And the Winners ARE....

T-023  Daffodils-In-Blue  by Ron Miranda  oil 16x20  $2000

Calaveras County Arts Council Special Blue Ribbon Award goes to
Ron Miranda for "Daffodils in Blue" 

O-060 Homestead by Paula Oesterling mm 12x13 $145-

Family Merit Award Ribbons:

Paula Oesterling, "Homestead"

O-154 Hoofveats in Spirit by Brad Stone acrylic 30x24 $450

Brad Stone, "Hoofbeats in Spirit"

W. Vaughn Lew, "Apple Blossoms"

T-014 Spring Apple Blossoms  by Vaughn Lew  oil 20x24  $1100

Judges Merit Award Ribbons:

Margaret Sloan, "Farmington

O-119 Farmington Road by Margaret Sloan wc 6x6 $175

Road"

Barbara Conley,  "Davis Grocery - Closed for the Day"

O-123 Davis Grocery Closed for the Day by Barbara Conley acrylic 14x24 $3300

3rd place OPEN Division

Marilyn Wear, "The River Flows" 

O-062 The River Flows by Marilyn Wear  wc 14x20 $1500

2nd place OPEN Division

Joani Taylor, "Blue Macaw"  

O-033 Blue Macaw by Joani Taylor   wc 24x30  $1500

1st place OPEN Division

Juliana Tillman, "Morning Walk"

O-134 Morning Walk II by Juliana Tillman Watercolor 8x10 $225.00 SOLD

2018 Series #21 Theme Division Poster Winner

Connie Carson-Romano,  "Simply Daffodil"

T-005 simply daffodil by Connie Carson Romano acrylic 20x20 $275

Artist Leslie O. Vasquez, Not your typical artist's backstory

Bio for Leslie O. Vasquez

O-105 Connecting earth and sky during furtile moon by Leslie Vasquez oil 24x30 $750

Not your typical artist's backstory ….

Leslie spent her childhood outside Reno, Nevada, playing in boats, hiking, riding horses and camping with her family in the Sierra Mountains but art was not her thing. She comes from a long line of professional artists and musicians so she was surrounded by incredible art and people but she never had that gift. It was painfully obvious she was ‘not the talented one’ in her family.

So instead she embraced the outdoors and found she was great with animals. Her first jobs were as a ranch hand on a cuttin’ horse

O-102 Watching You by Leslie Vasquez oil 24x30 $1000

ranch and an Arabian horse ranch working with foals, horses, dogs and cattle. She earned her college degree in English Lit and became a writer among other jobs before having children.

So it came as a total surprise to her when at age 43, she turned to art. So sure she wasn’t good at it and never would be, she wouldn’t even have considered it except she wanted her young children to have more art experience than school was providing. So she turned on PBS with the idea that while watching Bob Ross paint mountains and “happy trees,” she would learn enough to translate the concepts to her youngsters in a way they could enjoy.

"I'm from the PBS-school of fine art," she laughs without hesitation. But the moment she picked up a brush she felt overwhelmed with joy, hope and a powerful healing energy. She suddenly saw nature, animals … everything in a new way -- with the artist’s eye. Science made sense. The world opened up before her.

Within the first year she was talked into teaching art by the local recreation agency who had previously hired her to provide outdoor adventures to the public. The arts council soon heard of her and also hired her to teach art in the schools. Within the second year, she started winning awards, was urged to hang her artwork in shows (both juried and non) and her paintings started selling. Local theatres began having her paint their sets and backdrops. For a while she was in such demand as an artist that she was losing time with her family and lacked time to get outdoors. It became obvious Leslie had to start saying, “No” and learn to balance the demands on her time. There is still the occasional show, awards, and backdrop to paint, and she still goes into the schools as a visiting artist but she also carves out time to explore and paint en plein air.

O-104 Iris Party by Leslie Vasquez oil 24x38 $1400

She still teaches art in the schools for the Arts Council and PTA groups and is hired to give talks about art.

