Category: ART

Featured Artist (and a big congratulations) to MARC HANSON!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

“Right or Left?” by Marc Hanson (Image: MarcHansonArt.com)

A BIG congratulations to Marc Hanson for having his painting grace the cover of the November 2012 issue of Southwest Art magazine! It’s no easy task to land the coveted cover spot of a well known magazine, and lets just say, it is so well deserved. I follow a lot of artists, and I have to say when you mention Marc Hanson’s name, other artists are quick to compliment. Everyone loves this guy. Great guy… great painting… jeez! “Right or Left?” was awarded the Bronze Medal at the OPA (Oil Painters of America) National Exhibition in Coeur de Alene, ID in 2011.

“Right or Left”? Great title. I love creative titles and this is a good one! Where to start? This painting is amazing on so many levels and on each level it blends perfectly to make one snazzy painting! Obviously, that ball of fire where the sunlight is hitting the trees in the distance is nothing short of MIRACULOUS! The deep shadows with a few *poofs* of light peeking through, that gorgeous light in the distance, the FABULOUS color of the sky and all the little details orchestrated so perfectly. Congratulations Marc!

What a great article by Southwest Art! You can read all about Marc in this article written by Rosemary Carstens:

For Landscape Painter Marc Hanson, Art Is Everywhere His Travels Take Him

Fabulous article, wasn’t it?!!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… John Cook!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Shetland Team” by John Cook

I saw someone comment on one of John Cook’s paintings on Facebook… and I had to check him out! Wonderful work! I like the way that he applies the paint to his canvas. It has such texture, which is quite nice in a painting that has a lot of texture to it! Those deep shadows and the light on the mane… very nice!

“Juxtapo Chicken” by John Cook

How is this for different and interesting? Nice use of color to catch your eye… and the composition… nothing like a birds eye view, eh? Unusual and fabulous! I have the feeling of being in another country looking out over the city… I guess with the chicken in the window? Ha ha… Check out John’s website as well as the different galleries that he’s in. Very nice!

Read a blip about John from the Whistle Pik Gallery website:

Lewisville, TX – Action and energy permeate the canvases of John Cook. There is a spontaneous nature to his paintings that conveys his need to quickly achieve the essence of light as it dances, pierces, careens and bounces to find its way throughout the subject. By drawing with brush rather than pencil, Cook achieves the loose and free style that characterizes his work. Never belabored, each painting reflects his passion to catch a mood with the interplay of light and shade. 

John was born in Dallas, Texas and attended school at the University of Texas at Arlington and the Art Center School in Los Angeles, where he received a Bachelor of Professional 
Arts Degree. He married his loving and supportive wife, Jean, in 1970 and has two children. John is also a proud “Papa” of three grandchildren. A deeply spiritual and devoted family man, Cook insists, “Painting is not the most important thing, but I consider the ability to pursue painting for a living truly 
a special gift and blessing from God. I regard Jesus, God’s Son, the most important being in my life!”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images: WhistlePik.com

8th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 20-27, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

“Railroad Crossing” by Colin Page – Image: ColinPagePaintings.com

The 8th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival starts tomorrow, October 20-27, 2012! Click HERE for all the info you need! There are many wonderful artists participating. Artists like Colin Page (above) and Cindy Baron (below). I can’t imagine being the judge amongst all that talent!

“Canyon Overlook” by Cindy Baron – Image: CindyBaron.com

Here’s a little blip about the festival, from the Sedona Plein Air Festival website:

SEDONA PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL is an homage to the spirit and innovation of the great French Impressionists whose paintings were based on the belief that ‘you should trust your eyes’ to capture the beauty that surrounds you. As with the old masters, contemporary plein-air artists paint from life in the out-of-doors (en plein air), capturing moments in time that reflect the ever-changing colors, light and shadows, temperature and shifting elements. The art form requires stamina, focus, and the ability to be completely absorbed in the work regardless of what Mother Nature is throwing at them. There is no setting more perfect than Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon in late October to find vibrant, unexpected scenic beauty. It is truly an artist’s paradise.  Thirty award-winning artists, selected from among the best of the best, have accepted invitations to participate in this unique artistic showcase. They are coming from all over the United States to spend eight days painting en plein air, and to share their incredible talent and unique experiences with this challenging art form.

Here are the 2012 participating artists… wish them all luck!

