Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Meet Artist Connie Romano


T-012 Springtime Rebels by Connie Carson-Romano acrylic  16x20  $285

    Since I was a young girl I have enjoyed the challenge of reproducing the beauty that surrounds us in drawing or paints.   Being raised in the mountains of New Mexico gave me a deep appreciation of nature and provided my art with a great pallet of colors to work with.  

O-082 Sunset Glow by Connie Carson Romano acrylic 24x18 $280

     When I was in third grade I entered a drawing in a state wide contest sponsored by the State Fair board in New Mexico.  My drawing was of a conquistador riding his horse and I was so surprised when my work was chosen.  I remember how exciting it was to see my drawing on a poster advertising the State Fair.   Strangely that event caused me to feel very shy about my art and for the next 50 years it remained a private enjoyment and a personal meditation.  



T-013  Daffodil Drama   by Connie Carson-Romano acrylic  16x20  $325
      My husband, who was my greatest fan, talked me into entering the Spring Obsession Art Show in 2013.  I was so excited when several of my paintings were chosen to hang among the expressions of so many artists.  I have entered every year since and was very honored to have my work “Simply Daffodils” chosen last to represent the 2018 release of Ironstones Obsession.

     









O-083 Violets by        Connie Carson-Romanacr 20x20 $260


  Ironstone vineyards is a beautiful venue and I am, again this year, very proud to have several of my works hang on the walls among the works of so many talented people.  




Meet Artist Robert Mittenmaier


 Robert Mittenmaier 

is an American artist  painting in acrylic on Masonite. For over 30 years, he has specialized in works depicting automobiles - paintings that have taken him worldwide.

 
T-027  Garden Club Flower Show by Robert Mittenmaier  acrylic  35x24  $8000

His art has always been an avocation,

while he pursued a successful career

in home design.

O-026 Murphys Hotel  by Robert Mittenmaieracrylic  40x40  $25000


Upon the passing of his wife of 45 years, Robert relocated from NYC to Murphys to be with family.  
O-028 Murphys Library  by Robert Mittenmaieracrylic  18x26 $10000


Shifting gears, he began painting the town he now calls home, and is doing a series depicting the historic buildings of Murphys.



All proceeds from any sales are donated

to charity.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Meet Artist Susie Hoffman

Susie Hoffman Fine Art
 2019 Copperopolis, CA        
susie@townhallarts.com etsy.com/shop/ateliersusie 
 

O-075  The Murphys Hotel by Susie Hoffman oil 12x16 $295

O-074  Kate by Susie Hoffman oil 14x14 $250

Susie seized the opportunity to take up art after retiring from teaching sixth grade several years ago.  She started in watercolor, but has branched into work in most all media.   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 nine years.  From pastels 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.

Taking great pleasure in painting with others, Susie fills the calendar at Town Hall Arts with a variety of classes and activities.  Artists regularly come from distant towns to paint with friends in the Town Hall Arts studio, which has become a hub for artists both in the hills and the valley.  She has also organized yearly painting trips from Copperopolis to art workshops in France, Ireland, Croatia, and Maine.    Susie has received multiple first place, best of division, and best of show awards in Northern California shows.  Her work has been published in several books, covers of art show programs and TV guides, and local newspapers.  
 


O-076  Lake Sail by Susie Hoffman oil 28x22 $495

You may see Susie’s artwork displayed at Galerie Copper, Roaster’s Coffee House,  Saddle Creek Resort,  and Plaza Skin Care in Copperopolis;  Manzanita Arts Emporium in Angels Camp; Ironstone Vineyard in Murphys;  various venues in Sonora;  Calaveras Arts Council in San Andreas;   the Groveland Library; and her online shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ateliersusie.

Meet Artist Angela Harmon



Angela Harmon

 

Angela Harmon is a 1999 transplant from the Bay Area.  She and her husband Don have been transforming their property on historic Main Street in Douglas Flat including an art studio with origins from an 1850’s cabin, orchard trees and gardens of inspiration and joy.  Angela’s art studio was the original home on the property.  

O-071  Pretty-in-Pink  by Angela Harmon  MM 9x12 $155


Recently retired, Angela is now enjoying a renewed avocation in floral art designs.  Drawing upon her experience and design concepts from competitive flower show arrangements and flower creations for weddings, Angela is creating floral arts in watercolor, collage and mixed media.  Participating in oil painting workshops given by renowned artist Janette Jones, Angela was encouraged to pursue her passion for flowers in new creative artistic mediums.  Her abundant floral gardens are a continual source of inspiration in creating designs of bright color and detail.  She also creates dried floral wreaths, which she has done for over 15 years, utilizing flowers and ornamental herbs she grows in her garden. 

