A Sweet Tradition
9 x 12 in.
Colored pencil
Private collection
Mandy Peltier is an artist and instructor who predominantly works in the fine art medium of colored pencil. Her award winning drawings are known for being photorealistic in nature, and her artwork and tutorials have been published in various magazines and books as well as juried into prestigious exhibitions through the Colored Pencil Society of America, American Women Artists, Ohio Arts Council, Richeson 75, and more. Mandy has achieved her signature status through American Women Artists, she is a part of Ann Kullberg’s SOAR network of colored pencil instructors who travel the U.S. teaching colored pencil workshops, and she is also an art instructor at three different art centers around Northeast Ohio. Mandy currently serves as the Membership Director for the Colored Pencil Society of America.
Her desire is to portray her subjects in such a way that they cause the viewer to pause, reflect, and see the beauty in what is too often taken for granted or never noticed, and she hopes her love and excitement for colored pencil is contagious to everyone she talks to!
Timeless Scents
10 x 12 in.
Available through the Artist
Hitt was blessed with the opportunity of being an Artist in Residence, staying in Maynard Dixon’s log home built in the 1930’s at the Thunderbird Foundation. The view in this painting was what greeted the artist each morning out the kitchen door. In spite Zion National Park being only a short drive away, the courtyard beckoned with the beauty of every lilac in bloom. These timeless scents sang a chorus insisting to be recorded for history’s sake as their cascading formed a very special entrance of their own! Off in the distance, through the lilacs, was the working Art Studio built for Maynard’s painting practices. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, to stay and paint where such an iconic artist lived and worked. Timeless Scents, the first born in a series of paintings from this experience, came to life.
Painting on location, often plays a duel role, capturing studies for future use in the Artists’ Studio, and often more importantly capturing a piece of history. The main focus that an Artist in Residence provides is the time to capture the history, charm, color notes and stories of this historic location, preserved by the Thunderbird Foundation. Many works have come from the memorable stay, including a painting of Sugar Knoll from the Deck of the Thunderbird Foundation for Illume Gallery; Where In The World Plein Air 2019 Exhibit also currently on display.
Watch for the studio version of this painting, and many other works as they share reflections of a special time at an extraordinary place, Maynard Dixon’s Log Home property as seen through the eyes of Karen Ann Hitt, An Original Hitt. Represented by the Hughes Gallery, pieces of this beautiful season’s reflections will be on display at Hughes Gallery’s starting this fall.
Portrait of Anne Marie Küken Foltyn and Portrait of Chemere Brooks
36” x 24” each
Available through though the artist
This painting is part of an ongoing series. My goal is to explore the complex and loosely woven intricacies of the fabric of American women. I hope to reveal and honor cultural histories through impressionistic portraits in oils tied together by a common thread.
Each portrait depicts one strand of the grand tapestry of humanity embodying the beauty of oneness within the power of collectivity. Women from diverse backgrounds became the subject of this series to open a dialogue about individual perspective and our ties to one another.
Michele Byrne is widely known for her expressive plein air and studio NYC street scenes as well as café scenes where she depicts figures full of life and movement.
Byrne has won numerous awards for her work. Recent awards include the 2018 Landscape Exhibit at the Salmagundi Club in NYC, and President’s Choice Award in the American Impressionist Society’s 2018 Annual Exhibit.
Liliedahl Productions has released two instructional videos of Michele’s work with a third one soon to be released. Michele’s second video, PALETTE KNIFE Painting with Michele Byrne, recently was awarded Best Selling Video of the Year by Liliedahl Productions.
Michele also teaches several workshops each year.
Gallery Representation
Eckert & Ross Fine Art, Indianapolis, IN
Gildea Contemporarty, Key West, FL
Reinert Fine Art, Charleston, SC
SUZIE BAKER “Gateway to the Canyon” Oil on linen panel 24”x 36”
Suzie Baker is one of the 27 artists participating in this year’s Grand Canyon
Celebration of Art. Celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Grand Canyon
National Park, visitors can watch the artists at work, painting plein air along the South Rim of Grand Canyon September 7th through September 14th. The work
will be on exhibit at Kolb Studio September 15th, 2019¬–January 20th, 2020.
