Toby Tover

Everyday life 'clip shots' have held a fascination for me. Satire, humor and personal isolation are strong threads that weave themselves throughout the figurative work. The images have been processed through my own personal visual filter. I paint the genre of "human/social condition narratives" which come from my absorbing interest in movies, theater and personal or documentary photography.

Nostalgia is a component of the vintage-based work. Nostalgia in Greek literally means "the pain from an old wound". It's a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. I paint what I feel: you do not have to feel as I do..that you get some emotional reaction from what I create is all that matters... whether it be laughter or a knowing connectedness.

The Divas, painted in acrylic, have one characteristic in common--they all are women with attitude. Displaying a fierce boldness with an undercurrent of intrigue that often turns introspective, they cannot be overlooked, or ignored. The Divas are in our face and we, as viewers have to confront them. Once seen, these images are hard to forget, perpetuating the ultimate diva feminine mystique. I try to capture my subjects in a moment to ensure that this moment will become timeless.

Education
San Francisco Art Institute (A.C.E.) 2006-
Semi-private instruction 2003-2006
U.C. Berkeley Extension Painting–– 1999 - 2009
U.C. Berkeley/ U.C.L.A. – B.S. Business with Art History minor – with Honors

Solo Exhibitions
* 2023 EPPERSON GALLERY, Crockett, CA
* 2018 BENCIA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Benicia Ca.
* 2017 ARTS BENICIA PRESENTS, Gallery 216 First., Benicia,
* 2013 ARTS BENICIA PRESENTS, The Rellik, Benicia, CA
* 2012-13 COMMONWEALTH CLUB San Francisco, Ca
* 2012 Gallery 621, Benicia, CA
* 2012 JORDAN REALTY: Toby Tover-Krein Benicia CA
* 2006-20 C’ERA UNA VOLTA Ristorante & Galleria- Alameda,
* 2011 ARTS BENICIA PRESENTS: TOBY TOVER,
* 2011 MILL VALLEY ART COMMISSION -
* 2009 CONTRA COSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CTR,
* 2009 J. HETTINGER INTERIORS. Danville, Ca
* 2009 CALIFORNIA MODERN GALLERY San Francisco, Ca
* 2008 BENICIA LIBRARY GALLERY, Benicia, Ca
* 2008 NAPA COUNTY LIBRARY – Napa, CA
* 2008 MILL VALLEY ART COMMISSION –
* 2006 METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION CENTER -
* 2006 ARTS BENICIA PRESENTS: Toby Tover-Krein– U.S. Bank, Benicia CA
* 2002 SANCHEZ ART CENTER – Pacifica, Ca

Selected Juried Group Exhibitions 2000 – Present
2023 "Figure" EPPERSON GALLERY, Crockett, Ca
2022 "Gems V" ARTS BENICIA GALLERY, Benicia, Ca
2022 “In My Backyard,” GEARBOX GALLERY, Oakland, Ca
2022 “Salon at the Triton 2022” TRITON MUSEUM OF ART. Santa Clara, Ca
2022 “I Figure” ARTS BENICIA GALLERY, Benicia, Ca
2022 “On The Strait...