“Doing art is like trekking through the wilderness,” she says. “The struggle is rewarded with discovery not only of a pretty vista but of awe-inspiring, profound feelings … and the struggle is necessary. It’s what changes you. You can’t improve without it.”

Leslie is a member of the Amador Artists Association, the Amador County Arts Council and Arts in Education Committee. In 21014, Leslie was awarded Amador County “Art Patron of the Year” by the Amador Arts Council.

Meet Artist Kathy Oja, Spring Obsession Artist

O-017  Beauty so Sudden  by Kathy Oja mm 20x16  $350

Kathy Oja - CV



BA Degree in Philosophy – Sonoma State University, California

Various artist workshops and classes – local and international


Exhibitions

Ongoing   Gallery 621, Benicia, CA - Artist Member

Ongoing   Camel Barn Painters group show (artist member) -- Java Pointe Café, Benicia, CA

Solo Shows:

September 2014    Jordan Real Estate, Benicia, CA – two person show

November 2013   Benicia City Hall - solo show

October 2012   Shiroco Home Décor, Benicia, CA - solo show

September 2012   Gallery 2110/Loft Gallery – Sacramento, CA - solo show

O-019 Dreaming of Better Days  by Kathy Oja mm 16x20  $350

Juried Shows:

December 2015 Arts Benicia, Gems III – juried show

October 2015 – August 2016 – Vallejo Art Windows- Vallejo, CA – juried show

October 2016 – August 2017 – Vallejo Art Windows- Vallejo, CA – juried show

March 2015   Ironstone Winery Spring Obsession, Murphys, CA - juried show

March 2014   Ironstone Winery Spring Obsession, Murphys, CA - juried show

Group Shows:

September 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017   Arts Benicia Art Auction & Gala – invitational

October 2013   Umpqua Bank, Benicia, CA - Camel Barn Painters group

May 2013   BAIC Multimedia, Benicia, CA - Camel Barn Painters group

January 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 – Arts Benicia, Art of a Community – group

May 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 - Arts Benicia Open Studios

Meet Artist Ann Nancy Macomber

Ann Nancy Macomber

Biography 2018

O-030 The Yosemite Library by Ann Nancy Macomber acrylic 20x30 $800

Working in both fabric and paint, I 'm often both in the same piece, Ann Nancy enriches her images whether abstract or representational with color, texture and linear designs. Her versatility abounds in depictions of animals, landscapes and historic buildings. She works in water- based mediums or a mixture of these to enrich each piece. 

O-031 Layers of Time by Ann Nancy Macomber acrylic 16x20 $400

Town Hall Arts in Copperopolis and Aloft Gallery in Sonora represent her paintings. Her pieces are also displayed during Arts of Bear Valley's two shows during the summer Music Festival there and during the AOBV show at Big Trees State Park.
Special recognition includes Best of Show, Best of Division, and many first awards. The Triton Museum has represented and honored her work and KVlE has awarded her donations.


"Creating art in an improvisational manner is a joyful act for me."

Meet Artist George Haskell, Ironstone Spring Artist

George Haskell

Artist and Musician

 

O-066 Hanakapiai Beach Kauai by George Haskel  oil 8x10 $225

  

George Haskell  has always been interested art and music.   As a musician he played saxophone starting in high school and continuing through college and beyond. As a singer/songwriter he often performs at local venues.  He plays finger style guitar and banjo.  

O-068 On the Beach at Kauai by George Haskel  oil 11x14 $325

George’s passion for painting started in college when he took an independent study in painting. After retiring from a forty year career in special education George returned to art. His first artistic love has been landscape painting and one of his favorite subjects is Yosemite Valley. Season by season, scene by scene, and moment by moment  it is never the same valley twice.  Other subjects he loves to paint  include seashores, sunsets and animals.  What ever the subject is George focuses on capturing the light color and mood of the subject at hand.

O-069 The Sentinnel at Big Trees by George Haskel  oil 8x10 $225

Two artists have influenced George’s approach to painting. The first is longtime friend and teacher Judy Cain.  He has also studied with impressionist artist Susan Sarback.  

