Renaissance by Renee Emanuel

Renee Emanuel. Wonderful paintings. I am enthralled by her still life paintings. I love this tablescape. This painting would brighten up any wall, wouldn’t it?

Zinnias & Plums, Owls Head by Renee Emanuel

I think the looseness in this painting is so wonderful, the perfection of the shadows, wonderful colors in the bouquet and the great lime colors of the leaves. Not to mention a beautiful view out of the window!

Read Renee’s Bio and be sure to check out her website:

Renée Emanuel, a native of Northeast Pennsylvania, graduated summa cum laude from Marywood University with an MFA in Painting. She creates colorful paintings in acrylic, watercolor and casein that celebrate her strong connection to the land and the still life objects that evoke an interior landscape. 

She also loves to share her passion for painting with her students. For the past six years, she shared a director position at ArtWorks Gallery and Studio in Scranton PA with her husband and fellow artist Bill Teitsworth. They both have been inspired by the ArtWorks special artists who they mentored in watercolor and acrylics. Currently, she co-teaches plein-air workshops with Bill in Pennsylvania and in Rockland, Maine. They’re planning to offer more opportunities this coming year at their studio in Moscow. Additional information with Bill on their classes and on her work can be found online at www.etstudioart.com. (Click HERE to read the Bio on Renee’s website in full)!

If you’re in the Pennsylvania area be sure to check out Renee’s work at the Misericordia Unviersity – The Pauley Friedman Art Gallery through April 23, 2016!

A GOLDEN MOMENT

So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.
T. S. Eliot 

Whether it’s the tapestry of the natural world that calls her, or the beautiful patterns and relationships in her still life, Renée believes that painting can be a meditative state, opening up to both observed reality and her inner landscape. She feels that the image that is created from a point of stillness is transformed by that experience into something new. Paintings for her remain in flux and are characterized by the addition of objects, patterns and aspects of nature that sometimes appear in her work without premeditation on her part. A certain synchronicity seems to happen and the right combination of “stuff” comes together to express something that she often finds surprising.  The artist echoes the words of the painter Grace Hartigan, “I cannot expect even my own art to provide all of the answers –– only to hope it keeps asking the right questions.”

This exhibit is a survey of still life done over the course of the past 16 years with an emphasis on more recent work. Selections of cherished objects sometimes make repeated appearances and claim a kinship with the natural world she explores in her landscape painting. The promise and perfection of eggs, birds, feathers and shells evoke her love of nature. She’s becoming more and more interesting in bringing the outside in and the inside out, and in marrying still life and the landscape. She painted still life on the rocks at Lucia Beach in Maine and feels it’s a direction she’ll continue to pursue.

About her work she says, “It’s a great blessing in my life. It’s helped me to face cancer last year. I want to explore things that are essential, elemental and magical through my work. It feeds the soul… It’s what keeps me painting, still!

Pretty cool that Renee shares her studio with her husband, Bill Teitsworth (hence the website ETStudioArt.com)!

All images via ETStudioArt.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Apple Tree by Elise Schweitzer  29×22″ Oil

Elise Schweitzer. Wow. Elise paints with joie de vivre! Her paintings are fresh and lively. This apple tree painted against a strong blue sky is mesmerizing. Everything about her paintings from the composition to the fabulous colors just makes each and every painting STUNNING!

Skydiver Landing by Elise Schweitzer 108×72″ Oil

Elise paints a story. Her skydiver series is remarkable. Different landings, each unique. Just look at how much is going on in this painting. I could look at it all day. Oh the stories I could come up with! Great movement from each and every person. I am blown away!

There was a fabulous interview done by Painting Perceptions with Elise in 2013. Click HERE to read it! Fabulous!

Read a bit about Elise, and by all means, check out her website:

Elise Schweitzer is an Assistant Professor of Art at Hollins University. She received her MFA in Painting at Indiana University Bloomington in 2009 and her BFA from University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia in 2006. 

