Karen Hackett and Kevin Casey, the colorful co-owners of Pasadena-based Tirage Fine Art (One West California Boulevard), clearly enjoy presenting new works by their artists in batches, often creating bold, playful juxtapositions.

Their latest exhibition, which runs Saturday, April 18 through Sunday, May 31, is no exception, as the duo presents a three-artist exhibition featuring illustrator turned figurative scene painter James Crandall, Dutch and Flemish influenced classical still life artist M Kathryn Massey and ‘comer fine artist and Disney animator Eric McLean. The opening reception on Saturday runs from 4-7 p.m.

Always a treat to follow to see what he is up to next, California artist James Crandall, a sought-after freelance illustrator for the advertising industry, was inspired enough by a trip to his ancestral roots in Italy to create more than a dozen richly recalled figurative scenes of daily bustle and quiet times in and around Lucca, Tuscany. His work keeps getting better and better.

Channeling the Dutch and Flemish Masters and use of chiaroscuro (dramatic light against dark contrasts) as a primary influence, renowned painter, teacher and writer M Kathryn Massey has created a fresh batch of exquisite still life works in oil and pastel for the show.

A member of the creative team for several Disney animated features, Eric McLean slathers paints in such a thick and vibrant way that some of his brushstrokes might seem capable of fogging a mirror. For the exhibition, he has prepared a series of small, oddly endearing still life compositions, including already bitten “PB&J With Milk,” to a beckoning "Alejandra's Taquitos."

--Victoria Bors

Image caption: "Afternoon Break, Farmacia," James Crandall, oil on canvas 24" x 24"