Meet Artist Libby Fife, Ironstone Spring Obsession Open Division Artist

Libby Fife - Fine Art
www.libbyfife.com
libbyfife@ymail.com

O-061  Hillside Path  by Libby Fife  acrylic  10x10  $125

Artist's Statement:  

Thank you for taking the time to view my work.  Getting to know an artist and learning about them and their work is an important component to enjoying the art that they make.

I am a transplanted Bay Area native, living and working in the beautiful foothills of California gold country. The experience of growing up in the East Bay, attending school there, and subsequently working in that environment for many years was a very positive experience. My husband and I decided on a change though and moved to Valley Spring in the summer of 2010.  I still maintain my ties and identity with the Bay Area but have enjoyed incorporating my new life here into my current artwork.

When asked why I make my art, what drives it, the response is always the same: I am interested, plain and simple. The landscape and history of the buildings where I live is compelling to me. Frequent walks at our local lake, trips to other areas in the county, and a general reverence for the natural and built world surrounding us help to give a scaffolding of sorts to my work.  Within those structures of trees, hills, and buildings there is a simplicity and stillness to the world. That stillness is calming in this age where everything seems very noisy and fast paced.  My paintings reflect this simplicity and designs that are uncomplicated yet still interesting to the eye.  Places and objects are reduced to an elemental image yet are still familiar and recognizable to the viewer.  It is with extreme gratitude that I live in such a wonderful place.  I love the peace and quiet that can be experienced here in a small, rural community. With all of the visual noise and complications, my paintings are a welcome respite from clutter, detail, and the clamor of everyday life.

Please note my website and email address listed above. I love to hear comments and to answer questions so please feel free to contact me.  My CV is available upon request.

Meet Artist Robert Feigen, Spring Obsession Open Division Artist

Robert Feigen


My name is Robert Feigen and I am the artist that has performed the attached painting.  I am a graduate of California Polytechnic college in Pomona, California with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science and in Business Administration.  I have studied for three years at the Sonora Arts Academy and have been an artist for six years.  I am now retired and have chosen to focus on my passion for painting and the arts.

My fifty piece "RatzNKatz" Series is a primitive, anthropomorphic, mystical, fantasy humorous artistic presentation and is my own style of paining in oil and acrylics.  The vivid colors and the action of the characters are an expression of myself for a world of happiness and harmony through strength and balance in the face of potential adversity.  There is also some sauciness and and arrogance thrown in at times.  If the viewer stops, looks, laughs, and smiles then leaves only to come back again I will have been successful in my artistic intent.

The Ratz and katz characters in the paintings have a human-like faces and qualities and the Ratz with the exaggerated bodies interact to symbolize both the struggles to coexist and to challenge each other with the underdog (Ratz) being in control of the dominant species (Katz).  The themes in each painting are unique and expressive within a particular genre.

The "Ratz N Katz Annual Golf Championships" is number fourty-three (#43) in the Series and depicts the Ratz poker finalists competing at golf and at the same time the "Mischief Ratz" competing in every way they can.  Of course there is a whole lot of cheating and mischief going on as well as the teasing of one of the Katz who would like to get at the Ratz characters.

The original paintings and stories in the series are for sale.  However, the rights to reproduction are not.  When the paintings are actually reproduced in a limited edition series, the buyer/seller will be entitled to a percentage commission.  Therefore, it is a win/win for everyone.

I want to thank you for your interest in my art and I will look forward to meeting you personally at the artist reception and at the show.

Robert Feigen
robertfeigen@gmail.com

And the Winners ARE!

After an exciting opening weekend this past Saturday & Sunday, The 16th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show got off to a fantastic start!  

This years Judges; Kathleen Dunphy, Craig Nelson & Anna Nelson graciously presented the Open Division Awards Saturday. With comprehensive explanations and detailed reviews of the selected works, they not only educated those of us who love and appreciate art, but also encouraged and inspired those of us who create.

Executive Chef Rob outdid himself with a wonderful menu of food & wine pairings, highlighting the newest releases of Obsession Wine, this year a new Red Obsession joining the ranks.

As always the Ironstone Staff were professional, attentive and masters of the great evening mood. KUDOS!


Now, ON To the Winners!
*PS all these pieces are currently available for purchase. Contact Ironstone's Tasting Room staff for more details or email cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com.

OPEN Division Winners
in Ironstone's 16th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show:

1st Place Winner:
Debbie Gualco, "Pompano and Circumstance"

2nd Place Winner:
Melinda Shook, "Retired 298"

3rd. Place Winner:
Stephanie Benedict, "Lighthouse Keeper's House"

Judges Merit Awards went to:

Karen O'Neill, "Grand Opening"

Debbie Gualco, "Lupines 29"

Bruce Hancock, "Miner's Cabin, Ironstone"

Family Merit Awards went to:

Judy Day, "Thistles"

Vaughn Lew, "Biding Time"

John Lovewell, "Leopard"

Meet Artist Sharon Denny, Ironstone Spring Obsession Open Division accepted Artist

Sharon Denny

Because I love our mountains and treasure their beauty, I moved to Arnold 30 plus years ago. Painting in watercolor is a wonderful way to capture some of that beauty. 

After raising my 8 children and retiring, I finally have time to paint.  There are still not enough hours to paint all that I see and love and want to share.  I will keep spending much time in the outdoors where the inspiration is the greatest.