Each of the artists also submits a Grand Canyon themed studio painting to be exhibited along with their plein air work. As the subject matter for her studio painting, “Gateway to the Canyon,” Baker chose a scene of rafters launching from Lee’s Ferry for a raft trip on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. Nearly 20,000 people each year explore the canyon on professionally outfitted river trips in dories and rubberized rafts propelled by oar, motor, and the mighty Colorado River.
Her second year participating in Celebration of Art, Baker has gained national acclaim in recent years, earning prominent awards and a reputation for her versatility as both a plein air landscape artist and a studio painter of still lifes, figurative works, and portraits. She holds Signature Member status in organizations including Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.
Following in the footsteps of the many artists that have painted the Grand Canyon over the past 160 years, Baker and this year’s other CoA artists will face the challenges that capturing the canyon on canvas presents. Its vastness, depth, ever shifting light and shadows, amazing land forms, varying cloud and weather conditions, and the unique perspective of looking down has frustrated many an artist. These artists will step up to the rim and work their magic to
interpret this amazing place.
On Saturday September 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Baker and the CoA artists will be participating in a Quick Draw along the South Rim from Verkamp’s to Trailview Overlook, with an auction of the work they created in two hours starting at 11:00 a.m. at Bright Angel Trailhead.
The Celebration of Art exhibit and sale opens at 11:00 a.m. on September 15th, 2019 and will be open daily through January 20th, 2020 at the historic Kolb Studio at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. Admission is free and open to the public.
“This is the classic view of Angels Landing in the early morning light, just at the moment when the light begins to kiss the top of the landing.” –– Cody DeLong
As one of 11 well-known artists participating in Zion National Park’s Centennial Celebration of Art, Cody DeLong has been invited to showcase five of his recent interpretations of Zion. These works will be on public display in the park November 9–10, 2019, but viewers can get a sneak peak online beginning September 16 by visiting ZIONPARK.ORG. All of these works will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Zion National Park.
As part of this event, each artist will be giving free painting demonstrations in the park throughout the week of November 5–10. The public is invited to spend the week celebrating Zion National Park’s 100th year and enjoying the beauty of autumn at one of America’s most iconic destinations. Details are available at ZIONPARK.ORG.
End Of Day
Oil on canvas
11 X 14 inches
$650
Available through artist
“I am drawn to the American landscape,” says Todd. “There is unlimited beauty, diversity and inspiration available right here at home.” End Of Day captures a fleeting moment from a Route 66 road trip.
Todd Baxter has loved to draw the world around him as far back as he can remember — one of those enviable people who always knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. Todd’s keen sense of design and composition was honed over 40 years as a graphic designer, after graduating from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. In June of 2010, with the responsibilities of raising a family in the rearview mirror, he decided to adjust course to focus on his passion for fine art. He continues his education by attending workshops, studying the works of other artists and painting; lots and lots of painting.
Todd has had numerous shows and awards in the Carolinas. He also teaches drawing and painting workshops, as well as weekly classes.
Gallery representation is welcome. Requests may be sent to Todd online or through email.
“Mesa Lands” was stirred by a dazzling yet unsteady overlook in the national lands of Arizona. As clouds were darkened and wind stirred, I was mindful to stay low to the ground as I tried to capture my feeling of connection to vast sky and raw lands. On this day, this abundantly close encounter of the personal kind felt like the top of the world.
“Mesa Lands” will be showcased in the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society “Best of America 2019” opening in Park City, Utah’s premier art gallery, Montgomery-Lee Fine Art. This prestigious international show will be honoring the best in oil and acrylic paintings and opens on September 27, 2019.
A lover of the Western landscape and way of life, somewhere along the way I fell in love with painting. As foremost a painter of oils, I divide my time between the Western states of Colorado, New Mexico and the hay farm in rural East Texas. I do not have to travel far to find inspiration in the beauty of our country.
My paintings depict my experience of the landscape in a candid way with the intention to enhance the viewer’s life. I want to pay homage to the natural world through the language of light and shadow, shape and color. My intention is to communicate the solace and peace that nature can gift the sensitive and thoughtful observer. Simply put, I paint because I love it.
My work can be found on my website, at Valerosa Gallery, and Mary Williams Fine Arts for the Women Artists of the West exhibition. A few 2019 recognitions include the “Best Composition Award” (NOAPS) and “Best Oil” (Texas Women Artists). For a full listing of shows & awards, current work available and upcoming events, please see www.jdelipsey.com or email me at [email protected].
