I-5 Sunset by Rita Pacheco  6×6″ Oil on Panel

Rita Pacheco. Nice paintings! Very painterly! I love her brush strokes, colors, and the wonderful vibe that comes from them. Who would think sitting in traffic could be so pretty? The power lines add a nice touch… and other than the wonderful colors in the sky, I love, love, love the brake lights!

High Tide by Rita Pacheco  – 20″ x 24″ oil on linen

Isn’t this fabulous? Can’t you just hear the water? By the looks of the flag there is a nice breeze, ahhhh, nice! Feel the warm sun hit your face… See all the emotions a painting conjures up? THIS is why art is so amazing!

You simply must check out Rita’s website, there are truly so many wonderful paintings, you don’t want to miss it!

Read a bit about Rita, (info from the artist):

Rita Pacheco is an award winning plein air and studio oil painter, residing in Carlsbad, California. She began her formal training at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and continued her education with classes an workshops from other prominent figurative and landscape painters. Rita spent several years in restaurant and hotel design, creating technical drawings and architectural perspective renderings. Today, she is a Signature Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, an Artist Member of the California Art Club. She also maintains membership with and has been juried into several Oil Painters of America Exhibits. Rita is represented by Hillside Fine Art, in Claremont, CA and the Crystal Cove Alliance in Newport Beach, CA.

All images via RitaPacheco.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Nude in Blue V by Jacob Dhein – 20×18.5″ Oil on Panel

Jacob Dhein. Stunning paintings. Different. Realistic. Abstract. What a cool combination! Jacob has quite a story (as you will read below). I think his work is incredible! Check out his website to see more of his work!

Read a bit about Jacob, from his website:

Jacob Dhein was interested in art as a child. Crayons and colored pencils were his tools of expression. He spent hours intricately crafting drawings of comic book heroes and animals. By the time he graduated from high school, one of his drawings was exhibited on the wall of a local bank. It wasn’t until he was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh that he decided to take a drawing class. He found this so compelling that he continued with sculpture and painting. During this time he met several accomplished and influential artists who encouraged him to pursue a career in art. Tc Farley, his advisor and sculpture professor, taught him about the struggle and dedication one needed to succeed as an artist. Li Hu, his painting professor, showed him the professional side of the art market and what he needed to do if he wanted to paint for a living.

In 2006, Jacob graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Painting and Sculpture. He worked for several years after graduation, although still continued with his artwork, mainly doing portrait commissions. During this time he took workshops to enhance his skills with painters whose work he was interested in. After two years, in 2009, Jacob dedicated himself to painting full time. Upon reflection he realized that there were missing elements in his artwork he needed to explore if he were ever to reach his goal of mastering the medium. He searched for a school that had a renown faculty that excelled in the area of representational painting. He decided to get his Masters of Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco that he completed in 2013. In 2014, Jacob started teaching drawing and painting at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.

All images via JacobDhein.com, used with permission…

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Lucky by Jane Oriel
18×14″ Pastel on Paper

Oh. My. Gosh! Precious doesn’t begin to describe this painting of Lucky! This sweet dog in combination with that wonderful wallpaper makes a heart stopping awesome painting! The colors all blend perfectly – what a sweet face! Jane has a real knack for capturing the innermost feelings of these beasts (I say that lovingly)!

Lux, Presto & Chico by Jane Oriel
24×36″ Oil

Another painting, this one is in oil. The wonderful rug, the three happy dogs just chilling out! Are you looking to have someone create a wonderful pet portrait? Look no further! Click HERE for more information regarding Jane’s portraits, prices, etc…

Read more about Jane, from her website:

Jane Oriel’s work can be found in many private collections and has been exhibited in solo and group shows nationally, for over 25 years. While living in NYC in her twenties, she studied at The Art Student’s League, Parson’s School of Design and The School of Visual Arts. After working as a Graphic artist for many years, Jane moved to Woodstock, NY where she started to exhibit her work and gain confidence as a painter. Her work continues to lead her to many different projects.

In addition to editorial illustration, private commissions, large scale public art and graphic design, she has created art work for many non-profit and community organizations, including many animal rescues.

“Creating artwork is where I feel most alive. It requires every part of my concentration. It forces me to trust that where I end up is meant to be.”