O-072  School-Daze by Angela Harmon  MM 12x12 $175


Although primarily self-taught and continually learning from published artists via books and DVD tutorials, Angela has been fortunate to learn fundamental design and value techniques from local fine artist Judie Cain.  She recently attended a painted papers collage class by fine artist Elizabeth St. Hilaire, a signature member of the National Collage Society, and an award-winning collage artist. 

Angela has exhibited her paintings at the Ironstone Spring Obsession show and gallery shows of the Calaveras County Arts Council.  She is a member of the Arts Council and has participated in their open studio tours. 

Monday, February 18, 2019

Meet Artist Linda Lawrence


Linda Lawrence

 

Always artistic by nature, Linda was constantly drawing as a child, and enjoyed art classes throughout her school years in Soquel and Fresno, California. As an adult, her love of design was explored through photography, homemade cards, sketches and interior decorating. 



Linda and her husband, Ron moved to Murphys in 1992, for its inherent natural beauty and small-town lifestyle. As her children grew more independent, Linda was thrilled to begin taking classes through Columbia Junior College, and first studied with Hermione Rios.



O-119 Wildflowers on Electra Road- by Linda Lawrence  noil 14x18  $195


Linda paints primarily in water-based oils, which she finds to be user-friendly and a bit healthier overall.  Through the years, she has developed a playful, colorful style, and had enjoyed and appreciated the influence of instructors Diana Boyd, Susie Hoffman, Sunny Sorenson, Eva Walker, and Judy Cain through Town Hall Arts in Copperopolis. She has also taken workshops from Murphys renowned plein air artist Kathleen Dunphy, and Colley Whisson of Australia at Coastal Maine Art Workshops in Rockport, Maine.

O-117 -Three Amigos-by  Linda Lawrence  oil 16x20  $275



Linda often shows her work was at the Calaveras County Arts Council and was chosen to present a painting in their 2017 show, AnimalScapes. She was also invited to show at the Studio 11 Gallery in Oakland, California in 2018. This is her first time participating in Ironstone Winery’s Spring Obsession Competition.



Linda is thoroughly enjoying the process of becoming an artist, and the self-expression, freedom, and mindfulness it provides. She considers her fellow artists soulmates and true inspirational treasures.

Meet Artist Renee Rondon

RENÉE RONDON



O-057  Mountain-Path by Renee Rondon  oil 14x18 $320

Renée is a 4th generation (of 5) Californian.  She moved to Calaveras County 12 years ago.  Her pastimes include camping, hiking and gardening.  Her passion is painting. 
Most of her experience is in oils, but she also enjoys using acrylic, watercolor, and pastel.  She is mostly self-taught, but has gained experience and knowledge from many respected instructors including Ed Garcia, VaLoyce Jensen, Gereon Rios, Gill Delinger, George Durkee, Diana Boyd, Judy Cain, Peggi Kroll-Roberts, Jim Toenjes, and Heinie Hartwig.
Renée enjoys the challenge of developing her paintings into a story that will touch someone’s heart, or remind them of something special that is part of their life.  Each painting is developed from a personal photo, sketch, travel, plein air painting, and even from her own backyard.      
Her art has won several awards, and her paintings have been in various galleries and venues including the Aloft Gallery, Calaveras Arts Council in San Andreas, Ironstone Winery, Lodi Community Art Center, Mistlin Gallery, Delicato Winery and Umpqua Bank.  




O-058  Jogger-on-Sonora-Path-by Renee Rondon  oil 14x18 $320
If you would like to contact Renée, please call (209)772-0287, or email her at paintinglady2012@gmail.com.  

Meet Artist Michelle Thornburg


Michelle Thornburg

Artist's Statement

My style of creating artwork is painting from the subconscious. There are no carefully planned sketches, no grids, and no paint brushes. It’s just me and my paint with no expectations of anything but painting. I use my hands to apply the paint directly onto my canvas, no rules, just whatever feels right. The key for me is to let go of the conscious world around me, and just paint, allowing my hands to take the lead. Eventually, the lines, drips, and shapes reveal themselves, and a picture begins to emerge, it’s like day dreaming on a canvas.



