeb: A Journey from Beachcomber to Artist
Zrondeb was born in Ventura County and has always lived very close to the beach and the Channel Islands Harbor. He loves the ocean and the beauty of our local islands. While on the beach, he has commented many times to his family and friends about the ocean’s many color changes, wave formations, cloud perspectives, water reflections and so on. They have on many occasions told him that he talks like a painter.
Artistic by nature, Zrondeb started painting just recently when he and a group of friends went to a “paint and wine night” at a local establishment, this was the first time he got to goof around with acrylics on canvas. Even though he did not have the experience, vast array of paints, nor the time to do anything of any real detail, this class sparked his desire to dive deeper into the medium. He liked that the paints they used were water based and easy to clean up. Most canvas works he had previously seen are painted in oil and Zrondeb thinks that oil paints are just too messy for him, the fumes are bad and clean up requires petroleum based thinners and other nasty things. “People have been known to dispose of these chemicals improperly and they could end up in our storm drains. This would in turn dye all the dolphins and fish weird funky colors and that is just wrong.” - He joked.
Having found that acrylics alone do not behave like he wanted, he started using tempera paints as well. You all remember tempera paint? It’s what we grew up with in grade school. They are environmentally friendly, safe paints. Sadly tempera paints have always been dismissed by the art world as cheap craft paints for kids or high school posters. Zrondeb personally finds them very rewarding. They act like both acrylic and watercolor simultaneously and cause zero harm to the body and the environment. So Zrondeb began his journey.
Fluid Moments: A Tribute to our Local Coastal Beauty
This year’s exhibit theme, "Fluid Moments," is an ode to the breathtaking vistas of Ventura County’s beaches and the majestic Channel Islands. Each painting reflects Zrondeb’s deep connection to the coastline he calls home. From tranquil seascapes to dynamic depictions of ocean waves, his works invite viewers to experience the serene yet powerful allure of the Pacific.
Remarkably, Zrondeb’s artistic journey began with a simple desire to decorate his home with art celebrating local coastal landscapes. Unable to find works that met his vision, he took matters into his own hands, teaching himself how to translate his love for the ocean onto canvas. What began as a personal challenge has blossomed into a collection that resonates with art lovers and beachgoers alike.
Visitors can follow his creative process and explore additional pieces on Instagram: @Zrondeb
About the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Located in the heart of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, CA, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of maritime history, art, and culture. Founded by the NElson Maritime Arts Foundation in 1993, the museum’s mission is to preserve and share maritime heritage, highlight our relationship with ocean ecology, and showcase maritime-related creative expressions.
The museum features an extensive collection of maritime art and ship models spanning over 3,000 years, offering a unique journey through the history of seafaring. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating exhibits, educational programs, and events designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Make your visit to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum a day to remember. Explore the captivating world of Zrondeb’s "Fluid Moments," and discover the timeless stories of the sea through our collections and programs. For more information and to plan your visit, go to cimmvc.org. And to keep up to date with our latest happenings follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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