In her exuberantly large paintings people instigate or react to actual and metaphorical upheaval. “Parachute Suite,” her most recent complete body of work, depicts a moment of crisis when a skydiver crash-lands in a contemporary backyard. The action plays out through multiple canvases, showing the moments before, during and after the crash. A woman rushes to help, and a man searches the sky. Other characters bundle away the parachute or attempt to fill it with air. People react with frivolity, concern or irritation, and like a Jungian dream, all the characters are forms of self-reflection. 

Images and Bio via EASchweitzer.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Office by Jeff Bye  20×32″  Oil

Jeff Bye. I could look at his paintings forever. Jeff has a unique ability to portray everyday scenes with a splash of the abstract! There is so much to look at in this painting and every bit of it is so well done. Stunning!

The Pantry by Jeff Bye  17×20  Acrylic

Another favorite (and let me tell you, there were many – it was a dilemma trying to pick two!) is The Pantry. I love the angles, the strokes, colors, light, subject. Check. Check. Check. Another fabulous painting!

On Jeff’s website the paintings are separated into categories, here is a quick run down of some of the categories… be sure to check it out!

Urbanscapes: These paintings show the grittiness of city living, you can feel the flow of traffic, noise, and true living…

Airports: Jeff captures the hard-to-believe act of flying with perspectives on the ground and in the air, from in the plane and outside of it. Each is fabulous and makes you want to hop on the next flight!

Narrative: These paintings have depth and emotion.

Rail: Jeff captures one of the older and efficient forms of transportation depicting true authenticity of the surroundings.

Animals: These paintings show animals with a sense of their reality.

Read a bit about Jeff, from his website:

Jeff is originally from Long Meadow, Massachusetts. From an early age, he showed a talent for rendering still lives and landscapes. Because visual communication always interested him, he decided to pursue art after graduating high school.

Jeff entered the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for his undergraduate studies, where he discovered his passion for the human figure. Jeff spent a year in Rome, Italy through RISD’s European Honors program where he studied classical art and architecture.

After RISD, Jeff continued with his graduate studies at the New York Academy of Figurative Art. His formal education exposed him further to the works of artists like Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard and Lucian Freud, whose styles influence his work to this day. Also while in New York, he was able to focus his attention further with the figure while taking advantage of New York’s vast cultural resources.

Jeff currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. He is part of galleries in NY, Boston, & Maine. His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally and is part of collections all over the world.

All images via JeffBye.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Gratitude by Sara Linda Poly  36×48  Oil

Refined. That’s what I would call Sara Linda Poly’s landscapes. They have a clean, beautiful quality to them. The colors in Gratitude are stunning and that streak of light – WOW!

Early Moonrise by Sara Linda Poly  20×20  Oil

I love this painting – there is a sweetness to it, I think the composition is so nice and that moon! Whoa!

Are you looking to take a workshop? Look no further, check out Painting Skies and Dramatic Light – Workshop begins SOON… April 2-3, 2016, click for more info!

Read a bit about Sara, from her website:

Born in 1945 and raised near Philadelphia, Sara Linda Poly has spent many years living, traveling, painting and teaching in the US,  Europe, and Mexico.  Known for her sweeping skies and landscapes, she has been the winner of numerous awards and has participated in many local and national shows and plein air competitions. Currently a full time painter and instructor, she lives and maintains a studio in Easton, MD. 

All images via SaraLindaPolyStudio.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Winter Shadows by Nancy Romanovsky  9×12″  Oil

Nancy Romanovsky. Wonderful work. I think it’s so interesting how each artist interprets snow. Each a bit different. I love the colors in this painting, the shadows, the dark trunks and the light on the tree trunks. Wow. Just beautiful! Nancy’s paintings are wonderful – check her out!

Check out the EVENTS on Nancy’s website, there is an event going on now at the Scottsdale Art School – this show runs through February 27th, so if you’re in the Scottsdale, AZ area, check it out!

