Sometimes, a sampling of an artist's work is just not enough. That's why the Cannon Art Gallery has an annual invitational show.

"The invitational is a offshoot of our annual juried exhibition," explained Karen McGuire, curator of exhibitions at the Carlsbad gallery. "Then four or five years ago, we realized that juried shows are lively and fun, but they only show one or two works from an artist. With the invitational, we select a small group of artists from the juried show that we'd like to see more work from."

The last juried show featured the works of 26 artists. From that pool, McGuire chose four artists who will exhibit 10 to 15 of their works each. They are San Diego assemblage artists Joseph Bennett, San Diego architect David Fobes, Carlsbad painter Tara Smith and San Diego landscape painter Duke Windsor.

"These are four artists that made me want to see more of their work," she said, adding that selecting only four artists from this year's juried show proved difficult. "I like to always choose one artist who works three-dimensionally and, as painting is one of her first loves, a painter as well."

This show features two painters. Smith is a "homegrown talent," who grew up in North County, left for London and now has returned. Her works are abstractions of objects we see in everyday life. Her series "Monster Trucks" looks at the symbolism of man-made structures such a semi-trucks and gas towers.

"The way she distorts the objects makes you look at them further," McGuire noted. "She abstracts them by covering them with a milky white color that makes them appear almost ghostly."

Windsor's landscapes aren't of pastoral scenes, but the urban alleyways of San Diego, giving familiar streetscapes a twist. Each has a beachy feel to it, she said.

Bennett uses found objects to create cubism, surrealism and primitive art. The objects often evoke an emotional experience for the viewer.

"I love Joseph's work," said McGuire. "He finds new life in discarded items. These aren't pieces you would hang behind a couch, but the ones that have people looking close up."

Fobes teaches architecture at San Diego State University and he began creating images using duct tape as something to relieve the pressures of his job. Using the hard edges of different colors of duct tape, he creates images of modern buildings, furnished rooms and cityscapes.

"They look like they're done with paint, but when you look up close you see they're done with duct tape," she said. "They're painstakingly created."

All these artists have one thing in common: They make viewers look at everyday scenes with new eyes.

"That's what artists do," she said. "That's what makes it a great show."

"2009 Cannon Invitational"

When: Opens Sunday and runs through Aug. 16; hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays

Where: Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad

Admission: Free

Info: 760-602-2021

Web: www.carlsbadca.gov/arts