Meet Artist Ruth Burney, Spring Obsession OPEN Division accepted artist

O-108  School Privy Douglas Flat by Ruth Burney  oil  20x16  $450

C. Ruth Burney

BIOGRAPHY

Ruth Burney is a native Californian born in St. Helena.  Her family moved to Napa in her early years.  At age seven they moved to an eighteen section cattle ranch in New Mexico.  Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, France and Washington were home in the years that followed.  She returned to California

in 1964.

 Formal training in fine art began at Colorado Womans College in Denver and continues today.  Her recent trip to Sedona Arizona included painting with plein aire artist, Joshua Been.  "His presentation on perspective was the clearest and simplist that I have ever known" She credits, Kathleen Dunphy  with introducing her to the plein aire artist's limited palette.  "This was a big leap in my artistic growth . Using only the three primary colors, plus and extra yellow and white, to render all that the eye can perceive is magic. It also allows, or more accurately forces,keener observation."  Another prominent artist, Timothy J Clark was very influential.  "My studies with, Tim have taken me to Italy, Spain, Hawaii and California (Yosemite).  We worked in plein aire using watercolors.  What a joy."

Ruth has occupied both sides of the art scene having had an art gallery in Mariposa, California and Jackson, Wyoming.." Time spent in the gallery was an art education in itself.  Surrounded by incredible pieces or work each day and listening to the artists discuss their work..what a gift. Being part of placing a

fine piece of art into a collector's appreciative hand was frosting on the cake."

My goal as an artist is to translate what I see and feel at that moment.  To share the result with others in the hope that  they will appreciate the beauty that surrounds us each day.

Ruth Burney's art is in both private and corporate collections across the country.

O-111  Canyon Fall  by Ruth Burney  oil  10x8  $350

Meet Artist Melinda Shook, Spring Obsession Theme Division artist

T-002  Dutch Treat by Melinda Shook  watercolor  30x24  $990

Melinda J. Shook
Artist Statement

Born and raised in Southern California, Melinda received her B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of California at Los Angeles. A year later she earned a K-8 General Teaching Credential. Her teaching career spanned thirty-six years, retiring in 2002. Art was always an integral part of her curriculum.

In 2005 Melinda renewed her interest in watercolor and began her painting career. Nature has always been deeply appreciated and a source of inspiration. With a love of photography, capturing images is an important and useful tool she employs in the painting process.

Melinda is a member of Watercolor Artists of Sonoma County (WASCO) and was juried into the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Aqua Areas Exhibition in Santa Rosa.  Her painting, "Kyan," was awarded an honorable mention in '07. In '09 she received the People's Choice Award for her painting Pine Flat.  In 2010 her painting, Dutch Treat, was awarded the Glad Baker Memorial Association (CWA), Watercolor West (WW) and National Watercolor Society (NWS). In '07 and '08 she was accepted into the international transparent WW exhibitions.  In '07 and '09 she was an exhibitor in the national CWA showings. In the summer of '09 her image, San Zavier del Bac, was selected by the NEW jury to be three matted painting to apply for signature status. On October 10th she was presented at the Exhibition Awards Luncheon as a new signature member, a milestone in her career.  Being accepted into the 2010 CWA 41st national Exhibition, her third, made her eligible to apply for signature status.  On 5 May the CWA Board approved her application for signature membership.

Melinda is continually refining her skills through workshops, classes and employing new techniques in her painting. Several award winning artists have influenced her: Marge Gray, Judy Greenberg, Phyllis Rapp, Barbara Nechis, Joyce Faulknor, Tom Lynch, Jane Hofstetter, John Salminen, and Mike Bailey.

2011 thus far has been a truly rewarding year. I have been juried in to the NWS Member Show, the CWA 42nd National Exhibition, and the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition, in its 38th year, presented by Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado. I was the top poster contest winner for the WASCO Aqua Areas upcoming show in Santa Rosa.

My painting, Crested Butte, was selected for the 2012 Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition from Sept. 14 - Oct. 28 at the Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO.

