By John Chambless
Staff Writer

The gallery at Bookplace in Oxford is packed with more than 40 colorful paintings by Judith Robb this month for her solo show, “Eye To I.”

The vibrant palette and lively spirit of the works reflect a quirky artistic style, and there are several charming pieces in the show, which is roughly divided into portraits, animals, and scenes of Robb's travels in Mexico and elsewhere.

The portrait “Mayan Woman” captures the striking profile and something of the spirit of the sitter, and “Cigar as an Accessory” shows the attitude of the subject, who has a cigar clamped in her mouth and sports an exuberant hat and necklace.

Among the larger works, “New Shoes” shows a woman perched on a stoop, looking down at a vividly patterned skirt and yellow high heels. It's an interesting composition that leads your eye to the focal point.

Robb's street scenes in Mexico are rendered with thickly applied paint, and the scenes bristle with well-chosen spots of color and texture.

Among the animal portraits, there's one of Robb's dog, titled “A Good Dog,” that has a striking blue color and admirable presence. And Robb's view of an Arabian-style saddle is an interesting composition that, again, shows her strong use of color.

The overall spirit of “Eye to I” is celebratory, as the artist's love of faces and brightly colored clothing fills the walls of the gallery.

“Eye to I” continues at Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) through Oct. 10. The gallery and bookshop is open Friday through Sunday. Visit www.bookplace.com for more information.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].