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…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

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…