2012 Festival Artists

Larisa Aukon (Arizona)
Mike Bagdonas (California)
Cindy Baron (Rhode Island)
Joshua Been (Colorado)
Gavin Brooks (Maryland)
Aaron Bushnell (Utah)
Betty Carr (Arizona)
Bill Cramer (Arizona)
Linda Dellandre (Arizona)
Tracey Frugoli (Illinois)
Bruce Gomez (Colorado)
Lois Griffel (Arizona)
Hai-Ou Hou (Maryland)
Peggy Immel (New Mexico)
Becky Joy (Arizona)
Shelby Keefe (Wisconsin)
Mike Kowalski (Washington)
Robert Lewis (California)
Tom Lynch (Illinois)
Kath Macaulay (Arizona)
Larry Moore (Florida)
Betsey Nelson (Arizona)
Colin Page (Maine)
Susan Pitcairn (Arizona)
Maggie Renner Hellmann (California)
Dave Santillanes (Colorado)
Loriann Signori (Washington D.C.)
Linda Sherman (Arizona)
Susieheyer (Colorado)
Williamson Tapia (Arizona)
Kathryn Willis (Arizona)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Peter Fiore!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Chosen” by Peter Fiore (Image: PeterFiore.com)

I love paintings depicting light… always have. The colors are so vibrant in this painting. Even though its cold out, you can feel the sun hit your back as you face the tree… nice and warm, (now if that warmth could reach down to your feet, right?)! This is a great moody piece. To me it looks as if the snow arrived early, while there is still a little color left in the trees. There are a few nuances that I think make this painting… the subtle thin reddish orange twigs/branches towards the bottom on the right as well as around the sun spot. It grabs my attention. Way to go Peter!

How wonderful to live in an area where you truly have seasons. I miss that. We have a brief bit of color in the trees, but nothing that makes you say oooooh/ahhhhh! However, our winter weather (usually) makes up for it in spades. I am thrilled that its finally cooling down, we made it through another summer! I firmly believe it’s a few of our snow scenes that help us get through… ha ha…

One more painting of Peter’s to share with you… entitled “Going Home” (Image: PeterFiore.com):

Note: Peter Fiore is part of an exhibit called TIMELESS EXPRESSIONS. The art of Peter Fiore, Dan Beck and Marc Hanson. Three FABULOUS artists! It’s at the RS Hanna Gallery, and is going on through October 31, 2012. If you are anywhere in the vicinity I would make a point to stop in to see their work. The RS Hanna Gallery is located in Fredericksburg, TX!

Here’s a blip about Peter from his website:

Peter Fiore is an american landscape painter who is best known for painting light and his striking use of color. His landscape paintings are widely collected and are in many corporate and private collections. He has won a number of awards, most recently first place for landscape in the Art Renewal Center’s Anuual Salon as well as receiving a Grand Prize in the America China Oil Painters Artist League (ACOPAL) competition. He has been featured in an assortment of publications including Fine Art Connoisseur as an “Artist to Watch” and has recently been name a “Living Master” by the Art Renewal Center.

Peter was born in Teaneck, NJ in 1955. He studied at Pratt Institute and the Art Students League of New York. Previously, he worked as a professional illustrator where he collaborated on thousands of projects. He has been on the faculty at Pratt Institute, Syracuse University and presently teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Peter has given numerous guest lectures and workshops on painting. His work is represented in prestigious galleries across the country. Peter lives and works along the Delaware River in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Artist’s Statement
I am interested in making the simple profound, always searching for that universal moment in the world around us. I draw inspiration for my landscape paintings from many places, but most of it comes from the fields and meadows near my home in rural Pennsylvania along the Delaware River. I used to think that I had to travel far to find interesting motifs, but now I just walk out my door and it’s all there.

The abstract marks that I make are used to interpret nature’s tangle. Making visual sense and constructing order by structuring shape, form, tone, color and rhythm to create a palpable reality.

I like to visit a motif over and over again. I am especially drawn to the winter landscape. It is a time when the earth loses its leafy covering and reveals it’s true self. Covered in snow, the world reflects light and creates a spectrum of colors that are both dramatic and beautiful.

