A new dual exhibit at Carl Cherry sets paintings on paper next to pointillism.

They consider themselves “brothers from another mother.” The “brothers” are artists Rick Soto and Donald Lee Andrews. Soto has been splitting his time between Los Altos and Carmel, where he and his wife are fixing up a house and where he was introduced to the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts and its director, Robert Reese. He since has shown some of his art at the facility.

Now he is returning with more work and with his artist friend Andrews, of Salt Lake City, who is bringing his acrylic work along. They have titled the show Almost True Stories.

The exhibit consists of about 10 oil paintings on paper by Soto and about 10 whimsical acrylics on canvas by Andrews, who employs the 19th-century technique of pointillism, in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. Their respective work couldn’t be more different.

“I’m a storyteller,” Soto says about his pieces that often introduce writing into an image. “I called this series Almost True Stories because there’s a kernel of truth in each of the paintings.”

In his art, he refers to real events and important moments in his life, from confronting insomnia to the time he walked away from his successful graphic design business to explore fine art.

Curiosity is the driving force of his artistic life.

“Whoever said ‘curiosity kills a cat’ was a complete buffoon,” Soto says. “I’ve been very curious my whole life.”

He started with prints and lithographs in college, then experimented with blueprints. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art displayed his work when he was only 23 years old.

Andrews, in the meantime, has been teaching watercolor painting. In addition to the acrylic work he is showing in Carmel, he also does drawings, photography and ceramics.

“I always loved Don’s work,” Soto says, calling it “creative explorations.”

The exhibit is as much a showcase of their work as individual artists as a celebration of their friendship.

“We go back to college,” Soto says. And a line from their press release suggests they share a sense of humor: “Both graduated with degrees from CSU Fresno – shocking friends and family.”

Almost True Stories opening reception takes place 5-7pm Friday, Jan. 16. The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel. The exhibit is viewable until Feb. 21; open noon-4pm Wednesday-Saturday. (831) 624-7491, carlcherrycenter.org