Classic twist

Elliott Fouts Gallery presents Joanne Tepper's still-life paintings

“Red Pears & Bird” by Joanne Tepper, oil on panel.

“Red Pears & Bird” by Joanne Tepper, oil on panel.

Where: Elliott Fouts Gallery, 1831 P Street; (916) 736-1429; www.efgallery.com.
Second Saturday reception: May 10, 6-9 p.m.
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Through June 5.

Joanne Tepper paints in the classic still-life style: fruit and other objects on a tabletop, in the center of the image. And her paintings are certainly well-executed. But it's when Tepper deviates from the formula that her works on canvas and panel really shine. Behind a softly lit blushing pomegranate is a view of clouds at sunset, or a bird perched on a rusty-hued pear—a nice twist on the theme.

Deborah Bonuccelli also shows with Tepper at Elliott Fouts Gallery this month.