All images via JaneOriel.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Fat of the Land by David Cheifetz  –  12 x 24″ Oil on Panel

I love orange! Look at how that orange just makes this painting stand at attention! The entire painting has so much interest, from the light and shadows to the unique background. I love the combination of realistic and abstract. That bit of orange that follows to the vase – STUNNING! David’s paintings are unique – be sure to check them out!

Read a bit about David, from RS Hanna Gallery website:

David Cheifetz (pronounced “chay-fits” or “high-fits”) was born in the Pacific Northwest in 1981. A former architect, David started learning to paint with oils in the fall of 2007 while attending the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore, and in 2009 made the transition to full-time artist. David currently lives in Palo Alto, CA with his wife, Yasmine.

Images via DavidCheifetz.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Ralf Feyl. I have been in a conundrum trying to select a few paintings… Truly, Ralf’s paintings are so good that I want to show you every single one, but thankfully you can click on the link at the beginning of this post to be directed to his website where you can peruse to your heart’s content!

Ralf’s water is captivating. It’s like sitting on the back side of Monhegan watching the waves crash against the rocks. There is something spiritual about this. I could sit there all day long, lost in thought… the sound of the ocean is so peaceful! So are Ralf’s paintings!

I think the graceful lines of the boat against the abstract background is just beautiful. There is a sereneness to this painting.

Lovely! You’ve got to check out Ralf’s website… Stunning work!

Read a bit about Ralf, from his website:
First generation German roots and a midwestern upbringing provided Ralf Feyl with a strong foundation and sharp instincts. Born in Chicago in 1970, Ralf was immersed in the world of hand work, his father being a master carpenter and his mother, a seamstress and tailor. Observing his parents’ crafts, Ralf became attuned to detail, delicacy, and design. At the American Academy in Chicago, Ralf studied with the beloved and respected Bill Parks. He then traveled east to study in Connecticut at the Lyme Academy and became deeply inspired by the mysterious borderlands of the coastal area and the people who inhabit it. Once in New England, Ralf found the influence and stimulation he needed. In 1992 Jeff Cooley of the Cooley Gallery offered Ralf his first exhibit, where he has been represented ever since. Ralf has over twenty solo exhibitions to his credit, and his work is found in hundreds of private and corporate collections across the globe, including Deutsche Bank, Frankfurt; Boeing, Chicago; Swedish Trade Council, Stockholm; and Pfizer Inc., New York. Ralf Feyl resides in Maine where he continues to paint. At times elusive and at times familiar, Ralf creates a plurality of feelings that keeps the viewer engaged and curious.

All images via RalfFeyl.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Christmas at the Farm by Phil Starke

16×18″ Oil

Phil Starke. Look at the incredible light hitting this painting! I love the stone fireplace. I like the composition of this painting… by having the view come from below looking up at the house is cool – it adds interest! It’s different. I love different!

A winter painting in summer? Yep! Ever hear of Christmas in July? With the temps in Charleston, SC right now (well, it is summer!) looking at a painting to cool off is rather appealing!

Phil has a blog (Between the Palette Scrapings – great title!) that is full of wonderful information, I highly suggest it! Check out his website for workshop information, videos, books, etc.!

Read a bit about Phil, from his website:

Phil Starke began to show an interest in art from the time he lived in Germany as a young boy while his father was in the military.  He studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.  Inspired by the instructors at the Academy, Starke changed course from his aim at the advertising world and developed a passion for oil painting.  It was upon graduation from the American Academy of Art that he decided to plunge into the profession of fine art.

From the Midwest, West and Southwest, Phil has continued to be inspired.  Each season and each region has its own color palette and unique landscape.  From landscape to figures, and plein-air to studio painting Phil continues to find inspiration in his work.

Choosing to share this passion and inspire others, Phil also teaches workshops, helping others develop their own individual talent.

All images via PhilStarke.com, used with permission…

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Dreama Tolle Perry. Wonderful flowers. Beautiful colors – Dreama’s paintings make you feel good, don’t they? Dreama excels at colorful paintings with such nice soft brush strokes!

Interested in a workshop? Dreama has many scheduled! Check it out! Dreama’s website is full of info for artists and collectors alike!

A sampling of paintings by Dreama!

Read a bit about Dreama, from her website:

I’m Dreama.  I’m an artist and writer.

I was 30 before I picked up a brush.  50 before I began writing. To read more, click HERE.

Are you interested in taking a workshop? Dreama has many scheduled throughout 2015-2016, check out the workshop schedule!

