Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Denine Bennett

 We can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember ... My Great Grandmother, Grandma Esther, encouraged us to make marks on her canvases when we were young and she would, in turn, paint beautiful flowers on the other side. I have those paintings hanging in my house now as a reminder to keep creativity close, and make those marks!!

T-013 You Can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers by Denine Bennett wc 11x15 $300

I am also drawn to nature and what we can learn from it. As Lao Tzu says, "Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished."  In a society of "Go! Go! Go!" I have been more deliberat3e with how I choose to spend my time. The hustle and bustle might be fun for a bit, but it is NOT sustainable. Rest, relaxation and nourishment have become an important part of my weeks and I have noticed the benefits in many ways, People tell me "you are so positive, how do you do it?"  or they come to me for a good squeeze. Often I find myself in amazing conversations because I was not rushing off to the next thing I had to do. Presence in the moment, gratitude, and love are my guides now.

We Can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers is a step into being more deliberate with my own art. As an art teacher, I create for others ALL THE TIME. Finding my own art again has been a huge blessing and it reminds me that it is within the process that is my happy place. I am at peace in my process. Ti9me fades away. And in the end, whether it is complete or not, I feel loved, I feel seen, and I look forward to my next creative session.

Thank you for engaging with my mark! Have a fantabulous day!

Denine "Superfly" Bennett

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Margarita Anderson

O-027 By The Sea Again by Margarita Anderson acrylic 12x16 $325

 I am a Tracy, CA artist, motivated by the natural beauty of California and influenced by both French and California Impressionism. 

O-028 Mendocino Rocks by Margarita Anderson acrylic 8x10 $150 (2)

I paint in acrylic both outdoors and in the studio. I have been a member of the Tracy art community for nine years and am currently on both the Tracy Art Commission and the board of the Tracy Art League.  

O-029 Mendocino Gloria by Margarita Anderson acrylic 11x14 $275

 Please visit my website to view more of my artwork at margaritaandersonart.com You can follow me on Instagram at margaritaandersonfineart You also can find my work online at The Grand Galleries in Tracy And In the New Dawn online exhibit published by the Livermore Art Associatio

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Phyllis Berger

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

 

PHYLLIS BERGER

 

Entries:  Proud Parents

             Just For You

 

T-026 Proud Parents by Phyllis  Berger watercolor 14x18 $150

 

I spent my early childhood in Stockton, later young years on a ranch outside of Clements.  Now I live back in Stockton but consider myself a country person.  I have always loved Calaveras County and feel lucky to have a home here now.  I am married, with an extended blended family.  My son and his family live in Arnold, which greatly enhances my affection for this area.  Spring is my favorite time to be in Murphys, green hills, flowing creeks, and snow just a short drive up the hill.   I appreciate Ironstone and other resources in Calaveras County for promoting the arts.  

T-027 Just for You by Phyllis  Berger watercolor 20x16 $200

                                                         

            I am an attorney and law professor, and recently retired from active practice and teaching.  My work, family and community activities have kept me very busy over the course of my career, but retirement gave me the time to begin painting.  I took classes and met many wonderful friends in the local art world.  I occasionally work in oils but prefer the informality and surprises of watercolor.   I especially enjoy rural subjects.  Painting every day during the Covid lockdown year kept me occupied with a productive activity and gave me the goal of creating something every day, a motivating life enhancement.  

 

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Denine Bennett

We can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers 

T-013 You Can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers by Denine Bennett wc 11x15 $300

 Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember ... My Great Grandmother, Grandma Esther, encouraged us to make marks on her canvases when we were young and she would, in turn, paint beautifu7l flowers on the other side. I have those paintings hanging in my house now as a reminder to keep creativity close and make those marks!!

I am also drawn to nature and what we can learn from it. As Lao Tzu says, "Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished."  In a society of "Go! Go! Go!"  I have been more deliberate with how I choose to spend my time.  The justle and bustle might be fun for a bit, but it is NOT sustainable. Rest, relaxation, and nourishment have become an important part of my weeks and I have noticed the benefits in many ways. People tell me "You are so positive, how do you do it?"
 or they come to me for a good squeeze. Often I find myself in amazing conversations because I was not rushing off to the next thing I had to do. Presence in the moment, gratitude, and love are my guides now.

We can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers is a step into being more deliberate with my own art.  As an art teacher, I create for others ALL THE TIME. Finding my own art again has been a huge blessing and it reminds me that it is within the process that is my happy place.  I am at peace in my process. Time fades away. And in the end, whether it is complete or not, I feel loved, I feel seen, and I look forward to my next creative session. 

Thank you for engaging with my mark! Have a fantabulous day!

                                                   Denine "Superfly" Bennett