Event Dates: 1/8/2016 – 2/27/2016
Reception: 1/8/2016  4-7 PM
Location: Scottsdale Artist School
Phone Number: 480-990-1422
Address:
3720 North Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Website: http://scottsdaleartschool.org/

She also has an event coming up in March/April – Note the date of the reception… It’s no April Fool’s 😉

Event Dates: 3/25/2016 – 4/28/2016
Reception: 4/1/2016  6-9 PM
Location: The Olney Gallery at Trinity Cathedral
Phone Number: 623-826-9912
Address:
100 W. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: http://trinitycathedral.com/?page_id=203

Read a bit about Nancy, from her website:

Nancy, a native Arizonan, began oil painting at a very young age. She studied art at Arizona State University and privately with several artists and at the Scottsdale Artists’ School. In 2012, Nancy left her career in graphic design and marketing to pursue painting full time.

Her paintings are held in corporate and private collections in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Hungary, and Italy. She is a member of the Oil Painters of America and Women Artists of the West. 

Artist Statement

I discovered my passion for painting at a very young age. I love the process of starting with nothing and creating something uniquely beautiful and honest. I paint landscapes and explore the quiet essence of being in nature. Aspens are a key element in this theme of dappled light and abstract shapes of reflective color. The groves capture individual differences of each tree while depicting the stand as a cohesive colony, as a brotherhood. My chosen medium is oil, with variety of brushwork, thick and thin, loose and detailed. It gives me the opportunity to portray the breadth and scale of nature. My love of hiking fills me with constant ideas for visual nourishment of paintings yet to come.

Thank you Nancy for submitting your website – I have so enjoyed featuring your work!!

All images via NancyRomanovsky.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Along the Lake by Michael Clark  16×24″  Oil

A fantastic use of color that really makes the light shine! (LOVE that green!) I think the abstractness of the grass is nice against the shapes in the water. The reflections are beautiful!

Ranch Near Fruita by Michael Clark  16X20″  Oil

Wonderful shapes, colors, distance, clouds – very nice!

Read a bit about Michael, from his website! If you have a minute read through Michael’s bio. I love it when an artist mentions mentors, fellow artists, who they’ve taken workshops from, etc. It helps you to relate to their work as an artist.

Michael Clark is a painter focused on capturing the world around him. From summer afternoons by the beach to evening sunsets in the mountains, Michael travels all over to capture these effects on canvas. 

Raised in Michigan, Michael moved to Texas after receiving his BFA from Kendall College of Art Design. While in Texas Michael continued with his focus on landscape painting exhibiting his work in several galleries in Michigan and Texas. He also traveled extensively through the U.S. painting en plein air. In the summer of 2010 he took an extended trip through the western states spending a month residing and painting in  Hood River, Oregon. That trip resulted in over 50 plein air works painted in states from  Washington to Colorado. 

After the passing of his father Michael decided it was time to take his passion to another level and set off on a journey to study with some of the best artists in the country. That journey led him to Chicago for a summer at the prestigious Palette and Chisel Academy of Fine Art.  After  the intense study in Chicago (painting a minimum of two head studies a day) he decided to move to  Denver, Colorado. He chose Denver for its closeness to nature and the access to study with some of the finest painters in the country. 

Michael currently is a class monitor for master painter, Joshua Fallik, at the Art Students League of Denver where he continues his studies in painting and drawing. He is inspired by artists such as John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, Rembrandt, Nicolai Fechin and the many of the Russian Impressionist.  He also is influenced by many contemporary painters like Richard Schmid, Skip Whitcomb, David Leffel, Clayton Beck III, Dan McCaw and Quang Ho. 

 Michael is the back to back Best of Show winner at the Paint the Town competition in Marble Falls, Texas and has won several other awards and honorable mentions. He is an associate member of the Oil Painters of America and a member of the American Impressionist Society. 

All images via MichaelClarkFineArt.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Weigh In by Mary Michaela Murray  20×30″  Oil

First I would like to mention that I have changed the theme (layout-wise) of this blog to have images larger. However, that appears to sacrifice all the “widgets” on the right hand sidebar (search, categories, top posts, etc.) – I am working on it, if that cannot be resolved I will switch back to the previous layout. Just a little info for ya!

Continuing on the Artist to Watch Series (relatively new to this blog) is an emerging artist with great style and some really nice paintings. Her name is Mary Michaela Murray. This painting looks like it could be the original for a farmer’s market poster. You know the ones, they’re always so wonderful!. Great shadows and color!

