Alex Katz has always been uncompromising. This doesn't mean the 86-year-old artist, who started doing spare, stylized portraits when abstract expressionism was still the rage, doesn't do things like model for J. Crew or paint Kate Moss (he's done both). It just means he's consistently what he is: a straightforward draftsman with an always-recognizable hand and a penchant for pretty things. His big flower paintings — with yellow petals against brown or white against blue — are installed in the massive main gallery of 356 Mission's concrete-floored downtown space right now. They look more casual there, and probably more attractive, than they would in a more precious, white-walled room. 356 S. Mission Road, Boyle Heights; through July 6. (323) 609-3162

Every Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat., Sun. until July 6 @ 356 S. Mission Road