Meet Artist Linda Beach, Ironstone's Spring Obsession Theme Division artist

    Artist Linda Beach

 For artist and teacher, Linda Sargent Beach, it was a natural progression from using chalk as a teacher to her current focus of painting landscapes in pastel.  After a career as an art teacher  from Maine to California, Linda  is now an art instructor in Livermore, CA.  She enjoys the challenge of teaching and the perspective that it brings to her own art.

     A native of Cohasset, MA, Linda received a BA from Wilson College, PA and MS in Art Ed at Central Connecticut State University.  Linda has studied a variety of media from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to Santa Fe.  She has studied with numerous national artists such as pastelist Doug Dawson and watercolorist Sylvia Miller. Linda continues to seek new methods for her own expression in landscape. Her work in natural color often depicts a sense of distance and serenity.     

     Linda Beach is an active member of local art organizations and the Pastel Society of the West Coast and the Sierra Pastel Society.  Her award-winning work has been exhibited in group and juried shows in the SF Bay Area and at Wilson College.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Artist Statement:

The changing light on the landscape inspires my painting.  Color nuances, strong horizons, spatial recession, and textural elements are the foundations of my art.  My goal is to capture the essence and spirit of a landscape and convey a sense of place that transcends a visual image guided by my deep appreciation for nature.

I love the simplicity of soft pastels applied to sanded paper on location or indoors.  The medium of pastel permits the contrast of crisply rendered details with more subtle gradations of tone.  The landscape traditions of Jean Baptiste Corot and William Stanley Haseltine are an inspiration. 

My current work is comprised of landscapes that depict a sense of distance and evoke a mood of serenity.  I am as eager to capture the warmth of a color-washed setting sun on a Western sky as the myriad of reflections in the cool waters of New England.  This variety of surroundings and the perspectives gained from my career as an art educator continues to nourish and challenge my creativity.

For inquiries:  925-449-4226

Meet Artist W Vaughn Lew, Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist

W Vaughn Lew

Artist

Murphys, California

I'm originally from Eastern Oregon.  My family moved to Lodi in 1961 where

I attended Lodi High School, graduating in 1964.

I then enrolled at Sacramento State College, where I was a Commercial Art

major.  De Witt Whistler Jayne was my main influence.  He was a renowned

commercial artist, illustrator, and portrait painter with a gift for teaching and an

eye for perfection.  "Mr. Lew", he would say, "so much for a nice beginning,

but let's have a finish."  I've been striving for that quality he wanted ever since.

Another instructor that had a very positive effect on me was Dr. Tarmo Pasto,

an eccentric art psychologist and art instructor who taught the "Space Frame

Concept".  It was all about space and form.

After graduating from SSC and getting a teaching credential I was fortunate

to get an art teaching job at Elk Grove High School.  I taught there for several

years, but had an itch to get into construction.  That is where I've been until two

years ago when my wife, Glenda, and daughter Melissa, and I moved to Murphys.

One thing that is certain is that art requires a commitment.  I feel that I now

have the time and space to finally concentrate on my painting.  Although I have

been producing some art over the years, it is only now that I can continue to

the next piece without an extended time period between.  Landscapes, townscapes,

wildlife, and portraits all interest me.  My goal is to create images that bring the

viewers into a space that takes them away, and gives them pause to reflect.

W Vaughn Lew

P.O. Box 2028

Murphys, Ca. 95247

209-606-4623

Speaking of Artists ....

Speaking of artists.... this article by CNNMoney is a must read.

Not only do they raise the question, "How do artists think and behave?" they list "12 traits that any individual who aspires to make his or her mark on the world should emulate."

I found the article inspiring, enlightening and clarifying. How's that for an endorsement!

But, do check it out. Follow this link   
http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/12/21/what-entrepreneurs-can-learn-from-artists/

Meet Artist Susan King, Spring Obsession Theme Division accepted artist

T-009  Obsessed with Spring by Susan King watercolor  15x22 $450

Susan King   

Susan King is a 30 year resident of the Murphys and Arnold areas. Now retired from full-time teaching, she has realized exciting new time to focus on her exploration of the visual arts.  The wonder of the natural world, which surrounds the Sierra Foothills and beyond, is her inspiration.

Susan uses a variety of mediums and techniques to create unique emotional connections within her work.  Water color, pastels, rice paper and printer's inks are some of the essential components of many of her pieces.  "Every painting is a continual learning experience for me, considering the interaction of composition, design and color and materials. The process can be most humbling and exhilarating."

She is a member of Arts of Bear Valley and shows her pieces at their various shows. She also displays work at Art on Main and The Magnolia Cafe.  Susan has been awarded Ironstone Vineyard's annual theme division winner of the Obsession Art Show for two years, resulting in their vineyard poster each year.

Community outreach of the Arts to the children of the Highway 4 communities has included art classes presented by her for the students of Hazel Fischer and Michelson Elementary Schools.  Susan has orchestrated an annual Art in Action event that enlists a range of artists from the area to create an opportunity for student exposure and enrichment.

T-010  Tulip Explotiull by Susan King  watercolor  22x30  $450

Additional artwork can be seen on the following website:  www.artsofbearvalley.org

Email address: kingmail1@comcast.net