The true subject in any of my paintings is light and how it defines and endlessly changes the landscape around us. For me, light is more than a visual tool, it is an emotional subject. It is through the manipulation of light – how it falls, changes, sculpts, colors and creates various moods on a subject – that intrigues and inspires me.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Dan Schultz!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Looking Below” by Dan Schultz – Image: Gallery 1261

The light in this painting is absolutely incredible. The way the sun touches the snow… lovely. The sunlight on the top of this woman’s hair and on her hood STOPPED ME IN MY TRACKS. The wonderful light coupled with the shadows on the snow makes for one beautiful painting! The artist is Dan Schultz. “Looking Below” is part of the Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition at Gallery 1261 in Denver, CO (say that three times fast!). That is going to be one fabulous show… if you’re in the Denver, CO area I would be hightailing it over there if I were you! If, like me, you are no where near Colorado, check out Dan’s website (as well as the gallery)… you won’t be disappointed!

Read more about Dan, here’s a blip from his website (which is wonderful by the way, this is just a small amount of information meant to tease you into checking it out for yourself). Lots of info, workshops, publications and on and on!

Biography

Dan Schultz (b. 1975) has been selling his artwork through commercial galleries across the United States for more than ten years, but made the enterprising decision in 2011 to move his family from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and to open his own gallery in Ojai, California. He was eager for the ability to present his work in a more unified way and to personally interact with his clients. The change also gave him the chance to paint the beautiful California landscape and to enjoy the close-knit community of Ojai with his wife and young son.

Schultz’s work is built on the tradition of classical representational art. In order to enhance the connection that occurs between artist, subject and viewer, he often chooses a color scheme that is simple and harmonious—always catching a strong sense of light. His ultimate goal is for his work to convey his belief that God uses the beauty of his creation to communicate with us.

Schultz’s fine art career has been a somewhat unusual journey. Growing up in a small town in eastern New Mexico during the 1970s and ’80s provided little exposure to the world of art, galleries or museums. He had no family members who worked in the arts although his father’s aptitude as an accomplished guitarist and amateur woodcarver was certainly an influence. High school, after a family move to Colorado in 1988, brought the first real art instruction to Schultz and the opportunity to compete in a state-wide art competition. One of his drawings received the first place award his senior year and went on to bring him the same award at the national level. As a result, he decided to study commercial art at Pensacola Christian College in Florida which gave him a strong foundation in the fundamentals of representational art through the program’s focus on illustration and graphic design. After graduating with honors, Schultz took a graphic design job back in Colorado and painted portrait commissions in his spare time.

Two years later, Schultz discovered Cottonwood Artists’ School in Colorado Springs and was soon invited to join the teaching faculty as their youngest instructor. The other instructors at Cottonwood were the first to inspire Schultz to pursue fine art and encouraged him to exhibit his work in shows and galleries while continuing his graphic design. Schultz married in 2004 and the next year was able to begin pursuing fine art full time.

Schultz has received recognition for his exceptional paintings of figures in the landscape, plein air landscape and portraiture. Southwest Art magazine featured Schultz’s work in its September, 2004, “21 Under 31” article. He received the First Place award in the 10th Annual American Impressionist Society National Show and has received top awards from the Art Renewal Center, the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters, the Portrait Society of America and Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. He is a signature member of the American Impressionist Society and an artist member of the California Art Club.

With the help and support of his wife Sarah and son Ian, Schultz’s journey continues as he searches for the special connection that art can provide between the Creator of the universe, the beauty of our world and the living soul.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

14th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational… begins SUNDAY 10/14/12!

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

Looks like a beautiful place to paint, doesn’t it? Phew, I would imagine these plein air events are lots of work. Lots of painting, not a lot of sleeping. The competition is fierce. The days are long, but this is a group of artists that can take this kind of pressure. I wish each and every one of you luck. If you’re in the area head on over! This event begins on Sunday, October 14, 2012.

Here is a blip from the Laguna Art Museum’s website:

Each year forty of the nation’s top plein air landscape painters compete for prestigious prizes and participate in week-long festivities including public paint outs, environmental awareness activities, and educational events during the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. There are many opportunities for you to watch these artists in action including the Quick Draw Paint Out on October 14, the Laguna Canyon Foundation Paint Out on October 16, the Paint Out at Crystal Cove on October 18, and the Outdoor Artist Demonstrations on October 19. Or you may just happen to see an artist in action around town throughout the week! There are also many opportunities to meet the artists in person during the Meet & Greet Reception on October 14, the Collectors’ Soirée on October 20, and the Public Art Show & Sale on October 21. Click here for a complete list of events.

