Fabulous Fakes exhibit in Naperville give artists freedom to copy

One of the more amusing pieces in theNaperville Art League’s latest “Fabulous Fakes” exhibit is as impressive for its title as the painting itself.

“Klimt Eastwood” is a watercolor portrait of Clint Eastwood in the style of Gustav Klimpt. The painting is on display with about 40 others in one of the art league’s most popular exhibits, which will remain on display until March 2.

Debbie Venezia, executive director of the Naperville Art League, said member artists have really embraced the opportunity to re-create the work of other artists and improve on them.

“They can add their sense of style or sense of humor,” Venezia said. “They put a little bit of themselves in it and come out with some really great pieces.”

The league hosted an opening reception Sunday, though the paintings have been up for a few weeks already.

A version of “The Scream,” originally painted by Edvard Munch, shows one of the figures in the background holding a sickle, representing death even more forcefully.

Then there’s the piece by local artist Gary Brown called “Mondrian Unleashed.” Like “Klimt Eastwood,” it is not a copy of an existing painting. Brown’s piece includes colors crossing over Piet Mondrian’s standard geometric, balanced designs with visible, dynamic brush strokes.

Venezia said when the organization was first considering the “Fabulous Fakes” idea, she figured artists wouldn’t be interested. She has been proven wrong.

“The artists really enjoy the challenge because it’s difficult,” Venezia said.

“They’re very comfortable creating things in their own style but when they have to look to someone else, it’s a learning and growing experience.”

The exhibit is on display at the Naperville Art League gallery, 508 N. Center St., Naperville.