O-065 El Capitan in the Fog by George Haskel  oil 9x12 $275

George lives just outside of Murphys on the top of Treasure Mountain with his wife Patricia, two cats, two horses, and two corgis. 

Meet Artist Deborah Marlene, Spring Obsession Artist

Deborah Marlene Watercolor Artist/Teacher      

P.O. Box 207, Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245

Email: dmarlenek@yahoo.com             Cell: 209 753-8507

Deborah was born” An Artist” and raised in the countryside, of Modesto, CA. She began her art training in acrylics in 1969. She later worked in oils in the 1970’s. In 1997, after moving to Calaveras County, she began studying Watercolor and this has been her favorite medium ever since. Deborah loves to paint in vibrant color and takes her inspiration from nature, with florals and landscapes, being her preferred subjects.

 

O-113 A Wlk in the Meadow by Deborah Marlene acryic 24x20 $250

Deborah is a member of the Calaveras County Arts Council and the Arts of Bear Valley; showing in many of their venues. She has won several awards in the Calaveras County Fair, professional Arts division. She has been juried into shows at Gallo and Ironstone. Deborah also showed at Art & Soul Gallery, in Arnold in the early 2000s and was a top selling guest artist at the Iron Door Gallery, in Murphys, in 2003. More recently she was a member of Art on Main in Murphys, in 2013.

O-114 Southern France Memoriesby Deborah Marlene wc 29x25 $500

Deborah ran her own Gallery, “Deborah Marlene’s” in Mokelumne Hill, CA from September 28, 2013 to December 31, 2014. “ It was my privilege to showcase 16 other Artists and Artisans during this time. I truly appreciate the behind the scenes work that is required of gallery owners”.

Deborah offers private and group art lessons in Watercolors, Acrylics, Oils, and most recently Alcohol Inks on Tiles. She works in accordance with Acme Art of Moke Hill, but also hosts events in private homes or other venues.

Marilyn Wear NWS, WW, CWA, TWSA, ASMA

Biography

O-062 The River Flows by Marilyn Wear  wc 14x20 $1500

        Marilyn was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, where she graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. She specialized in Illustration, where she further developed her skill of drawing and painting realistically. She worked as an advertising artist/illustrator until 2003, then left her last job in commercial art to pursue her dream of becoming a full time fine artist. Previously she had worked with oils and acrylics, but soon discovered that transparent watercolor was the best medium for her realistic, yet not photographically real style. Her paintings have been well received and continue to win recognition and awards in juried shows throughout the country. In 2005 she was selected as a signature member of the prestegious National Watercolor Society. She has since been selected for signature membership in Watercolor West, California Watercolor Association ,Transparent Watercolor Association of America, and most recently, the American Society of Marine Artists. In 2016 she had the honor of becoming a juried member of the Society of Animal Artists.  She especially enjoys painting birds, which lead to one of her paintings being juried into the internationally recognized "Bird's in Art" annual exhibition at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wassau, Wisconsin. Marilyn's paintings are in numerous private and public collections throughout the United States and England. Her work has been featured in several publications, including International Artist's Magazine's book, "How Did You Paint That? 100 ways to Paint Still Life & Florals" and PleinAir magazine.

O-063 Kona_waveriders by Marilyn Wear  wc 13x19 $1200

      Although she also paints with oil and acrylics, her favorite medium is transparent watercolor, where she uses a technique of layering many glazes of watercolor to create richness and depth, while retaining a glowing vibrancy. She finds some of her best subject matter close to home in her garden and in the Sierra Nevada mountains, particularly the dramatic landscapes of Yosemite National Park. She has a special interest in the flora and fauna of one of her favorite places in the world, Hawaii. Her style is realistic with an emphasis on capturing the light, color and mood of her chosen subject.