O-037 Emerald-Earth-by Michelle Thornburg  acrylic  24x36  $850


Artist's Biography

Michelle Thornburg is a California Artist and Art Teacher living and working in Lodi, CA. She creates dream like paintings from her subconscious using the Surrealist technique of automatism, or automatic painting. Her technique of using mainly her hands to apply acrylic or oil paints to the canvas allow her to connect with her artwork. Her paintings are created by applying paints onto the canvas in various colors, patterns, and movements. These colorful and expressive paintings are often reworked and go through many changes before they are completed. 
O-041 Earth and Ocean by Michelle Thornburg  acrylic  40x30  $800

Meet Artist George Haskell



George Haskell

Artist and Musician







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.  Among his favorite topics are Yosemite, seashores, sunsets and animals.  What ever the subject is George focuses on capturing luminous, light color and mood of the subject at hand.



O-155 Leaf Master by George Haskell oil 10x10 $250


Besides art, George is also a musician.  He sings and plays both guitar and banjo at local wineries and restaurants.



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

O-156 Summer Halfdome by George Haskell oil 9x12 $290

Meet Artist Rhett Regina Owings


O-042  Sprinklers by Rhett Owings  oil  11x14 $500


Rhett Regina Owings

I have been painting for over 30 years. I enjoy painting landscapes, still life, animals and anything else that tickles my fancy! I paint in plein air as well as in my art studio. Oils are my medium of choice, but I also like using pastels, water media, and mixed media.

Capturing the color and scenery around me is important to me. I love color and enjoy watching the colors mix on my palette and painting. I have painted in orchards, golf courses, wildlife land, gardens & parks, Gold Rush towns, Yosemite, along the coast and on farms in the Central Valley and in Salinas. My colors have accompanied me to Alaska, Yellowstone, Utah, Mexico, Canada and Europe. What a wonderful life I have led. Art is my life and I am happy to share it with you. 

O-044 On the Way to Sonora by Rhett Owings  oil  16x20 $500

RHETT REGINA OWINGS


Please look at my online gallery at: 









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Saturday, February 9, 2019

Meet Artist Jacqueline Del Curto


Jacqueline Del Curto believes art must take one beyond itself to the idea of truth. As a figurative painter, she hopes to delight and edify others with her creative understanding of the world. 

O-050 Persephones-Table-by Jacquelin Renee Del Curto  acrylic  16x20  $700




Jacqueline studied at the Ingbretson Studio in Manchester, New Hampshire, while attending the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack. She went on to study at the Florence Classical Arts Academy in Florence, Italy, and apprenticed under English painter James Gillick in Lincolnshire, England, while earning a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the Catholic Distance University.




Jacqueline’s work is featured in private collections in the United States and Europe. She teaches private painting classes and workshops in California and elsewhere by arrangement.



--

Jacqueline Renee Del Curto




209-840-8342

Meet Artist Tracy Stone


Tracy Stone..
T-017  Little Bird by Tracy Stone oil 16x20 $250
Born and raised in California. I currently live in Valley Springs, originally from the Bay Area.

I currently work for a snack company as an Administrator, owning my own business prior.

In my spare time I spend time riding and caring for my beautiful horses and caring for my sweet wonderful Dachshund and playful funny Labrador retriever.

My most memorable memories are spending time with my 11 grandchildren, and many more memories to come.

My hobbies are restoring furniture, and my newest passion ART.

 I have watched my husband Bradford Stone create paintings, with me being his greatest fan and critic.

So I thought maybe giving it a try. Attending school my art teachers always admired my creations. always giving me encouragement to follow art as a career.  Maybe it’s time!







Meet Artist Judy Day


JUDY DAY



Judy Day loves the outdoors and has hiked and sketched in the high Sierras most of her life.  “My paintings are inspired by my trips into the Sierras, vacations around the world, majestic landscapes, historical sites and almost everything in my neighborhood,” she explained.  “I never know what will catch my eye and inspire me.” 

T-003 The Daffodil by Judy Day  wc 16x20 $200


Watercolor is the favorite medium of the artist, having explored a variety of media throughout her career.  Most of the time she paints on traditional watercolor paper.  More recently Day has rendered paintings on newer surfaces such as Yupo and Aquabord, which provide a more fluid look. 


Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design and a K-12 California Teaching Credential in Art Education and Math from Art Center School of Design and Cal State Northridge.  She recently retired from 20+ years teaching at David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank, California.  In April of 2010 she moved to Jackson, California. 


T-002 White Daffodil by Judy Day  wc 11x11 $75
Her awards and honors include 1993-94 Jordan Middle School Teacher of the Year Award, 1994 Burbank Woman of the Year, 1995 Disciples Christian Educator Award presented by Chapman University, 1996 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.  She has received numerous awards and ribbons for her paintings at the Amador County Fair, Ironstone winery and the Lodi Art League Show.