Click HERE for contact information…

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Ebrahim Amin (Laguna Beach, CA) Debra Huse (Newport Beach, CA) Scott Prior (Oceanside, CA)
Jacobus Baas (Laguna Beach, CA) Mark Kerckhoff (San Juan Capistrano, CA) Camille Przewodek (Petaluma, CA)
Gavin Brooks (Owings Mills, MD) Thomas Jefferson Kitts (Portland, OR) April Raber (Laguna Beach, CA)
John Burton (Carmel, CA) Paul Kratter (Moraga, CA) Ray Roberts (Angels Camp, CA)
Larry Cannon (Sonoma, CA)
 Peggi Kroll-Roberts (Angels Camp, CA) Frank Serrano (Montrose, CA)
Hiu Lai Chong (Rockville, MD) Greg LaRock (Newport Beach, CA) Jeff Sewell (San Juan Capistrano, CA)
Josh Clare (Queen Creek, AZ) Joan LaRue (Tucson, AZ) Randy Sexton (San Francisco, CA)
Rick Delanty (San Clemente, CA) Calvin Liang (Corona, CA) Michael Situ (Irvine, CA)
Ken DeWaard (Viroqua, WI) Kirk McBride (Berlin, MD) W. Jason Situ (El Monte, CA)
Robin Hall (Capistrano Beach, CA Clark Mitchell (Cotati, CA) Bryan Mark Taylor (Lafayette, CA)
Carolyn Hesse-Low (La Jolla, CA) Larry Moore (Winter Park, FL) Jove Wang (Alhambra, CA)
Darrell Hill (Kameula, HI) Michael Obermeyer (Laguna Beach, CA) Jim Wodark (Orange, CA)
Jeff Horn (Costa Mesa, CA) Billyo O’Donnell (Eureka, MO) Jeff Yeomans (San Diego, CA)
  Morgan Samuel Price (Altamonte Springs, FL)

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… David Kasman!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

David Kasman painted the Johnson House (Monhegan Island, Maine) – amazing! Hangs in our “Monhegan room”!

Several years ago Fred and I were on Monhegan Island, Maine… we walked into the Lupine Gallery  (love that gallery!) and saw this painting by David Kasman. We had an immediate response to it… both of us. Music we don’t always agree on, but art… we both love the same thing, and this was it. It had that wonderful looseness that in my mind is so difficult to achieve… and it held a great memory. For those of you familiar with Monhegan, the Johnson house sits at the top of Horn’s Hill past the Novelty on the left hand side. The views from this cottage are breathtaking (what I’ve seen photos of, we haven’t stayed there… )

This year, after hiking we were sitting on the porch at the inn. An artist set up an easel overlooking the wharf/buildings looking toward Manana. I was thrilled to watch someone paint… I did manage to get a few photos of David. From watching him paint I can tell you this man is focused. He has an absolute plan. Nothing appears to happen by chance. Every move… deliberate. I can see the slight Sovek looseness in his paintings that I adore so much. Very unique! All I could think the entire time he painted was WHO ARE YOU?!

David was a joy to watch paint. After he was finished we spoke to him. What a nice guy! I cannot say enough good things! I highly encourage you to check out his work, it’s on display at the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan, as well as other galleries, check his website for details! It’s fabulous! David started out in sculpture, which is a feat in itself. A sculptor, an artist… jeez, some people have the talent, but let me tell you, he wasn’t sitting on the porch relaxing… he was PAINTING!!

Here is another painting… of fishing boats in Provincetown…  (Image: DavidKasman.com)

Here is one of the public sculpture’s he created (Image also DavidKasman.com):

The description from David’s website: “Resurgence”, viewed from Harvard Street, Harvard Square, unveiled on June 11, 2011. This piece marks the 25th Anniversary of Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre and honors its founder, Jose Mateo. While not overtly religious, it is intended to exude a positive, spiritual effect on those who see it. Kasman hopes it will inspire viewers to learn more about dance, sculpture and the arts, in general.

YEP! I know, amazing, right?

Here’s a shot I took of David in the beginning stages of the painting…

And THIS is the final painting… a masterpiece indeed!