Dustin Van Wechel, “Sages of the Sagebrush,” oil on linen, 48 x 36 in. (121.92 x 91.44 cm), $16,000
Dustin Van Wechel: Quiet Observations
Through September 7, 2019
Trailside Galleries, Jackson, Wyoming
From the gallery:
Trailside Galleries is pleased to announce “Dustin Van Wechel: Quiet Observations,” a show of all new works by the multiple-award-winning wildlife painter. This young star has made a rapid ascent in the field of wildlife art and has become a collector favorite in a matter of just a few years.
Dustin Van Wechel, “The Understudies,” oil on linen, 30 x 24 in. (76.20 x 60.96 cm), $7,500
Influenced by such iconic wildlife artists as Carl Rungius, Bob Kuhn, Tucker Smith, and Ken Carlson, Van Wechel’s newest works will be a tour of Western wildlife and their stories, spoken through the language of the changing seasons.
Dustin Van Wechel, “Boys Will Be Boys,” oil on linen, 44 x 55 in. (111.76 x 139.70 cm), $23,000
Van Wechel notes,“Whenever I’m in the field, some of the moments I find most inspiring are when I just quietly observe my subject. No photographing, or sketching — just taking in all of the sights, sounds, and smells. These mental notes are as important to informing my work as my sketches and reference photography. Quietly immersing myself in the serenity of the environment often leads to unforgettable experiences with nature that I can then bring into the studio and reimagine through my work.”
Dustin Van Wechel, “View from the Top,” oil on linen, 24 x 48 in. (60.96 x 121.92 cm), $11,000
The show will be on exhibit through September 7. Due to high collector demand, all works will be sold via a fixed price draw. For more information, please visit TrailsideGalleries.com.
Ellen Howard, “Transcendence,” oil, 20 x 20 in. My reference for this painting was work done in MacKerricher State Park at Lake Cleone. I have painted here many times and was inspired by Monet’s work and wanted to play with color and layering of paint.
Ellen Howard: “Ebb & Flow” Peninsula Museum of Art, Burlingame CA
On view through October 20, 2019
“Ebb & Flow” will explore my journey painting water scenes from the marshlands, ocean, and coastal areas as well as my journey experiencing the ebb and flow of ideas, creativity, and inspiration. I have included paintings that I have painted in plein air and works where I have used my plein air studies to paint much larger paintings in my studio. I have also included several paintings that I have been working on that are more abstract in nature and reflect my effort to capture my view of water in a new way.
Ellen Howard, “Rogue Wave,” oil, 20×20,. This painting was painted from plein air studies done in Pescadero.
I have become increasingly aware of the ebb and flow of my work as an artist. For me, artistic flow is having an optimal experience or being completely present and fully immersed in my painting process; distractions recede from my mind and I am fully open and attuned to the act of creating. This is the state of being that every artist wants — where we just create with no fear or blocks, and what we create is what we envisioned.
But there is also a flip side to this…
An ebbing of creative energy — when we don’t have a clear path on where we want our work to go. I’ve come to learn that both states can be beneficial. I love when things click for me as an artist and I’m inspired by my subject matter and can’t wait to paint. I find that embracing the ebb in my creative cycle can be quite beneficial also, but maybe not as much fun. When an ebb occurs, I know I need to find more quiet time, go for walks, and shake up my usual routines with new experiences. Usually during this quiet time, certain events coincide and begin to take shape and I usually find that I am back in a growth mode again. This cycle of ebb and flow was what inspired me to create the body of work for this show.
One of my paintings, “Transcendence,” (shown at top) is the beginning of an exploration of layering of paint, pushing color and working more abstractly. I chose this title to symbolize the spiritual aspect of painting. For me, painting reflects the climbing or reaching for something outside of myself and digging from within to express my emotions and feelings.
Ellen Howard, “Rolling In,” oil, 20 x 24 in. This painting was painted from my plein air studies done on the beach at MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino.
Sometimes I am drawn to other artists’ moodier works and paintings that are more open to interpretation. Most of the compliments I have gotten on my work include a reference to a sense of tranquility that my paintings can impart. I am happy that my work evokes those feelings in others. And I am always striving to give someone a visual place to rest, be at peace. I hope you’ll join me for my exhibition at the Peninsula Museum of Art this September.