Images via DreamaTollePerry.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

At the Marina by Joanne Hanson – 24×18 Oil on Panel

Joanne Hanson. Wonderful! I love the subtleness of the mountains in the backdrop, the shadows of the masts of the sailboats in the rippled water, as well as the shadow of the mountain – whoa! The dark navy of the boat on the right really seems to anchor things. The boat shadows are splendid!

Read a bit about Joanne, from her website:

Even though she was from an artistic family, except for high school art classes, Joanne Hanson did not paint.  Her sister, Adele Earnshaw, an artist for 30 years, finally convinced her to come and be her helper at a workshop she was teaching in Tuscon.  As it was April, which can be muddy and cold in Colorado, and as it was warm in Arizona, Joanne consented.    Adele didn’t get much help in that class, because as soon as Joanne picked up the paintbrush, she was hooked.  Since then, she has taken classes at the Art Student’s League of Denver with Kevin Wechbach, Rob Gratiot, Ken Valastro, Kim English and Michelle Torrez.  She has studied with Chris Morel in Taos, Tim Deibler in La Veta Colorado, Carol Marine in Sedona, AZ, Jill Carver, in Rico, Colorado, Larisa Aukon of Scottsdale AZ, and of course, is learning constantly from her first and best mentor, her sister Adele.  
Visit Joanne’s blog, titled “On Becoming an Artist”

Joanne’s artwork is available at Arts Alive Gallery in Breckenridge, Colorado, the Cornflower Boutique and Gallery in Frisco, Colorado, The River’s Edge Gallery in Alma, Colorado and the Blue Goose Gallery in Chester, CA.  She also participates in shows at the Framed Image Gallery in Englewood, Colorado.

Joanne is a member of the Women Artists of the West and Plein Air Artists of Colorado.

Image via JoanneHansonArt.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Peggie Blizard. This is a crystal clear painting with the happiest of colors. I love the water line in the jar, and those flowers… oh, I want to reach out and touch them. Beautiful. Just look at the light on that leaf on the right. Perfection!

Sweet pansies in a jar – these paintings are so crisp – the colors really pop.

Read Peggies BIO from her website (what a story!), also see her Artist Statement!:

The need to create art must be inborn or else the leftover remnants of a life lived in another time when art was a profession in great demand, requiring large numbers of workers to decorate churches and palaces. As this professional demand no longer exists, I have often wondered where my own overpowering need to paint comes from. 

I was born in rural North Carolina, in a small town called Rockingham. The practice in those days was for babies to be born at home, which would have worked had it not been a cold, snowy January morning. The doctor, on his way to our house, found himself in an ice storm too challenging for his driving skills and as luck would have it, he wrecked his car and was not present at the occasion of my birth. My paternal grandmother was there, thank heavens, because I presented myself to the world feet first, doing just the opposite of a normal birth. That has been my lot in life ever since. 

As a child, that story was told to me so many times, I must have thought that I was expected to take the less traveled path. Another story I was told was that shards of colored glass lying about on the ground would catch my eye, and I would pick them up and take them to my mother. I have often wondered how I managed that without getting injured. My fascination with color was very strong even at that early age. 

And I drew, all the time, on any surface I could find, including the ground. This rural setting in North Carolina was my home until I graduated high school. From there, I went on to East Carolina College (now a university) and majored in art education, thinking this would be a safe career choice. But I only taught one year of art in the public schools after graduating. 

I married Larry Blizard, a fellow artist, and we moved to New York City, seeking fame and fortune. My education continued in the city at Art Students League, Pratt Graphics Center, and finally at City College, where I earned a Masters Degree in Art. 

But the most important part of my education came from going to museums, galleries, associating with fellow artists and from trips to ancient cities in Europe. Over the years, while raising two sons with my husband, I worked at many different and diverse jobs to earn a living: Secretary, Benefits Specialist for Ciba Geigy, pattern maker in the garment district of NYC, gallery owner, children’s art teacher, fashion teacher at Marymount College (now defunct), became a landlady, and once in a while, sold a painting. And that’s where I am at this point. Painting. Every day and very happy to be doing it.

Peggy is represented by the Anderson Gallery (St. Simon’s Island, GA) and the Shain Gallery (Charlotte, NC).