Here’s a blip about David from his website:
David Kasman (born 1962, Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
David Kasman is best known for his bronze sculptures as well as his direct observation oil paintings of beaches, Boston and Maine.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Mechanical Engineering. While at Cornell, he also studied sculpture with Jonathan Squire and Jim Cole. At that time, he primarily worked on wood, abstract sculptures, though he was also reintroduced to representational modeling in clay, something he had enjoyed as a young boy.
From 1985-1999 he ran the family business, designing and manufacturing laboratory instruments, including the well known MEL-TEMP®, melting point apparatus, which was invented by his father, Sidney. During those years, he invented and patented several additional instruments for use by scientists. At night and on weekends, he used the large, open space of the companies’ warehouse to create sculptures with live models. In 1994 he spent a month in the Loire Valley of France to study sculpture with Martine Vaugel. In 1995, he studied artistic anatomy and sculpture at the Lyme Academy of Fine Art with Dean Keller, Don Gale, Laci de Gerenday and Elizabeth Chandler.
In 1998 he won the 1st place award, the Roger T. Williams prize, at the National Sculpture Competition, sponsored by the National Sculpture Society. In that year, he married Katy Coughlin and the two moved to Newton, Massachusetts. In 1999 the family business was sold and David decided to devote his full efforts to his art. He converted his garage into an art studio.
In 2002 he began to study oil painting. He attended a workshop taught by David Leffel and another by Charles Sovek. He also learned from his favorite art instruction books by William Morris Hunt, Charles Webster Hawthorne and Robert Henri. In 2003, he returned to the Lyme Academy of Fine Art to study painting with Jerry Weiss and life drawing with Don Gale.
He was accepted to the Copley Society of Art in Boston 2002 and his work has been included in many juried shows there as well as by several other New England galleries.
He was awarded a residency at the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center in September of 2008. In that year, he also began to make large-scale versions of his most successful sculptures.
In 2011 his sculpture, Resurgence, a permanent outdoor sculpture that was commissioned by Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, was unveiled in Harvard Square.
His paintings and sculptures are in numerous prominent collections which include:
The Bush Family, Kennebunkport, ME
Jamie Wyeth
Ernie Boch Jr.
Jack Connors Jr.
Remak Ramsay
Joseph and Kathy O’Donnell

 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Jeffrey Watts!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

JeffreyWatts 2009 Facebook painting

Work by Jeffrey Watts via Jeffrey Watts Facebook (image from 2009)

Isn’t this fabulous? This amazing face depicting every hard earned wrinkle. It looks as if this person could walk right out of the painting. To top it off and make it even more spectacular is the way the white of the canvas shows through in the background. In my opinion that just adds to what makes it so utterly amazing! This was painted by artist Jeffrey Watts an artist that hails from California…

One more fabulous painting… entitled “Babushka”. Image from Jeff’s website:

Here’s a blip about Jeff from his website (which is also amazing… check it out!)… click HERE to read in it’s entirety!

ABOUT THE ARTIST

 

Jeff WattsJeffrey R. Watts is a southern California native. Growing up in rural San Diego county with an artist father, Watts demonstrated an early aptitude for the visual arts. But it was competitive sports that held his interest as a teenager. After an injury cut short his budding career in professional cycling, Jeff turned his focus back to art, enrolling at the California Art Institute in Calabasas. Watts was soon asked to teach at the institute and began to work as an illustrator in the movie industry. However, Jeff’s goal to become an easel painter would draw him back to San Diego where he started a small life drawing and painting studio known as Watts Atelier of the Arts. ( www.wattsatelier.com ) Jeff’s aesthetic sensibilities have long drawn him to the figurative art of nineteenth century Europe and Russia. His Atelier allows him to work regularly from the live model, grounding his work in traditional principles. Recently, Jeff’s work has been compared to that of Nicolai Fechin, an influence he is quick to acknowledge. “I never tire of looking at the work of Nicolai Fechin” Watts says, “his work is the perfect combination of control and chaos.” In 2008 The Taos Art Museum and Fechin House honored Watts with a Solo Exhibition in the original Taos home and studio of Mr. Nicolai Fechin.

Jeff’s oil paintings have won numerous awards including First Place Portrait category and Second Place Landscape category from the Artist’s Magazine, two consecutive Second Place Awards at the Salon International Exhibition, an Honor Award and an Award of Exceptional Merit from the Portrait Society of America, 3 Awards of Excellence from Oil Painters of America and 3 Top 100 Awards from Arts for the Parks among others. Watts is a regualr participant in the prestigious Prix de West Invitational held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Watts’s work has been featured in Southwest Art , American Artist, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, American Art Collector, Drawing and Workshop magazines. Jeffrey R. Watts is a Master Signature member of Oil Painters of America, a Signature Member of both the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and the California Art Club, and holds membership in the Portrait Society of America.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Robert Norieka!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Lobster Buoys” by Robert Norieka – Image: Sylvan Gallery

I love Robert Norieka’s style… loose and dramatic. His colors… intense… in a very good way. I LOVE the color of that little shed and how the buoys really stand out and make a statement. What really makes this painting stand out is how a good part of it is in the shade and the rest in the sun. The part in the sun is so colorful. This is such a fantastic painting done by an artist who can paint watercolor, acrylic and oil (i’m sure there’s more he does, but that’s what we saw the other day at the Sylvan Gallery in Wiscasset, Maine).