O-064 Perched in the Palms  by Marilyn Wear  wc 12x17 $1200

She is currently represented by  Cedar Street Gallery in Honolulu, Hawaii http://www.cedarstreetgalleries.com

       Marilyn can be contacted at 209-277-1922, or by e-mail at marilynwear@aol.com To view more of Marilyn's paintings and latest news, please visit her website: http:// www.marilynwear.com

Meet Artist Roy T. Ishii, Ironstone's Spring Obsession Art Show

Roy T. Ishii, MD

O-042  Old Railroad Bridge  by Roy Ishii  wc 14x20 $450

       Honolulu, Hawaii was the birth place for Roy in March of 1942. The United States had just entered WWII a few months earlier with the attack on Pearl Harbor, and it was an anxious time for all the Japanese-Americans in the islands. His father, Cyrus, an employee of the US Navy at Pearl Harbor had suffered a severe head injury while working on the clean up crews after the attack and was hospitalized for weeks. His neurosurgeon did not think he would survive but he did. Mother Bessie was left pretty much on her own to cope with her husband's injury and raise two children.
    

O-043 legion park by Roy Ishii  wc 14x20 $450

     As a young boy, Roy enjoyed studying the sciences but also loved to draw. As time passed, the sciences took precedence and Roy became a pre-med student at Purdue University. he then went on to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco and graduated in 1968. Following internship at Los Angeles County hospital and pediatric residency at Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, California, Roy served 2 years in the US Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi which was one of 7 regional Air Force medical centers. There, he met and married his wife Gayle.

O-044  Tree of Life by Roy Ishii  wc 14x19 $450

     Upon discharge from the military , Roy and Gayle moved to Lodi, California where he practiced general pediatrics for 37 years, and together they raised 2 daughters, Nicole and Andrea.
     Roy retired from medical practice in 2010 and finally had time enough to take up watercolor painting. He is indebted to his art instructors, Deanna Hunt, associate professor at UOP, Jeanne Jannsen and Andrea Morris for teaching him the basic technical skills of watercolor painting and the encouragement they provided along the way. He is pleased to be able to display some of his work at the Ironstone Spring Art Show.

Meet Artist Susie Hoffman, Spring Obsession accepted artist

Susie Hoffman

Fine Art 2018
Copperopolis, CA           
susie@townhallarts.com              
ateliersusie.patternbyetsy.com
            

Susie took up art after she retired from teaching sixth grade English/history 15 years ago.  She started in watercolor, but has branched into drawing, oils, pastels, collage, and acrylics.   She and her husband, Larry, created the art center Town Hall Arts in Copperopolis where she has enjoyed classes by many foothill artists over the last eight years.  From pastel classes to mosaics, she is always eager to learn something new.  She also teaches beginning art in all media and sells her artwork and photographs at Town Hall Arts. 
 
She began showing her work seven years ago. Honors include multiple first place awards from Delicato Vineyard Show, Mother Lode Art Show, Valley Art Show, Calaveras Fair, Motherlode Fair, and Oak Valley Show.  She was awarded Best of Show for Photography at Oak Valley Art Show twice, and received the People’s Choice Award there also.   Her watercolor painting, “Highland Cow” received a sponsor award at the Lathrop Mayor’s Show in 2017. She has received 12 Best of Divisions at local fairs.
 

Susie’s oil painting, “Simple Things”, was on the cover of the September KVIE “OnSix” program guide to promote the 2015 auction on public television. Her watercolor portrait of Glenn Wasson as Black Bart appears in his recently published book, Too Much to Swallow.  Her photograph, “On Your Mark”, Division Winner from the Calaveras County Fair, was published in Mark Twain's 88 Days in the Mother Lode & Stories of the Gold Rush.    “Fifty Pounds of Love”, a portrait of her Chocolate Lab pup, was featured in the window at Mistlin Gallery in Modesto as part of the Central California Art Showcase 2015.  Two of her watercolors were published in Sierra Wonders, a book of visual and literary works honoring the Sierra Nevada.  Two additional watercolors were published in Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate, a Taste of Literary Elegance.  Her graphite portrait, “I Hope You Dance”, appeared on the 2012 program cover of the Ironstone Spring Obsession Show.  Her art has been bell ringers at the KVIE auction for five years You may see Susie’s artwork displayed at Galerie Copper, Roaster’s Coffee House, and Saddle Creek Resort in Copperopolis; Manzanita Arts Emporium in Angels Camp; Calaveras Arts Council in San Andreas; various venues in Sonora; and on her Etsy Shop at www.ateliersusie.patternbyetsy.com. 