All images via PeggieBlizard.com, used with permission…

Until tomorrow…

Dean Mitchell. EXQUISITE. Watercolor paintings can be so refined, can’t they? Look at the level of detail. The shadows really heighten the interest on this piece. So lovely!

This man looks so content. Relaxing on his porch. Again, the detail amazes me. The face, arm and hand are perfection. I know hands are hard to get right, and Dean has them down. I don’t think there is a thing in the world this man cannot paint (and excel at)!

Read a bit about Dean, from his website:

Dean L. Mitchell was born 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and reared in Quincy, Florida.  He is a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio.  Mitchell is well known for his figurative works, landscapes and still lifes.  In addition to watercolors, he is accomplished in other mediums, including egg temperas, oils and pastels.

Mitchell has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, American Artist, Artist Magazine, Fine Art International and Art News.

His art can be found in corporate and museum collections across the country, including: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri; Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, Mississippi; Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis, Missouri; Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri; Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas City, Missouri; Beach Museum of Art, Manhattan, Kansas; The Autry National Center, Los Angeles; The Arkansas Art Center, Little Rock, Arkansas; Gadsden Art Center Quincy, Florida; Canton Museum of Art, Canton, Ohio and the Library of Congress.

He has received the American Watercolor Society Gold Medal, Allied Artist of American Gold Medal in Watercolor and Oil, Thomas Moran Award from the Salmagundi Club in New York, Remington Professional League, and for three years in a row the Best in Show Award from the Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Competition.  In 2004 and 2007, he received the Autry National Center Award for Watercolor at the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and sale.  Mitchell is a member of several professional societies, including the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society. 

Dean L. Mitchell is represented by Astoria Fine Art in Jackson, Wyoming, E&S Gallery in Louisville, Kentucky, J. Willott Gallery in Palm Desert, California, and Medicine Man Gallery, in Tucson, Arizona.

All images via DeanMitchellStudio.com, used with permission…

Until tomorrow…

Catherine Kehoe. What a cool painting style she has! Just look at these vivacious green grapes! This is a looser version of a Cornelius De Heem painting, I love it!

Who doesn’t need to see a glimpse of Frosty the snowman after the high heat that summer has provided us so far? Growing up our first house had a basement, and if we had a Frosty (we didn’t) stacked near a window I’m quite sure it would look like this. What an interesting combination of things to paint!

I love the basement window, orange jacket, hoola hoop, ha ha… a happy painting for sure!

Read a bit about Catherine Kehoe, from her website:

Catherine Kehoe was born in Hartford, Connecticut. 
She received her BFA in painting from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 1989 and her MFA in painting from the School of Visual Arts, Boston University, in 1992.

Kehoe has received the following awards: Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Foundation Grant; Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant; Berkshire Taconic Artist’s Resource Trust Grant; Massachusetts Cultural Council Finalist Grant; Blanche E. Colman Award; St. Botolph Club Foundation Grant, and the Sam and Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts Award. 

Kehoe is represented by Miller-Yezerski Gallery, Boston, where she has had several solo shows.  

Kehoe has been a visiting artist at Swarthmore College, Salve Regina University, Rhode Island College, Colby College, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Indiana University, Boston University School of Visual Arts, and Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.

Kehoe teaches painting and drawing at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has also taught painting workshops at Art New England (a summer workshop program of Massachusetts College of Art and Design at Bennington College), The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill,  the Washington Art Association, Cullowhee Mountain Arts, and at JSS in Italy, Civita Castellana, a program of the Jerusalem Studio School.

Images via CatherineKehoe.com, used with permission…

Until tomorrow…

David Dewey. WOW. WOW. WOW. This painting blows me away. I find paintings that are painted so dramatically different are absolutely stunning. They catch my eye and hold my attention. The composition in this painting paired with the WOW blue of the sky and the captivating height of the house just make me want more. Look at those shadows. Perfection!

The detail in the woodwork… Exquisite!

David provided this information about the painting:

Tall Windows comes from a series of large scale architectural watercolors produced from a number of painting trips to San Francisco in the mid 80’s. Tall Windows and others from that San Francisco period marked the beginning of my Iconic Architectural works that came to an end around the later 90’s. It has been stored by me since it was painted and never shown in New York. All others were sold into collections throughout the US. It’s one of those things artist’s do with special works – at this point now, it is available.