If you’re in the Wiscasset area, I urge you to pop in Sylvan Gallery and take a peek! Then run down to TREATS for some… TREATS!  Hee hee…

Here’s a blip about Robert from the Sylvan Gallery (Wiscasset, Maine) website:

Robert is a graduate of Paier School of Art and has been a professional artist for thirty-five years. His passion for art is matched by a natural talent to paint a wide variety of subjects, highlighted by expressive coastal scenes, intimate woodland pictorials and seasonal treks through the countryside. He has been inspired by the many pleasurable memories of his boyhood; which was spent joyfully fishing, and catching turtles and frogs.

A prominent national award winning artist and illustrator, Robert’s paintings hang in both corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. His painting Catfish and Turtles is in the permanent collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art. He is represented in numerous galleries and teaches and lectures throughout New England. He has illustrated magazine editorials and seven books. He is an elected member of the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, the Salmagundi Club, the Lyme Art Association, the Connecticut Watercolor Society, the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts and he is a signature member of the New England Watercolor Society.

So far in 2012 Robert Noreika has already won two significant awards including the Robert Sanstrom Prize – $5,000 and GOLD MEDAL, at the National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, and the Second Prize Award at the National Open Show of the New England Watercolor Society. Awards in 2011 include a first award in the New England Watercolor Society’s regional show at the Attleboro Museum as well as awards at the Salmagundi Show in NYC and from the New Haven Paint and Clay Club.

Noreika is a featured artist in 100 Artists of New England published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd. in 2010.

And through October 29, 2012…

Logo
A New Exhibition at Sylvan Gallery 
  
“Bold Impressions”
The Paintings of Robert Noreika
September 28th – October 29th

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Sonoma Plein Air Event… Starts TODAY! October 1-6, 2012

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

The Sonoma Plein Air Event begins today! So many fabulous artists in one location! As you can see the gala is SOLD OUT! Here is a list of events from the Sonoma Plein Air website:

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2012:

Artists check in on Monday, October 1st
Artists paint in various locations throughout Sonoma Valley during the week of the event.

Tuesday, October 2nd
“The Quick DRAW”
Please join the artists on Tuesday in the Sonoma Plaza at 5:30 p.m.
Take a look at the 2011 Quick Draw here.
Easels will be set up all around the colorful Sonoma Farmers Market for paintings to be created and sold on the spot!

Artists will have an hour and a half to take in all the vivid colours, sights and smells of the Farmers Market while creating a painting for you to take home with you that night!
4:30 Quick Draw begins
5:30 Farmer’s Market begins
6:00 Artists finish
6:30-8:30 Art available for purchase
Check out at the Charles Creek tasting room on the Plaza….

Friday, October 5th
The Gala Dinner and Auction with the Artists
This year’s Gala Dinner will be held at the Lasseter Train Barn
Be sure to join the Live Auction at the Gala….

THE GALA DINNER IS NOW SOLD OUT!
Contact us to join the waiting list….

Sonoma Plein Air Foundation
19201 Sonoma Highway
Number 321
Sonoma, CA 95476

Saturday, October 6th
ART EXHIBITION & SALE
Historic Sonoma Plaza
Napa Street East and First Street East
Public invited

10 a.m. EVENT OPENS
Meet the Sonoma Plein Air artists
Fine art they created during the week on location
in Sonoma Valley will be on display and for sale

LIVE MUSIC
To be announced

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Hands-on-Art classes for children
Thank you Sonoma Community Center staff and volunteers.

ART DEMONSTRATIONS:

11 a.m. Oil painting demonstration
12:30 p.m . Water color demonstration
2 p.m. Pastel Demonstration

4 p.m. EVENT CLOSES

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Brad Betts!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

“Teaching” by Brad Betts – Image: DownEastGalleryFacebook

Brad Betts is usually known for painting waterfront scenes… boats, ships, water… The above painting “Teaching” is a deviation that I think is wonderful! The light on the chicken… fabulous! I’m not sure why I’m so drawn to that window with the shelf and blue bottle. Drawn in a good way. You can feel the bright light penetrating through the window, can’t you? Nice painting indeed… the dark background with the nice sunlit chicken makes for some pretty snazzy contrast! Great job!

