July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Igniting Imagination: Westside Artist Featured in New Exhibition

By Libby Lancaster

 

The art of Maureen Tepedino will be celebrated in a new exhibit entitled “Imagination: Art that Speaks to You” at The Upper West restaurant in Santa Monica on April 22, from 4-7 p.m. The restaurants hosts artist receptions open to the Santa Monica community every three to four months. The artist will be in attendance.

A Westside resident, Tepedino has frequented the restaurant and is excited to exhibit her work at the Upper West. In addition to being a painter, she is also an interior designer. “I love to paint…painting is my passion and whenever I have the opportunity and time permits, I paint!” Tepedino works in mixed media, along with acrylic and watercolor paints.

Tepedino has been painting since childhood where she grew up in Jamaica, W.I.

“I was always fascinated with art and attended museums from an early age,” the artist said.

To this day, Tepedino said she enjoys visiting museums. “There’s so much incredible works of art to see and learn from,” said Tepedino. “I was recently at The Museum of Contemporary Art – downtown Los Angeles and was moved by Jackson Pollock’s Painting ‘Number 1.’”

Tepedino was originally introduced to Jackson Pollock’s work as well as Vincent Van Gough when she was in her teens, but said she still continues to be intrigued by their work. “I identify with Jackson Pollock’s style and admire his creativity and ingenuity!” she exclaimed.

Imagination is one of the works set to be featured in the exhibition. “This painting Imagination is hugely inspiring as I equate it to people, particularly children, knowing that they are not limited in their beliefs and potential. I personally believe that in life, if we use our imagination along with a strong belief system towards things that we desire, we can create and reach our full potential!”

Tepedino said she doesn’t generally work in series: “However, I do have a few groupings of paintings that specifically go together.”

The work to be shown at The Upper West is a compilation of images. “They all have different names and represent different concepts and intentions,” Tepedino explained, adding that her inspiration and creative process comes from within.

“When I am inspired to paint, I select the colors I want to use and the images I have in mind and let my creative juices flow! My work is definitely eclectic and comes strictly from my original thoughts, feelings and experiences,” she said.

As a former musician, her artwork is inspired by contemporary jazz, reggae, classical music and the blues. Tepedino’s imagery is often appreciated by interior designers, who she collaborates with, along with art consultants, architects, contractors and more.

The opening reception for “Imagination: Art that Speaks to You” takes place Sunday, April 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Upper West restaurant, 3321 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90404.

Enjoy wine and appetizers at the event and meet the artist. Find out more about Maureen Tepedino on her website. www.designbymaureen.com/

Additional information can be found about this event on the restaurant’s website at www.theupperwest.com.

Artist Maureen Tepedino at her studio.
Family Gathering.
Maureen Tepedino, Family Gathering, Acrylic on Canvas, 60 X 48
Imagination.
Maureen Tepedino, Acrylic on Canvas, 36 X 72
in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...