Are you interested in taking a watercolor workshop? Well, if you are going to be in the Owl’s Head, Maine area either July 20-25, 2015 or September 10-14, 2015 you may be in luck! Click HERE for more info! If a workshop isn’t in the cards, David has written a wonderful book “The Watercolor Book”, see more below…

Read a bit about David, from his website:

Image via DavidDeweyWatercolors.com, used with permission…

Until tomorrow…

Ironstone by Karen Tusinski – 30×20″ Oil & Graphite on Canvas

Karen Tusinski. Bright, happy paintings.  Wow, what a statement they make! It’s fun to find artists with a whimsical, fun style!

Poppies are a personal favorite and hers have spunk! Also see her pebble strew beaches with tranquil sees and more. I love how she provides links (they’re on the right) to click on to see the different magazine articles – and photos! Great to see the images in a room… Like I said, WOW!

Oranges No. 9  –  48×48″ Oil & Graphite on Canvas

Bright, happy and a stunning accompaniment to any room! The 48×48″ size commands attention!

Read a bit about Karen – from her website:

Tusinksi subscribes to the natural contrast found in our world. Geometric and organic form play together in each piece, combining in an energized abstraction. Common themes include bright poppies in a variety of color schemes, pebble strewn beaches with tranquil seas, and reoccurring circular patterns in both abstracts and expressive still lifes. Tusinski’s work offers pleasing tonal relationships through common motifs and patterns inspired by nature. Her keen observation of the seemingly ordinary allows the viewer a new lens to hold against everyday images, from horizon lines to buds to bowls.

Image via TusinskiGallery.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Unique! Janice Sugg has a great eye! She makes her paintings jump out at you and become so very interesting. I really like Janice’s paintings, and this is no exception. I love how the background colors show through. You’ve got to check out her abstracts and other paintings… they are fabulous!

Also, kudos for a great website design! So important! Love it!

Read a bit about Janice from her website:

I have recently relocated to Illinois from Colorado, where I was an accomplished artist for more than 25 years. My painting style builds imagery using layers. My method interleaves textures, blending color with subjective atmosphere. I paint using unpredictable palettes—a spectrum of color that often challenges well-worn clichés (the sky is blue, the land is green, etc.). The resulting layers are successively wiped and refined revealing a composite of underlying design—the result of colorful swathes of braided paint unfolding and enfolding the values within the palette. The surprising use of color has become a distinctive attribute of my work. My newer work pieces together the fragmentary; the broken; the partially concealed; a delicate improvisation; contrasting and blending modern urban life and landscape. When I organize the space in my compositions, horizontal banding and chromatic impressions built from the landscape often come into play. Soft blues, greens, golds, and whites inspire peaceful contemplation. The small squares at the bottom or the top can become as a “door”—a way to enter or leave the paintings. The increased scale of my newer work and the use of metal as a painting surface is a journey into the canvas as a continuously changing field. I am exploring the urban landscape, experiencing and studying its symbolism. My work is an exercise in personal exploration; a preparation for journeys related to inner mind. That is, a balance of empowerment and meditation, often without using recognizable symbols, encouraging the viewer to respond emotionally to abstract shapes, conceptual colors, lines and layers.

Image via JaniceSugg.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

WOW! is right… I have an affinity for trees against a very blue sky. I can’t help but take photos of them. Not sure why, they’re striking I guess, and this is no exception. You can just feel how tall that tree is. Love the clouds! Such a nice painting!

Look at this light! This painting stood out to me for that very reason. The light highlighting the cacti – whoa! The nice light on the mountain tops and the soft wispy clouds all around. So nice! I love that he painted the cactus with the sun hitting the back. It gives the painting such nice contrast. Check out his website. Wow!

Read a bit about Mitch, from his website:

As a representational painter Mitch believes that painting is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us. He is devoted to the traditions of the late 19th century artists who looked to the figure and nature for inspiration regarding light, color, and design. Seeking out this inspiration, Mitch works directly from life to capture the qualities and nuances of natural light and color harmony. He has a strong conviction that great artistic communication depends on good draftsmanship, design and vision. His artistic desire is to “portray a positive visual statement and hope the viewer will experience what I see and in some sense be inspired, uplifted, or moved by my painting, whether it is of a small intimate setting or a grandiose subject.”

Mitch resides in the desert southwest in Mesa, Arizona with his wife Emily and children Siena and Spencer. He is a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America and is also a member of the American Impressionist Society and Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters.

All images via MitchBaird.com, used with permission…

Catch you back here tomorrow!