I was also accepted in the NWS 92nd Annual Exhibition Sept. 29 to Dec. 2 in San Pedro, CA. The juror of awards, Barbara Nechis, chose my painting, Artist's Row Mission Inn, for the 2013 Traveling Exhibition. It will be traveling in the U.S. for 12 months.

My landscape of Cathedral Rock, Sedona received an award in our annual Santa Rosa Aqua Areas Exhibition in Sept.

T-001  Cheaper by the Dozen  by Melinda Shook  watercolor  30x24  $990

Meet Artist Andrea Morris, Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist

andrea morris   
artist

Andrea Morris was born in Karlsrhue Germany and spent much of her younger years in Montana and Arizona.  She was exposed to art from an early age as her Mother was an artist and taught painting classes in their home.

She developed a love of wildlife and people and spent much of her time drawing and using pen and ink to capture her subject.  It was not until the 1970's that she started to explore working with color in watercolor.  Working in a local watercolor gallery in Tucson, Arizona she learned a about building up her paintings through layers of transparent color.

She experimented in working in oils and immediately fell in love with the medium and has worked almost exclusively in this medium since,  although she does paint in Acrylics and watercolors at times.

Her main focus of subject still remains wildlife and people and she has been working towards representing her subjects in a colorful and expressive style.

Being self taught she has learned most about her art by painting, experimenting and studying other works of art.  She has made a living of painting murals in many homes in the northern California area and has worked with the Wall Dogs painting large murals in city downtown businesses.

She presently resides in Lodi, California and teaches classes in her small studio.  She continues to paint and show her work in the surrounding areas art venues.

You can view a gallery of her art at www.andreamorrisart.com

Meet Artist Oranne Lee, Ironstone's Spring Obsession Theme Division artist

Oranne Lee

Oranne Lee Eichorn resides in Shingle Springs, CA, where she moved when retiring from teaching in Santa Barbara for 25 years. As a teacher, she brought the curriculum alive for her students by integrating art into every subject from social studies to science to math.  Oranne studied art with instructors at UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in watercolor, pastels, and oil.  Since her move, she has enjoyed a number of workshops with local artists, including The School of Light and Color, Randall Tillery, and  Anita Wolff, with emphasis on still life and landscape in oils. 

Fascinated her whole life with mountain scenery, especially Yosemite, she is thrilled to discover so many local landscapes just waiting to be painted, from the American River to snowy Icehouse trails. While her husband fishes, she paints.  Her entry in the Mother Lode Show reflects the scenery she found kayaking at our local Wright’s Lake. 

Oranne is an active award-winning participant and board member of the Placerville Art Association.  Her work has also been accepted into the Motherlode Show, a juried Western Region competition, and the Ironstone Vineyard Tulip Festival Show in Murphys.  She currently shows her work at the Gold Country Artists’ Gallery in Placerville.

orannelee@aol.com

Meet Artist Katerina Rutherford, Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist

Katerina Rutherford

1973 born in Valasske Klobouky, Czech Republic
1992-98 University of Technology, School of Fine Arts, Brno, Czech Republic
1996 Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, Prague, Czech Rep., Studio of Illustration & Graphics
1997 Winchester School of Fine Arts, England
1997 Moved to Prague
1999 Became founding member of the Czech impressionist painting group "Experiment 2"
2009 Feb.moved from Prague to the quintessential Southern California beach community of Belmont Shore in Long Beach
2012 Moved to the historic Mother Lode town of Angels Camp, located in Calaveras County

Individual Exhibitions (selection):

2005 "Between Heaven & Earth"  Kunstseminar Gallery, Luzern, Switzerland.
2002  "Heaven & Hell" Gallery zum Blauen Pfau, Vienna, Austria
1994  Castle Kinskych, Valasske Mezirici, Czech Rep.