Meet Artist Judy Day, Theme Division accepted artist

Artist Judy Day has entered "Daffodils" into the Theme Division of Ironstone's 21st annual Spring Obsession Art Show. Join us Saturday & Sunday, March 3 & 4 at the Opening of this spectacular exhibit.  Meet the artists and see the originals for yourself.  

T-004 Daffodils by Judy Day wc 18x24  $325

Bio: JUDY DAY

Judy was born and raised in southern California where she attended Art Center and CSUN.  She received a BA in Graphic Design and k-12 credentials in Art and Math.  After teaching for 25 + years in Burbank she and her husband, Larry, retired to Jackson California.  Judy is co-owner of the Sutter Creek Gallery in Sutter Creek.

Judy’s art credits include the following:  Illustrating three educational Children’s books published by Teaching Stuff, numerous brochures, posters, painting and cards, two hand cut paper banners (3feet by 12 feet) that hang seasonally in the First Christian Church of North Hollywood’s sanctuary, many 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd place ribbons from the Amador County Fair, 2017 2^nd place award from Ironstone Open Division Spring show.

Her awards and honors are: 1993 Jordan Middle School Teacher of the Year, 1994 Burbank Woman of the Year, 1995 Outstanding Teacher award given by the LA Times and CSUN School of Education, and in 2002 the California League of Middle Schools Educator of the Year Nominee.

“I love the outdoors, my paintings are inspired by my backpacking experiences in the Sierras, vacations around the world, historical sites, majestic landscapes, flowers, my grandchildren, and in fact almost everything around me.  I never know what will catch my eye and inspire me to paint.  I love to learn new techniques and processes, so I paint constantly.  It is my passion.”

Judy’s art work is on display at the Sutter Creek Gallery, 35 Main St. Sutter Creek

Meet Artist Juliana Tillman

Artist Juliana Tillman is one of the selected artists in the THEME Division of Ironstone Vineyard's 21st. annual Spring Obsession Art Show.  Her entries, "Just a Little Taste" and "Daffodil Trio" are in the running for the 2018 Obsession Poster which will be unveiled on Saturday, March 3rd. at the Spring Obsession Opening Event. And now...  

T-024  Just a Little Taste by Juliana Tillman oil 18x24  $600

Artist Juliana Tillman

T-025  Daffodile Trio by  Juliana Tillman acrylic 12x16  $225

“Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today” is a motto Juliana Tillman feels is important, basically - life is short. She began making art a focus in 2011 before anymore time could pass without regret.
 An interest in art and design has been there since her late teens though she was unable to make it a priority. Growing up in a family of antique and art collectors fostered her appreciation for fine arts.  With no formal art education she is primarily self taught, with the exception of studying with local & nationally known artist through workshops and private classes. Juliana is an oil and watercolor painter and has won many awards in local art competitions. Recently her watercolor painting was accepted into the Splash 18 Watercolor by Northlight Books. Currently a member of the Mother Lode Arts Association and the Aloft Art Gallery.      

Happy New Year!

Our party gal Rachael, bringing in the New Year with Ironstone's Sparkling Wine!  Only way to go.

Craft Trees are coming in!

Two more awesome craft trees came in today from Tylee and Jayden!  These are creative, colorful and downright incredible trees created by these two talented gals.

The tree above was done by Jayden using Japanese Maple leaves and looks like berries.

The above tree was created by Tylee using bay leaves and more berries. 
Lets hear it for the gals. Great job!  Keep on creating. And thank you for sharing your talent with all of us here.  Love it!

Christmas Spirit!