“Cozy Harbor” by Brad Betts – Image: ArtCollectorMaine.com

“Cozy Harbor” is one of the paintings along the lines that Brad normally paints, very nice! I just love all these seaside villages throughout Maine!

Read a blip about Brad from the Art Collector Maine website:

Brad Betts has been an artist for over 20 years and is a Signature Member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA).  His paintings have appeared in solo and group shows throughout New England, including the Mystic Seaport Gallery’s acclaimed “International Marine Art Exhibition” for the past 7 years. In 2006, he received the “Maritime Gallery Yachting Award” at this exhibition and in 2008, was recognized as one of “Four Distinguished Artists” at the Mystic Seaport Gallery.

In 2011, Brad’s maritime painting “Cup Challenge” was selected by internationally renowned author Ferenc Maté for the cover of “Sea of Lost Dreams”, the second book in the Dugger / Nello series.  Brad is currently working on a book cover for Maté’s first book in the series, “Ghost Sea”.

His inspiration to paint all things nautical is an outgrowth of his youth, which he spent around the Gulf coast waters, deep sea fishing and sailing.  Today, his paintings reflect his life-long appreciation of the sea. His work is filled with movement: schooners under full sail battle through wind-driven seas; and Friendship sloops glide through the calm waters of Maine’s inlets. The classic Betts oil is a summer day in Maine—blue skies, billowing sails, and shimmering seas.

In 2007, Brad and his wife Danielle made the decision to move to East Boothbay Maine, the beautiful seaside village famous for boat building. Living in an area with a rich maritime history and active working harbor offers Brad the opportunity to connect daily with classic scenes that most inspire him.

Brad has achieved his mastery of maritime painting through a blend of both technical discipline in the studio and a focused effort to retain his natural, inspired style. He seeks this through outdoor painting, “When you paint outside, the light and conditions change constantly. This forces you to simplify your decisions and rely completely on practiced techniques and natural instincts. In these moments, you connect most with yourself as an artist and the energy that comes from within.”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Roger Dale Brown!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Harbor at Dusk” by Roger Dale Brown

Roger Dale Brown… this is another man who can paint anything! The twinkle of the lights in this painting is pure genius! It drew me right in and made me love it right off the bat! Very, very nice!

“Creekside” by Roger Dale Brown

“Creekside” is a plein air piece that Roger did and I think it has such character. As simple as it is, I LOVE THOSE WINDOWS! The fabulous shade on the sunny building, and in the sunlit grass, so very nice! I think character adds so much to a painting, and lines that aren’t always straight really gives it that character, doesn’t it? I see that Roger does a lot of the plein air events all over the country, check out his website to see when he’ll be near you!

A blip about Roger from his website:

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee Roger is avid about traveling studying, teaching, and competing in national painting competitions.  These experiences expand his knowledge of history, nature, and architecture, which inspire his oil paintings. 

 Roger believes, as the historical master artists, such as John Carlson and Edgar Payne, that “plein air” painting is an essential element in being a great artist.  He spends countless hours studying and painting on location, to continue to perfect seeing important nuances of a scene, a day, or an object, which are necessary in creating a great painting. Roger works hard to balance the emotion of a scene, with the knowledge of painting, in every painting he paints.

Roger’s oil paintings have been displayed in galleries throughout the United States and have won many awards which include: First Place in the Barnes and Farms National Juried Art Show, Museum Purchase Award and third place at the Easton Plein Air Competition, Best of Show at the Central South National Juried Show, as well as the Gold Medal Award from the Hudson Valley Art Association.  His work has also been accepted in the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition, and Salon International. Roger has been published by: International Artist Magazine, American Artist Magazine, American Art Collector Magazine, and the Artist Magazine. His works are owned by private collectors across the country and include many well-known celebrities and major corporations.

 Roger shares his knowledge teaching workshops throughout the country. He believes in capturing the essence of his subjects and instills this in his students whether teaching plein air, figurative, studio or still life.

Fabulous work! His work has that step-back-in-time feel to it, how wonderful! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Frank Emrick!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“Polka Dot Princess” by Frank Emrick

What a sweet face. Polka Dot Princess, perfect name for this painting! I love how the face is so detailed yet there is no background… For some reason I just love the shadow underneath her collar. Great painting Frank!

I enjoyed this artist’s website so much I just had to share it with you. He has such a refreshing sense of humor, it truly is a delight to read! And his paintings… VERY nice!