Group Exhibitions (selection):

2013 "Visual Culture"  40 yr anniversary of School of the Seeing, Luzern, Switzerland
2012 Annual "Spring Obsession" , Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys, California
2011 Exhibition for Music festival with the theme, "Night", Kunstseminar Gallery, Luzern, Switzerland
2008 Experiment 2, Mala Kralovopolska Gallery, Brno, Czech Rep.
2007 Experiment 2, Kunstseminar Gallery, Luzern, Switzerland
2006 "Beautiful new World", Gallery U dobreho pastyre, Brno, Czech Rep.
2005 Experiment 2, J. A. Komensky Museum, Uhersky Brod, Czech Rep.
2003 "Visual Time", Gebaude des Finanzdepartements and Paulusheim, Luzern, Switzerland
2000 Experiment 2, Gallery U Rotundy, Tynec nad Sazavou, Czech Rep.

Illustrations:

2012 Illustrations for children's book "Svet od leptira i zwezda" (World of Butterflies and Stars) by Servian author Ivana Dostanic, Published in Belgrad by Zmez publishing house

Contact: www.katerinarutherford.com  (website in Czech, English and German)

Katerinapindi@gmail.com
phone: 562 666 1132

Meet Artist Helen Scofield, Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist

Helen Scofield  

Helen's artwork depicts her love of and involvement with color.  Subject matter that makes a definite statement in terms of color or emotion is what stirs her creativity.  She primarily paints in oils because of the richness and texture of the medium.

Helen is a resident of Vallecito, having moved to the Sierra Foothills from Santa Rosa in 1992.  Her art education was obtained through community college courses, workships and private lessions.  She has been accepted and wone awards at the prestigious Central California Art League Exhibit at the Gallo Winery, the Haggin Museum, the Carriage Show, the Mother Lode Art Association Annual Exhibit, Ironstone Vineyard's Spring Symphony Exhibition and the Professional Fine Arts Divisions of the Sonoma, Calaveras and Tuolumne County fairs.  In 2007, she won Ironstone Vineyard's "Spring Obsession" Poster award for her oil painting "Spring".

Helen's work may be seen at local businesses, the Aloft Gallery in Sonora, Art on Main in Murphys, Murphys Grille and through seasonal show with Arts of Bear Valley, The Gallery Group, Golden Palette and on her website: www.helenscofieldart.com  

Telephone" (209) 736 0400 - email: helens@wildblue.net

Meet Artist Linda Beach, Ironstone's Spring Obsession Theme Division artist

    Artist Linda Beach

 For artist and teacher, Linda Sargent Beach, it was a natural progression from using chalk as a teacher to her current focus of painting landscapes in pastel.  After a career as an art teacher  from Maine to California, Linda  is now an art instructor in Livermore, CA.  She enjoys the challenge of teaching and the perspective that it brings to her own art.

     A native of Cohasset, MA, Linda received a BA from Wilson College, PA and MS in Art Ed at Central Connecticut State University.  Linda has studied a variety of media from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to Santa Fe.  She has studied with numerous national artists such as pastelist Doug Dawson and watercolorist Sylvia Miller. Linda continues to seek new methods for her own expression in landscape. Her work in natural color often depicts a sense of distance and serenity.     

     Linda Beach is an active member of local art organizations and the Pastel Society of the West Coast and the Sierra Pastel Society.  Her award-winning work has been exhibited in group and juried shows in the SF Bay Area and at Wilson College.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Artist Statement:

The changing light on the landscape inspires my painting.  Color nuances, strong horizons, spatial recession, and textural elements are the foundations of my art.  My goal is to capture the essence and spirit of a landscape and convey a sense of place that transcends a visual image guided by my deep appreciation for nature.

I love the simplicity of soft pastels applied to sanded paper on location or indoors.  The medium of pastel permits the contrast of crisply rendered details with more subtle gradations of tone.  The landscape traditions of Jean Baptiste Corot and William Stanley Haseltine are an inspiration. 

My current work is comprised of landscapes that depict a sense of distance and evoke a mood of serenity.  I am as eager to capture the warmth of a color-washed setting sun on a Western sky as the myriad of reflections in the cool waters of New England.  This variety of surroundings and the perspectives gained from my career as an art educator continues to nourish and challenge my creativity.

