Untitled (Hibiscus), 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 8” x 10”
Untitled , 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 8” x 10”
Untitled, 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 4” x 4”
A hidden little gem in Rochester nestled in the middle of Highland Park, is the Lamberton Conservatory. Originally Built in 1911 and named after Alexander B Lamberton, the 1800 square foot houses a beautiful arboretum that specialize in many different species of succulents, cacti, and bromeliads, along with many varieties of typical plants. 90 plus years of Rochester winters tend to kick the ass out of any piece of meaningful architecture around here, so in 2007 the Conservatory got a complete rebuild.
Untitled, 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 2” x 2”
Monroe County allocated a million dollars for the reconstruction of the building. It was updated with all modern building materials to withstand the extreme temperature shifts outside while providing the proper humidity and climate for the plants inside. The original air vents and gutter systems were salvaged and refurbished to keep some of the historical integrity.
Untitled, 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12"
The Lamberton Conservatory serves as a great little respite, particularly in the middle of winter and you need a little bit of tropical humidity and greenery. I utilize places like this as a sort of artist’s “gym”. Places like parks and beaches give artist the opportunity to build creative muscle by way of interpreting landscape or object. Giving ten artists the same tools. scene or object, you’re going to get ten very different interpretations.
Untitled, 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 4" x 6"
For me, plants prove particularly interesting as an artistic exercise. As I imagine doing figure drawing or still lives can provide the same result. That is to scrutinize the little details of form, light and color in the most basic of syntax. To put my artistic interpretations and sensibilities to task, to articulate the visual language that’s taken most of my life to voice. The result may be a beautiful study or perhaps a solid standalone piece.
Untitled, 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 4" x 6"
Working from pictures I did this series of paintings in the spring of 2018. All of which are small scale. Ranging from 8” x 10” down to 2” x 2”. I have plenty of pictures that I’ve taken around the Conservatory, which will be eventually transformed into paintings or drawings in the future. I tend to go to the Lamberton a couple times a year. Once for tranquility and the other time in the dead of winter to get just a little taste of a tropical oasis. It’s always peaceful whenever I go. There’s plenty of benches to just sit and be. Very little chatter in the relative silence, just the white noise of the water features and cheerful chirps of the little kiwis that pepper the floor.
Untitled, 2018
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10"
If you’re ever looking to burn 90 minutes or so or just need some quiet down time, go to the Lamberton. If you need extra motivation, enjoy these paintings.