Ellen Howard, “Sunset over the Headlands,” oil, 16 x 20 in. This painting was painted during my stay as an Artist in Residence at the Mendocino Art Center. The sunsets were spectacular this past winter.Ellen Howard, “Coastal Cypress,” oil, 11 x 14 in. This painting was painted plein air on Carmel Beach, one of my favorite places to paint. The light was beautiful this day, and I loved seeing the water peek through the beautiful cypress trees.
Ellen Howard Biography
“I strive for my paintings to engage the viewer and evoke a sense of connection, create a stillness that transports the onlooker to a tranquil space. Each painting is unique and an expression of that mood or energy expressed at that time.” ~ Ellen Howard
Ellen is a co-chair and artist member of the California Art Club, San Francisco Region, member of the Salmagundi Club, a signature member of the Society of Western Artists (SWA), and the Monterey Plein Air Painters Association, a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPs), the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), the American Impressionist Society (AIS), the Outdoor Painters Society (OPS), and the Plein Air Painters of Colorado (PAAC).
Ellen has also been juried into 107th & 108th Gold Medal Exhibition with the California Art Club, American Impressionist Society Small Works Showcase 2018 & 2019, Featured Artist for Mendocino Plein Air Paint Out 2016 & 2018, “Best of America” NOAPS national exhibitions 2016 and 2017. She has also received Honorable Mentions from the Capitola Plein Air Festival 2018, Frank Bette Paintout, 2018, Monterey Bay Plein Air Artists (MBPAA) and the CPAP Annual Exhibition in 2017. National juried exhibitions include OPS 2015 & 2017, and PAAC 2017. She was one of 19 artists for the “Northern California Impressionism” exhibition at Peninsula Museum of Art.
Paul Meltsner (1905–1966), “Earth and Sky,” c. 1930s, oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in., Shogren-Meyer Collection
The Hillstrom Museum of Art (St. Peter, MN) presents “Industry, Work, Society, and Travails in the Depression Era: American Paintings and Photographs from the Shogren-Meyer Collection,” on view through November 10. The exhibition will travel to the Tweed Museum of Art – University of Minnesota Duluth in January 2021.
Robert Gilbert (1907–1988), “Industrial Composition,” 1932, oil on canvas, 47 x 34 in., Shogren-Meyer Collection
“Industry, Work, Society, and Travails in the Depression Era” will feature 95 works of art, mostly dating from the 1930s. Among the photographers represented in the Shogren-Meyer collection and the exhibit based on it are Berenice Abbott, Margaret Bourke-White, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and Gordon Parks. Among the painters included are Marvin Cone, John Steuart Curry, Ernest Fiene, Thomas Nagai, and Zoltan Sepeshy.
Joseph Paul Vorst (1897–1947), “Sharecroppers’ Revolt,” 1939, oil on panel, 24 x 30 in., Shogren-Meyer Collection
Collector Daniel Shogren and his wife Susan Meyer have always been fascinated by the 1930s and its art, possibly related to both of them having been interested in history since childhood. Of particular interest to the passionate collectors are American Scene and Regionalist artworks. Shogren states, “In my career, I have traveled the Midwest and worked in factories where I witnessed today’s working men and women. I compare today, where we have full employment and a booming stock market, to the America of the 1920s and 1930s. Are we seeing warning signals, such as climate change and income disparity, that portend a future depression? Susan and I are deeply moved by art from the ’30s and how it reflects those times, which remain relevant in 2019. This exhibition is a dream come true for us. We are delighted to share these amazing works of art with the public.”
Arthur Rothstein (1915–1985), “Dust Storm, Cimarron County, Oklahoma,” 1936, gelatin silver print (printed early 1940s), 8 3/4 x 12 3/4 in., Shogren-Meyer Collection
“Industry, Work, Society, and Travails in the Depression Era” will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue with object texts written by collectors Susan Meyer and Daniel Shogren, Donald Myers (director and chief curator, Hillstrom Museum of Art), and Christian Peterson (independent scholar and former long-time photography curator at the Minneapolis Institute of Art).
John Steuart Curry (1897–1946), “Russian Giant,” 1929, oil on canvas, 26 x 20 in., Shogren-Meyer Collection
The Hillstrom Museum of Art is located in the Jackson Campus Center of Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, Minnesota. The museum’s regular hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All exhibitions of the museum are free and open to the public.
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