For inquiries:  925-449-4226

Meet Artist W Vaughn Lew, Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist

W Vaughn Lew

Artist

Murphys, California

I'm originally from Eastern Oregon.  My family moved to Lodi in 1961 where

I attended Lodi High School, graduating in 1964.

I then enrolled at Sacramento State College, where I was a Commercial Art

major.  De Witt Whistler Jayne was my main influence.  He was a renowned

commercial artist, illustrator, and portrait painter with a gift for teaching and an

eye for perfection.  "Mr. Lew", he would say, "so much for a nice beginning,

but let's have a finish."  I've been striving for that quality he wanted ever since.

Another instructor that had a very positive effect on me was Dr. Tarmo Pasto,

an eccentric art psychologist and art instructor who taught the "Space Frame

Concept".  It was all about space and form.

After graduating from SSC and getting a teaching credential I was fortunate

to get an art teaching job at Elk Grove High School.  I taught there for several

years, but had an itch to get into construction.  That is where I've been until two

years ago when my wife, Glenda, and daughter Melissa, and I moved to Murphys.

One thing that is certain is that art requires a commitment.  I feel that I now

have the time and space to finally concentrate on my painting.  Although I have

been producing some art over the years, it is only now that I can continue to

the next piece without an extended time period between.  Landscapes, townscapes,

wildlife, and portraits all interest me.  My goal is to create images that bring the

viewers into a space that takes them away, and gives them pause to reflect.

W Vaughn Lew

P.O. Box 2028

Murphys, Ca. 95247

209-606-4623

Speaking of Artists ....

Speaking of artists.... this article by CNNMoney is a must read.

Not only do they raise the question, "How do artists think and behave?" they list "12 traits that any individual who aspires to make his or her mark on the world should emulate."

I found the article inspiring, enlightening and clarifying. How's that for an endorsement!

But, do check it out. Follow this link   
http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/12/21/what-entrepreneurs-can-learn-from-artists/

Meet Artist Susan King, Spring Obsession Theme Division accepted artist

T-009  Obsessed with Spring by Susan King watercolor  15x22 $450

Susan King   

Susan King is a 30 year resident of the Murphys and Arnold areas. Now retired from full-time teaching, she has realized exciting new time to focus on her exploration of the visual arts.  The wonder of the natural world, which surrounds the Sierra Foothills and beyond, is her inspiration.

Susan uses a variety of mediums and techniques to create unique emotional connections within her work.  Water color, pastels, rice paper and printer's inks are some of the essential components of many of her pieces.  "Every painting is a continual learning experience for me, considering the interaction of composition, design and color and materials. The process can be most humbling and exhilarating."

She is a member of Arts of Bear Valley and shows her pieces at their various shows. She also displays work at Art on Main and The Magnolia Cafe.  Susan has been awarded Ironstone Vineyard's annual theme division winner of the Obsession Art Show for two years, resulting in their vineyard poster each year.

Community outreach of the Arts to the children of the Highway 4 communities has included art classes presented by her for the students of Hazel Fischer and Michelson Elementary Schools.  Susan has orchestrated an annual Art in Action event that enlists a range of artists from the area to create an opportunity for student exposure and enrichment.

T-010  Tulip Explotiull by Susan King  watercolor  22x30  $450

Additional artwork can be seen on the following website:  www.artsofbearvalley.org

Email address: kingmail1@comcast.net

Bubbles & Oysters

Join us Saturday! Bubbles & Oysters Mardi Gras Celebration     6:00– 10:30 p.m.  

         
Blues Box Bayou Band, Door Prizes,  Queen & King Costume Contest,  Dancing and Cajun Cuisine.  
     