If you've not met Rachael before, allow me to introduce you.  Rachael came to us last year along with a large group of collectable dolls that were put up for sale here in the Museum.  Mr. Kautz, the owner of Ironstone came across them at an auction and just couldn't pass them up.  All destined for new homes, Rachael stood out as an undesirable gal.

Always moody, somewhat grumpy and stand offish, she most often frightened the younger visitors and disgusted some of the others.  We decided that Rachael had to be removed from the public areas and confined to the back room.

Here in the Museum, we realized that despite her attitude, Rachael was really just trying to fit in. So, we decided to allow her to be our somewhat back office maskot. 

She does get into trouble at times and wanders into areas she shouldn't, but, all in all, she really isn't such a scary one once you get to know her.

Today, we found Rachael helping decorate our Christmas tree.  Good to see her in the Christmas Spirit.

First THEME Division Entry is in! Meet Artist Ann Nall

Our First 2018 Theme Division Entry is in!  

Thank you Ann Nall who was also the 2017 Theme Division Winner. 

This 2017 season, Ann generously donated her winning painting to the Non-Profit Ironstone Concourse Foundation.  The Concourse d'Elegance is one of the premier Classic Car Shows in Northern California as well as a major fundraiser for the California FFA & 4H scholarship funds.

Kudos Ann...

And now, 

Warm afternoon  watercolor  11x14  $250

Ann Nall

annnall.com

Ann started painting in 1985 as a way to escape the pressures of work.  On retirement her art became her focus and her career.

Painting primarily in watercolor, she has specialized in animal portraits, but recently moved to the abstract form.

Moment in Time  watercolor  11x14  $250

She has exhibited in juried shows throughout the country.  Ann says her art gives her life energy, focus and a sense of well-being.  It is a gift she does not take for granted.

First tree in!

This little tree came in to our email today.  One of the Craft Trees decorated by one of our customers.

If you have purchased one of these unfinished trees from us here in the Museum, we would love to see what you have done with them!  Send in your photos so we can share.

DIY Christmas Tree Fun

We have several crafty Do It Yourself Christmas Trees here in the Museum for $5.00 that you can decorate then post a photo of your tree on Ironstone's facebook page or post here for all to see how outlandishly talented you are.  Lets have some fun!

The tree trunks are made of large cinnamon sticks set in a plaster base surrounded by either twigs from Ironstone's Reserve Chardonnay cuttings or smaller cinnamon sticks.  If you need a little inspiration, there is one tree done up as a sample.  And we know you can do better than that one!  Call it a quicky....  Lets see what you can do.

Call to Artists!

Ironstone's Spring Obsession Art Show timelines are out.

Theme Division Entry forms are due Friday, January 5, 2018 by 4:30 pm.  Open Division entry forms are due Sunday, January 28, 2018 by 3:00 pm.

You may download both the Theme Division and the Open Division forms from the pages above.

Ironstone's 21st Annual Spring Obsession Art Show is a juried exhibit of original art works.  Each year well over 150 paintings, fabric art and unique wall art go on display to the public from Opening Weekend March 3rd, 2018 through Sunday, (Mother's Day Brunch) May 13, 2018. 

All accepted artists are invited to set up on Opening Weekend for Art in Action or display of additional works they wish to offer for sale. 

The Spring Obsession Food & Wine Pairing Gala is scheduled March 3rd as well.  Be there as Ironstone's President Stephen Kautz, John & Gail Kautz unveil the 2018 Spring Obsession Poster Winner!  

If you are an artist and have more questions, please email cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com.

for additional information about the Spring Obsession Event Day, contact events@ironstonevineyards.com

Scarry Scarry Night! Pumpkins!

Halloween brings out the creativity at Ironstone!  Each Department creates a pumpkin to present to the Silent Movie Night Guests. And tonight is the night!  Guests will select their favorite pumpkin with a prize going to the winning Department.
Can you guess which pumpkin belongs to which department?

Come see them for yourself Sunday!  And into next week, depending on how long they last....

Saturday at Ironstone Tasting Room!