Here is a little blip from Frank’s website... I’m telling you, you’ve GOT to check it out!

This web site was created to encourage the sale of my art (I’m frame poor) which will inspire me to paint more pictures which will keep me out of my spouse’s comfort zone and thus contribute to my peaceful retirement. Hers too.You can contribute to this effort by forwarding my web address to everyone you know.
http://www.emrickart.com
Do it!

I love his sense of humor!

If you click on the EMRICK WHO? link on Frank’s website, this is the first line… I encourage you to read the remainder…

IT’S ALL ABOUT ME, FRANK A. EMRICK

Me being an opinionated, 82 year old representational artist.

Now… THIS man is creative! Ha ha… Catch you back here tomorrow!

Weatherbeaten: Winslow Homer and Maine – at the Portland Museum!

On By Barbara StroudIn ARTLeave a comment

WEATHERBEATEN: Winslow Homer and Maine. What a show this will be and it all begins T O M O R R O W ! If you happen to be in the Portland, Maine area anywhere between September 22, 2012 and December 30, 2012 you might want to pop in to see a chance of a lifetime exhibit! You also have the option to check out Winslow Homer’s studio! Ticket information below…

“One of the Best Museum Shows of 2012” – Fodors.com

From the Portland Museum website:

To celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Winslow Homer Studio at Prouts Neck, the Portland Museum of Art presentsWeatherbeaten: Winslow Homer and Maine. This extraordinary exhibition showcases more than 35 masterpieces that the great American artist Winslow Homer (1836-1910) created during the final decades of his life, when he lived and worked in Maine. Inspired by the rugged beauty and changeable weather along the coast at Prouts Neck, Homer painted powerful marine narratives and seascapes that capture the specificity of place with vivid intensity, while also investigating existential themes of life and death, of humankind’s relationship with the natural world. Highly admired for their originality and sense of authenticity, these paintings helped to establish an iconic image of the New England coast in the national imagination-one that endures to the present day.

Weatherbeaten provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the range and complexity of Homer’s most critically acclaimed works. The featured paintings, watercolors, and etchings are drawn from private collections and museums throughout the country-including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (Philadelphia), the Smithsonian American Art Museum (Washington, D.C.), and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute (Williamstown, Massachusetts). The Portland Museum of Art is the only venue for this important exhibition.

Tickets to the Exhibition-Please call, (207) 775-6148. 

  • Advance reservations are recommended. Members receive FREE tickets and admission is based on level of membership. Click here for ticket details for members. Not a member?  Join Today »
  • Advance reservations are recommended for the public. There is a $5 special exhibition surcharge added to each adult admission.
  • Adult groups tours: Tours must be a minimum of 10 people to receive the group rate of $10 per person. An additional $25 flat fee will be applied for a Docent led tour. Tour time slots are available at 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Mon. through Sun. Reservations are required and tours are limited. For tickets, please call (207) 775-6148. 

Corporate sponsorship is provided by Bank of America. Foundation support is provided by The Henry Luce Foundation and by a grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Media support is provided by WCSH 6, The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, and the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Winslow Homer’s Studio

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images: PortlandMuseum.org

Featured Artist… Eric Zener!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

“Free” by Eric Zener

I know what you’re going to say… “WHOA!!”, right? Amazingly realistic, wouldn’t you say? This painting is so Norman Rockwell in my eyes… absolutely amazing. The dark suit against the fabulously cloudy sky, the tease of the lifeguard stand in the background with just  a little pop of color. FABULOUS! I’m sure this is something Eric Zener has heard time and time again. He’s got quite the long list of publications, awards, etc. A bio that I read on him said he was self taught. Now THAT is amazing. He has certainly taught himself well!

Here is another, entitled “Woman Treading Water” – can you believe how realistic this woman looks?

Here’s a blip about Eric from Joanne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach, CA:

Eric Zener (b. 1966, Astoria, Oregon) is an American photorealist artist best known for figure paintings of lone subjects, often in or about swimming pools. Zener is a self-taught artist. His paintings, mostly in oil, are in a photorealist or “super-realist” style Zener describes as “Contemporary Renaissance”. In 2003, while living in the Costa Brava region of Spain, Zener became interested in watching bathers, and began a series of paintings of water, and of people interacting with water. Many paintings from this period depict women swimming underwater amidst air bubbles, or diving into the water, and have been described as reminiscent of Hudson River School and Barbizon School painters.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Images: Gallery Henoch