Admission $ 15  -   Cajun Buffet $20 ( Plus tax & gratuity)   -  Fresh Oysters, Champagne and Wine 
 available for purchase 

Reservations Required  (209) 728-1251 ext.11 
  * Free Admission for Wine Club Members

for more info ...


http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/assets/client/File/Poster%20for%20Mardi%20Gras.pdf

Meet Artist Deborah Marlene Kearney, Theme Division Accepted artist

DEBORAH MARLENE (KEARNEY)   

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CALAVERAS COUNTY AND CONSIDER IT MY HOME,  I HAVE LIVED IN THIS COUNTY OVER 12 YEARS TOTAL AND 18 YEARS OF MY LIFE HAVE BEEN IN THE MOUNTAINS.

MY PRESENT LOVE AND MOST OF MY PAINTINGS ARE DONE IN WATER COLOR.  I TOOK CLASSES FOR 3 YEARS LOCALLY FROM LURA FRANCIS OF MURPHYS.  I HAVE WORKED EXTENSIVELY WITH THEM FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS.  I AM ALSO EXPERIENCED IN OIL PAINTING AND CURRENTLY, I AM WORKING IN ACRYLICS AGAIN, WITH CAROL FIELDS OF MURPHYS.

I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AND SHOWN IN A PREVIOUS IRONSTONE CONTEST, IN THE GALLO SHOW AND AT THE COUNTY FAIR TOOK A FIRST PLACE RIBBON.

I HAVE TAKEN MANY WORKSHOPS FROM LOCAL ARTISTS AND AM A PRACTITIONER OF WESTERN FENG SHUI, WHICH I USE IN MY ART AND FRAMING.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITIES IS PAINTING ON LOCATION AS IT GIVES ME A CHANCE TO DRINK IN AND PAINT SOME OF THE FANTASTIC SCENERY HERE IN THIS COUNTY.

I AM A MEMBER OF THE ARTS OF BEAR VALLEY AND WILL BE HELPING WITH THE BEAR VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL ART SHOW AS WELL AS THE COUNTY FAIR AND THE LAST SHOW OF THE SEASON AT BIG TREES STATE PARK.

AFTER MY 5 YEARS AWAY, I AM EXCITED TO BE BACK HERE CLOSER TO MY ART FRIENDS AND OTHER CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY HERE IN CALAVERAS COUNTY.

T-011 Daffodils & Rainbows by Deborah Marlene Kearney watercolor  22x25  $195

YOU MAY VIEW SOME OF MY PAINTINGS AT:

DEBORAHMARLENE@FACEBOOK.COM

Meet Artist Ann Nancy Macomber, Spring Obsession Theme Accepted Artist

Ann Nancy Macomber

Biography 2013

Flora and Fauna in their natural habitat as well as historic buildings inspire me to create both representational and abstract paintings.
Exploring blocks of color and using strong linear movements seems to create an almost mosaic or stained glass effect in my work.  I work in all water medium but especially acrylic.

I've always looked for new solutions, studied with nationally known artists, and searched for new locations. Joe Smernicki of Scotland especially inspires me to use square brush strokes.  Stephen Quiller and Jane Hofstetter, both master colorists, have led me to explore new color combinations. Painting was intermingled with a thirty year teaching career in public education. I earned an MBA from USF in fine arts.

My work can currently be seen at The Aloft Gallery in Sonora, CA; Town Hall Arts Galerie Copper in Copperopolis, CA; Calaveras County Arts Council Gallery in San Andreas, CA and on line at upstreapeoplegallery.com and artsofbearvalley.org.  Other showings have included The Artists Alley Gallery in San Francisco and the Triton Museum in Santa Clara, CA.

My work has received awards in the County and State Fairs, the Triton Museum of Art Statewide Watercolor Competition & Exhibition and in numerous local and state exhibits.

Painting around my home in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 5000 feet, surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest and finding wildlife outside my door keeps my brush, sketchbook and camera busy.

Meet Artist Lorraine Lawson, Theme Division Accepted Artist 2013

Lorraine Lawson

Artist’s Statement

Born in Liege, Belgium and inspired by my great-grandfather’s work, I knew from a young age that becoming a fine artist was my destiny. Although my style is clearly my own, Gustave Flasschoen has been the motivator in pursuing the life of an artist and finding my own voice.