Day teaches art locally to both children and adults.  During the school year, she teaches watercolor painting to local 4th graders as part of the Arts Council’s elementary arts education program. In the summer she returns to her former Southern California home to direct a week-long children’s art camp.  She has illustrated three educational children’s books as well as numerous posters and brochures.  Day artwork hangs at the Sutter Creek Gallery, where she also handles framing. 


Meet Artist Victoria Fout

Victoria Fout 

Life can be very hard, so Victoria tries to add a splash of color and whimsy by imagining fantastical worlds and beings, exploring the duality between fantasy and reality, light and darkness, life and death, expressing emotion, and reimagining nature with paint. Victoria creates fantastical creatures within surreal landscapes, using acrylic on canvas as her main choice of medium. She loves a colorful palette, and creating different textures in some pieces by manipulating and sewing raw canvas, adding 3dimensional elements such as fabric, rocks, jewelry, etcetera, to elevate the painting experience to bring her fantastical worlds even more to life.
T-010 Be The Orange Daffodil by Victoria Fout  acrylic  8x10  $175

Victoria Fout grew up in Angels Camp, California. She found her love for art at Columbia Community college during the most difficult time in her personal life. Art became a life-raft; a comfort, escape, therapy, and a creative outlet.  Victoria is now an emerging freelance fine artist with a fresh and unique perspective, and earned her BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2016. Her artwork has been shown at SFAI, the Calaveras County Fair, Ironstone Vineyards, the Calaveras County Arts Council, and currently at Manzanita Art Emporium. She currently serves as a Board member at the Calaveras Art Council.
“Lost within my own darkness I find the colors of expression and joy when I paint. My art is an invitation into my world, welcome.”

Monday, February 4, 2019

Meet Spring Obsession Theme Artist, Tabitha Kremesec



T-008  Three Daffodils  by Tabitha Kremesec  wc 14.5x22 $400
My name is Tabitha Kremesec and I’m just starting my own business in watercolor painting. 

Before turning to painting, I wrote a book of poetry published in 2016 (“Life as We Know It and Other Poems”). 

Then I became intrigued with watercolor and entered two drawings in the calaveras county fair jumping frog jubilee ,and won 3rd place for both of these graphite  drawings .In June of 2018 I started taking watercolor classes. I had a great teacher and while I still have a lot to learn, I am a fast learner and I’m determined to do great work as an artist.  

T-009  Daffodils and Tulips  by Tabitha Kremesec  wc 16x20 $300
 In addition, I now sell greeting cards that I painted, refrigerator magnets and paintings along with many other items.  I have my own shop on etsy.com and my own website tabithaswatercolors.com. I enjoy painting and continue to take lessons from YouTube and my sister in law.  I’m learning a lot but have so much more to learn and I will as painting has become a passion.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Meet Spring Obsession Theme Division artist, Janice Freischlag


A FEW WORDS ABOUT ME

T-005  Wistful Tulip  by Janice Freischlag  gouache 11x14 $395


I began my fascination with art in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1989, where I learned a type of German folk art painting called Bauernmalerei. After five years in Germany, I returned to the U.S. with my husband and began to broaden my painting skills. We moved to Lake Tahoe, CA, where I was fortunate enough to befriend Lola Owen, my mentor and owner of Lakeside Gallery. While working with Lola Owen, I became more accomplished, and began painting in oils as well as most painting mediums such as water color, acrylic, and gouache . I began to get commissions for pet portraits and various other subjects which are wide in range. My husband and I now reside in Ione, California, at Lake Camanche, with a parrot and four cats. I have a very productive garden, am an orchid enthusiast, gourmet cook and paint whenever possible.


T-004 Spring Rain by Janice Freischlag  gouache 11x14 $495

Meet Spring Obsession Theme Artist, Gerald Garza



Full Bloom by Gerald Garza  18x24  $500

Gerald Garza is a professional artist based out of Ione, CA.   He finds inspiration from his love of the outdoors.  As a novice painter in the late 60’s inspiration was in his surroundings, the Mid Century Modern architecture. That quickly gave way to American artist, Georgia O’Keefe. Her daring colors and enlarged flowers made an impression on him and that love of still life continues to this day.  His major medium is oil on canvas with an emphasis on still life and landscape.  He also paints in water color and acrylics.  His work was well received at a gallery show in Texas for the Union Pacific Railroad.  His work has been viewed throughout Northern California, Las Vegas, Nevada, Midland, Texas, and Seattle, Washington
Spring Debut by Gerald Garza  18x24  $500

Happy National Popcorn Day!




Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Pet of the Month Gracie

The Wonderful Staff at Ironstone Vineyards are also owners of some awesome pets.   Each month we are going to share with you one of these PPP (picture perfect pets) so you can get to know and love them as we do.


Tell me the truth, do I look chubby from this angle????????


This is Gracie my 13yr old buddy. She’s a rescue that’s been with me thru many moves even to TX and back. She and her brother were left as kittens in a paper sack in a dumpster. A good Samaritan heard  them so crawled in, Got them out, then brought them to a women whom places rescues in new homes.  I knew she was the one the minute I saw her.  She, like Bob, is a little on the hefty side and receives plenty of  love and attention. I figure she deserves it after the rough start as a kitten.

Patti - Tasting Room

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

American Daffodil Society presents

Presented with permission from the

 AMERICAN DAFFODIL SOCIETY
"Mentoring Moments"
Allen Haas
The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to encourage daffodil growers in the American Daffodil Society.  The primary reference is the ADS "The Daffodil Primer Zone 3-7."  Zone specific copies are mailed to all new members.  Additional copies may be obtained thru the web store on daffodilusa.org.

Each newsletter stands on its own and only focuses on each month's suggested activities.  Even though I'm writing from my perspective, I grow in zone 7a in the mountains of western North Carolina at around 2200 feet, I hope readers can take something from each newsletter.

In addition, growers are highly encouraged to reach out to their local societies and ADS Regional Vice Presidents and Directors for additional mentoring and growing advice.

Good luck and happy growing!

What to do now?

1.  Plant remaining bulbs

2.  Grow on potted bulbs

3.  Prepare for Spring emergence

1.  Plant remaining bulbs


"It's never too late to plant your daffodil bulbs unless you never plant them!"  That's what I tell growers when they ask, "Is it too late to plant my bulbs?"  That's also assuming the bulbs are healthy and haven't dried up.

Whether you've been holding your bulbs from spring bulb sales or just taken advantage of great "end of season" sales from catalogs and nursery centers, you need to plant them now!

If your ground is still workable, you can plant your bulbs directly into your garden/landscaping (see pages 6-8 The Daffodil Primer (TDP). Otherwise, you'll need to get your bulbs rooted in pots or flats before setting them out.  I like to start mine in either a garage or basement with temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees.  After approximately 4 weeks, the bulbs should be well rooted.  You can move them outside into the ground and/or in an unheated greenhouse/cold frame.

 

2.  Grow on potted bulbs


If you have pots that you started for fall or holiday blooms and want to save the bulbs, you'll need to grow them on until you can move or transplant them outside.  Remove any spent blooms, move them to a well lit (natural or artificial) location and water half strength with a general purpose fertilizer.  The key here is to control how much water they get.  Too little, they'll wither away.  Too much, they'll rot away.  Hopefully all this TLC will again produce beautiful blooms in a couple of years.

 

3.  Prepare for Spring emergence

 

Depending on where you live, it's a good idea to start looking at your daffodil garden/s.  Make note of the ones that are already starting to break ground and also how much sun they're getting throughout the day.  I like to use my smart phone to take pictures and make notes, but maintaining a garden journal never hurts.  You'll need to acquire a good daffodil fertilizer (see page 10 of TDP) for when your daffodils start actively growing in the coming months.  Organic or inorganic, granular or liquid, the choice is really up to you.

Good luck and see you next month!

Copyright © 2019 American Daffodil Society, All rights reserved.

Sunday, January 6, 2019

Call to Artist, Theme Division deadline extension

We have extended the deadline for entries into the THEME Division of Ironstone's Spring Obsession Art Show to 3pm Monday, Jan. 7th., 2019.   

Due to technical "improvements", IT has shut down our email system from Friday afternoon with possible reinstatement Monday afternoon.  

This has made all on line entries and inquiries unavailable until the system is back up and running.  

We apologize for the inconvenience.  

This will also set back notifications of accepted works till later in the week.  

Bear with us as we wait through this issue.  

Hope to be back on line soon.

Monday, December 31, 2018

Reminder! Call to Artists

Just a friendly reminder that the Theme Division Entries for Ironstone Vineyards Annual Spring Art Show are due Friday, January 4th. This show is juried, open to both Professional Artists and beginners. Winner of the THEME Division not only wins a $500 prize, but the image becomes the promotional poster for Ironstone’s award winning “Obsession” wine, gaining world wide acclaim for the winning artist.  So, get those entries in!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Photo shoot



Photographer Scot Neiman here today taking some awesome photos of Ironstone's Heritage Museum and the Kautz Family.

Can't wait to see the final results. Promise to share as soon as they come back to us.