Cut Up by Mary Michaela Murray  30×20″  Oil

I have to say, I love when you buy one and get two free! Buy one painting and get the two paintings within the painting! These paintings of paintings are fabulous – Great job. I love seeing paintings of art supplies, paintings, etc. A peek into the artist’s world!

Read a bit about Mary, from her website:

Color moves me, and at once, arrests me—a sunny lemon on a cool blue tabletop; a punch of pink against a neutral gray vase; a patch of grass jumping from the purple shadows. These things compel me to stop, take notice, and breathe. I paint to recapture these moments.

Humble objects and ordinary scenes from my daily life inspire me to linger. It might be an oddly shaped spaghetti squash, the cyan of ceramic bowl, or a simple can of tuna on a counter. From these mundane snapshots I engage the objects, arranging layered relationships between figure and ground, light and shadow, color and value. This is when the fun begins, when I get “out of the way of myself” to freely interpret what is before me, and by tilting planes, jacking colors, skewing perspective, add drama to images we see every day.

In the end, it is not about mirroring what I see but sharing the pleasure I have in looking and lingering.

All images via MaryMichaelaMurray.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

I would like to thank Mary for submitting to my website – what a treat, I hate to think I could have missed an artist!

If you are an Artist (or Emerging Artist) I welcome you to submit your website for a possible ARTIST TO WATCH future feature.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Under the Veil by Paulette Insall  20×16″  Acrylic and Mixed Media

Paulette Insall. An abstract artist from the Portland, Oregon area. Her website is fabulous, and when you read about her, you’ll know why. A lot of work went into it, and it shows off her paintings beautifully. I love the orange color beside the greens in this painting. Nice with the movement and color!

Walk with Me by Paulette Insall  20×20″ Acrylic and Mixed Media

What is it about orange tones and me? I love them. Next to this blue – whoa! Very nice. Love the layers. Paulette has many paintings, be sure to check them out!

Read a bit about Paulette from her website (I love this Paulette!):

So this is where I fill you in you in on the “mission” behind my work….the reason why I paint. Well, fully expressing this in words is quite a challenge, so I’ll start off with a quote I found years ago from artist Georgia O’Keeffe… “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” …so with that in mind, I’ll make an attempt at putting it into words….

My artistic process is about connecting….to my soul, my spirit, and God. My paintings are depictions of my soul’s landscape…….a visual record of my emotions and inner wordless dialog while engaged with the work, my spirit, and my Creator. Much like therapy, the creative process serves as a vehicle for reflection, transformation, and healing…letting what is deep inside, out. It also enables me to immerse myself in the Spirit, which brings me boundless joy and peace.

Much of my inspiration comes from nature and music….I find that both of these create a strong emotional response in my soul. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I am surrounded by a never ending wonderland of lush green forests…..and when the sun hits the tree covered hills….well it truly seems like I live where heaven meets earth. In my paintings, you can see the influence of the music in the flow of my brushwork and the influence of my surroundings in the palettes and compositions.

My hope is when you engage with my art that you will be brought into the present moment and you will see yourself in the work in some way…..that it opens a conversation with your soul….and starts a process of reflection…

…reminds you that you are surrounded by beauty and joy and wonder no matter your circumstances…

…that you are loved by your Creator…

..and that you are never, ever alone.

All images via PauletteInsall.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

If you are an Artist (or Emerging Artist) I welcome you to submit your website for a possible ARTIST TO WATCH future feature.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

December Path by Robert E. Buchanan  5×8″ Watercolor

Robert E. Buchanan does amazing things with watercolors. December Path is a nice, loose painting. I really like the moodiness of this painting. The sky is so typical of a sky seen in December, isn’t it? Great shadows!

Geometric Mood by Robert E. Buchanan 18×27″ Watercolor | Private Collection

This is another fabulous painting, Geometric Mood. Look at the detail. Quite different from the looser painting above. I love them both. I love the shadows in this painting, it makes it come alive!

Read a bit about Robert, from his website:

The work of Robert E. Buchanan reflects his love of nature and design. His goal is to create extraordinary images from everyday experiences and places. Whether working with watercolor, oil or acrylic, Robert’s work shows a mastery of technique and expression. Light, atmosphere and mood are key elements in all his paintings. His award winning portraits exhibit likeness as well as beautiful composition. 