“Art has the power to make us see things from a different perspective”

The creative process invites scrutiny of the highest level. To create works of substance and quality that rivals the masters before me requires endless self-examination.

As a self-taught artist, defining my style became the ever-evolving quest for identity. Abstract expressionism, with an emphasis on “lyrical abstraction” has resonated with me and has become my style of expressing my intent and having my audience relate to it.

“I search for meaning beyond what I see.”

My abstract works not only encompass the formal elements of composition, color, value, and texture, but communicate concepts, mindset, ideas, and emotion. My work evolves along with my relation to the natural world. Culture and lifestyle are themes that invite the viewer to develop a connection to my work.

T-028  Sunny Disposition by Lorraine Lawson  mix media  48x36  $2800

T-029  Spring has Sprung by Lorraine Lawson  mix media 48x36  $2800

Because of my love of nature’s beauty and magnificence, I also explore the comfort found in more traditional landscape paintings.

Meet Artist Jenny Briggs, Spring Obsession Theme Division accepted artist

T-023  Daffodils  by Jenny Briggs  Oil  30x40  $1795

JENNY BRIGGS

ARTIST STATEMENT

In the beginning of my art life, which began in 1996, I was so excited to discover my ability to create art that I wanted to paint EVERYTHING!  I have narrowed it down, after 17 years!   I’ve found that when I paint what I have the most feeling for, others can feel it too!

My floral paintings are almost always quite large and dramatic, with the focal point being the center.  The center of a flower is the pulse of its life; it’s that sensual, special, secret place that, once you’ve seen it, you look for it in all flowers, because it’s exciting and beautiful.

Wildlife is another favorite subject for me to paint.  Lions, Tigers, Bears, Bison, Birds, as well as domestic and beloved cats and dogs – each one has its own personality. I strive to portray the excitement I feel when I admire these creatures that seem to be on this planet just to be admired for their unique, powerful spirits.

My Memory Paintings are those that tell a story, either from my own memories or another’s memories made vivid to me by the telling of them.  Mom Making Apple Pie or Kneading Bread, a client’s Grandmother Making Peach Ice Cream every 4^th of July, Spring Bulb Planting – memories can be our most precious possession or gift. I want you to be reminded of simpler times, happy memories, the smell of homemade bread, comfort food, and I want that reminder to make you smile.  That makes ME smile!

I have come to believe that every painting I create is meant for someone in particular.  It’s a gift that they will find for themselves or receive at the exact right time for them.  I think of that person as I paint, I’m excited and happy for them, and I imagine my paintings bringing smiles long after I’m gone!  I am so lucky to get to do this!

Artist, Ruth Morrow, Theme Division Artist

Ironstone welcomes back Artist Ruth Morrow again this year.  Ruth will be present at the Opening Weekend of the Spring Obsession Event on March 2 & 3. Do stop by to see her "Art in Action".

Now, in Ruth's own words... at bit about the artist,

T-025  Classy Dills by Ruth Morrow  watercolor  20x26  $500

RUTH MORROW     

Ruth Morrow has spent the past 26 years painting and photographing the beauties of the Mother Lode.  Ruth's loose and fanciful painting style is visible in her watercolor, acrylic, oil and mixed media pieces.

2011 - 12 have been busy and gratifying years in her artistic endeavors. At Sacramento Fine Arts Gallery Ruth was presented with an award for excellence for her watercolor "A Close-knit Village" and the Olive Schmid Memorial Award for her piece "Spring at the Old Homestead".  She received multiple first awards at the 2012 Frog Jump Professional Art Show.  "Spring at the Old Homestead" also received a second place at the October Mother Lode Art Show.  In March she received a bronze plaque from the Windsor-Newton Company in New York for her excellence in watercolor.

Ruth was the first artist to win the Ironstone Obsession Theme Division poster contest twice with "A Romp in the Dills" and "Truckin Dills", both of which have sold out.

