Santa Monica

The late L.A. Abstract Expressionist John Altoon was one of the most warmly regarded figures on the local art scene of the ‘50s and ‘60s and it takes but a glance at his work to understand why. One of the young Turks who made the legendary Ferus Gallery their clubhouse in the ‘50s, Altoon painted vibrant images that tempered the machismo de rigueur for artists of that period with a tenderness that set him apart from the rest of the boys. At turns a biting satirist and a love-struck dreamer, he invested his paintings with a benign sensuality that’s extremely comforting.

Dating from 1958 through 1968 (Altoon died the following year at the age of 43), and including works from his “Hyperion,” “Sunset” and “Harper” series, the selection on view underscores Altoon’s talent as a draftsman. Favoring heavy, organic shapes glutted with rich, earthy colors, Altoon holds one canvas after another together with his sure sense of line. Altoon’s drawing ability takes center stage in a series of 10 erotic images that make Eros the brunt of some rather silly jokes. Combining watercolor and pastel, these charmingly randy drawings skip across the page with the lighthearted glee of a Jules Feiffer dancer. (Tortue Gallery, 2917 Santa Monica Blvd., to Dec. 31.)