Meet Artist Constance McLennan, Spring Obsession Theme Division 2013 Accepted Artist

T-014  "Spring Flare" by Connie McLennan  oil  16 x 16 $450

CONSTANCE MCLENNAN
Biography &
Statement

"For me, painting must be more than the technical exercise of rendering what can be seen or photographed. Whereas a detailed rendering is finite and limited in what it offers, a more impressionistic work embodies the spirit of the artists and reveals new aspects the longer one looks."

I grew up in the isolated, small-town atmosphere of Yreka, CA, a historic mining and lumber community. A favorite memory is of accompanying my father, a veterinarian, on his out-calls amid the natural beauty of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding ranches and countryside. I drew and painted from an early age, receiving my first "award" at age four from the San Francisco Chronicle - the weekly "Junior Art Champion".

My painting career took a long time to develop. Before attending Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I graduated from CSU Sacramento with a degree in journalism.  After two years at the Academy, I began my artistic life as a freelance illustrator.  In the following years, I illustrated a variety of local and national advertising, institutional and editorial projects, including 13 children's books.  One of my last illustration projects was the poster for the 2010 California State Fair.

I attended my first painting workshop in 1994. I continued to attend and learn a little more about painting one week every year for several years.  Between 2010 and 2012, I was enormously influenced by a series of workshops with well-known impressionist Don Hatfield.

My training as an illustrator gave me a solid foundation for painting. But, while the ingredients of a successful painting are similar to those of an effective illustration, painting affords me the freedom to paint subjects I choose in a way I find more satisfying.  I began as a realist but am working toward impressionism. For me, a painting is as much about how an artists handles color, design and brushstrokes as it is about the subject or message.

I am a two-time contributor to the U.S. Air Force Art Collection. In May, 2011, my collection of 25 8x8 paintings won first place in the "20 -20 Show" at the Kennedy Gallery in Sacramento. My painting of a Rocklin heritage oak received a "Judges Choice" award in Ironstone's 2012 Spring Obsession Show.  That painting also was chosen "Best of Show" in the 2012 University Art Open Exhibition. Guests may visit my home studio in Rocklin during the Art & Chocolate Studio Trek (April 27 - 28) and the Placer Art Studios Tour in November.



Heritage Museum Note:  Connie will be present this year at the Opening of the Spring Obsession Show, March 2 & 3. Stop in and say hello!

T-015  Greenland Trio by Constance McLennan  oil  16x16  $450

Family & Friends help Drain your cellar?

Family & Friends help you drain your wine cellar over the Holidays? 
I know we did and had a great time doing it!  

I'm restocking this Saturday from 9 to 2 at Ironstone's Warehouse Wine Sale.

I know this will probably backfire on me, but, we managed to get several cases of the Leaping Horse Shiraz into the Museum for a "pre-sale" deal through New Years and what a great wine for only $3 a bottle!  I know I restocked several times. As the family headed home after the celebrations, they stopped by for a few cases as well. It will be one of the featured wines on Saturday along with a nice Leaping Horse Merlot, and a very tasty Stone Valley Chardonnay among others. Can't beat that $36 a case price!

Several cases are going home with me again if I can get there early enough!

Artist Felicia Ulvevadet, Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist

Joining the Spring Obsession Theme Division Artists is Felicia Ulvevadet.

Felicia Ulvevadet

Artist Statement

Watercolor has always intrigued me and I often thought of trying to paint with this medium.  In 2005, I final decided to explore the world of watercolor in a beginner class.  Since that first class, I found it is something I love and believe I have found my niche as an artist.  Since, my retirement, I have been able to devote more time to my passion for watercolor.  I enjoy painting still life, florals and animals.

I hope my love of painting will come through to others in my art.

T-003  "Rainbow in a Vase" 

watercolor   13.5 x 16.5

$200

Theme Division Artist, Janice Freischlag

Also accepted into Ironstone's 16th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show opening March 2nd. is Janice Freischlag.  Janice has two entries that will be arriving for this exhibit.

T-021   "After the Rain"  watercolor  12x16  $250

T-022  "Daffodil Aglow"  watercolor  16x20  $295

Janice Freischlag:  A Biography

Janice began her fascination with art in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1989.  She began with German folk art painting, Bauernmalerei.  After five years in Germany, she returned to the U.S. and began to broaden her painting skills.  On returning, Janice and her husband moved to Lake Tahoe where she was fortunate enough to befriend , Lola, her mentor and owner of Lakeside Gallery.  At Lake Tahoe, where she became more accomplished, she began painting in oils.  To her surprise she started to get commissions for pet portraits and more.  She is accomplished in a wide range of subjects as well as most painting mediums, i.e. acrylic, water, gauache and oil.

Janice and her husband now reside in Ione, California, at Lake Camanche, with a parrot and four cats.  She has a very productive berry and vegetable garden, apple trees planted from seed, is and orchid enthusiast, gourmet cook and paints whenever possible.