This year will be Ruth's 10th year of acceptance into the KVIE Art Auction.

For the past 4 years the artist has been a member of Loft Gallery Co-op in Sonora.  She also belongs to Calaveras County Arts Council, the Gallery Group, The Golden Palette and Arts of Bear Valley.  In Sacramento she is affiliated with Sacramento Fine Arts Gallery, Watercolor Artists of Sacramento Horizons and Northern California Artists.  Her work may be viewed at Aloft Gallery in Sonora, Calaveras Arts Council in San Andreas, Gallerie Copper in Copperopolis, Murphys Grille, the Window Gallery in Arnold, Art on Main Gallery in Murphys and her studio in Arnold.

Meet Spring Obsession Theme Division Artist, Gwenlyn Norton

Gwenlyn has been a participant in Ironstone's Spring Obsession Art Show for many years now, bringing a unique and vivid perspective to the world around us.  Now, from Gwenlyn's own words ...

Gwenlyn Norton
Gwenlynsgallery.com

What is this power that takes over my mind and body and puts me in the flow of creativity?
I am so focused,
So dedicated,
So directed,
So determined,
So utterly consumed by spending as much time and energy
As I am able
To building,
To experimenting with materials, with color, with texture ***
Driven to see what happens, what develops, what results from my actions...
To experience the excitement, the humor, the failures, the rewards and the new challenges.
It's the life I thoroughly relish.

My contributions to Ironstone Vineyards, Theme Division,
16th Annyal SPRING OBSESSION Art Competition & Sale
are as follows:

T-016  Faith  by Gwenlyn Norton  pencil  12x16  $450

T-017  Dancing on the Keys  by Gwenlyn Norton  Mix Media  12x18  $350 

Faith








     





    Dancing on the Keys

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.  

Theme Division Accepted Artist Judy Knott

As we draw closer to the opening of the 16th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show March 2nd., the excitement is growing here at Ironstone as preparations are in full swing.  The Theme Division entries are in and accepted artists have been notified.  As their information comes in, I will share with you here the accepted work along with the artists bios.  

Ironstone's 16th Annual Spring Obsession - THEME DIVISION Artist - 
Judy Knott


Entry #T-006  "Ready for the Picking" 
Oil, 36x18  $900

Judy will be on site Plein-air painting on Saturday, March 2, from 11 - 4 .

Biographical Information
My home is in Elk Grove, California where I’ve lived since 1990 with my husband of 31 years. 

My studio is in my home and In addition to painting with oils, I also work with watercolors, design and make jewelry and have started a greeting card line.
I am the President of Elk Grove Artists for 2013 & 2014 and belong to Northern California Artists and the Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael. 
My career outside of art has revolved around computers predominantly in the medical field.  My last job before retiring in October 2011 was with Catholic Healthcare West Medical Foundation (Dignity Health) where I was a trainer, documentation specialist and finally an IDX computer analyst. 
I have a B.A. in Speech Communications, a certificate in Project Management and from 1996 to 2006 held an Adult Vocational Education Teaching Credential.

Artist Statement

I picked up a paint brush in 2008 and have not stopped painting since.  I was able to take some classes from Kate Anderson, a local artist, before she moved away and I am thrilled that she took me under her wing.  Although I enjoy water colors I decided to concentrate on oils. I started entering my art into competitions in 2012 and have gained some recognition including a prize in the student category of Artist’s Magazine in the January/February 2013 issue.  I paint in a somewhat impressionistic style but I am continuing to find my way and am enjoying the journey. My subject matter is varied and ranges from still lifes and interiors to odd items such as gas meters and drinking fountains. More recently I’ve become infatuated with fish and am excited to be commiserating with folks in the fishing community. Conservation is important to me and if art can bring further awareness of nature to the public, then I’m proud to play a part.
Most recently a few of my fish paintings have been accepted into the January Animal Attraction show at Temporary Contemporary art gallery in Sacramento.