Born and raised in Norristown Pennsylvania, Robert E. Buchanan received his M.F.A. from Syracuse University. His work is in the Harley-Davidson Museum and he has received over 75 awards for his paintings. Numerous magazines and books have showcased his paintings. Robert’s work is in prominent collections all across the United States.

All images via RobertEBuchanan.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

If you are an Artist (or Emerging Artist) I welcome you to submit your website for a possible future Artist To Watch post!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Summer Finale by Dorothy Woolbright  14×11″  Oil

Dorothy Woolbright has some beautiful old world type paintings. I love those beautiful browns, especially with the pop of color from the sunflower. Very nice!

Be sure to check out Dorothy’s website and her blog!

Read a bit about Dorothy, from her website:

While her career path has led her to teaching and publishing, she has continued in her spare time to pursue her passions of drawing and painting.  Her award winning work has garnered recognition as Best of Show and Director’s Choice in several art shows locally and nationally.

Dorothy’s method of study continues to be a combination of studying the masters’ works, taking workshops and lessons, and keeping her drawing skills sharpened by attending weekly life drawing classes.  Dorothy prefers to paint and draw from life and she has studied painting still life in oil at the Scottsdale School of Art under Daniel Keys, Jean Chambers, and Kathy Anderson and landscapes in oil under Kathryn Stats.  She has continued her study with Qiang Huang and portrait artist, Anna Rose Bain.

She is grateful to her teachers, Kelli Folsom, Dennis Parker and Judy McCombs, whose influences have inspired her to continue her creative path. 

Dorothy lives in Oklahoma City close to her children and grandchildren and travels extensively for creative inspiration and adventure.    

All images via DorothyWoolbright.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

If you are an Artist (or Emerging Artist) I welcome you to submit your website for a possible ARTIST TO WATCH future feature.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Dreaming by Craig A Carlson  30×24″  Oil

As you may notice, I have created a new artist-type post that I will pepper in with my regular artist features. A while back I added a page to my site for artists to submit to be featured, they can choose whether they are an “emerging artist” or “artist”. It has opened my eyes to artists I may have otherwise missed. Are you an artist that would like to be featured? If so, see the ARTIST Submissions page, select if you are an Emerging Artist or Artist, and send me your website and email address. It’s that easy. No submitting images (but you do need a website). I look forward to featuring many more in the upcoming year – these will be “Artists to Watch”/”Emerging Artists to Watch”!  I am excited! The talent that is out in this world is truly amazing!

I think this painting “Dreaming” is so wonderful. This woman truly looks like she is lost in thought. The face, the hair, all so fabulous. Wonderful light in this painting. Be sure to check out Craig’s website!

I see that one of his portrait mentors is Ray Kinstler. I have featured him in the past, he’s a wonderful man and an extremely talented artist! A fabulous mentor for sure! Thank you Craig for submitting!

Read a bit about Craig, from his website:

Craig Alan Carlson has been painting original commissioned portraits  and figurative work in oil since 1985. He has an impressive client list of over 1000 portraits. He is always intrigued with trying to capture the essence of the person whom he is painting.

A native of Chicago, Carlson studied commercial art at Western Illinois University and continued his education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and the Art Students League in New York city. He has been represented by the top portrait agencies in the country. His portrait mentors include  distinguished artists Joe Bowler, Ray Kinstler, John Howard Sanden, and Michael Del Priore.

In his commissioned portraits and his gallery pieces, Carlson seeks to accomplish “enough detail to satisfy, but not bore the viewer.”Always intent on refining his painting techniques,he is intrigued with the variations and applications of color to achieve the most realistic skin tones and lifelike features. “I just love painting people, portraits and figurative work. Nothing excites me more than trying to capture the essence of a person with soft light or sunlight illuminating them. I like doing landscapes and still lifes, but doing a painting with a person in it is really makes me come alive!”

Carlson has won first and second place in the Alabama National Fair and a Purchase Award at the South Carolina State Fair.

All images via CraigACarlson.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!