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.  

Did I say Popcorn?

No love for the "dreaded Styrofoam" when opening or trying to repack art work, try loose bubble wrap. However, I don't recommend going green as indicated below from the website "ehow".  

Don't get me wrong, I love popcorn! But, fresh, buttered and a light sprinkling of fresh grated parmi. Please don't use it for packing art!

How to Use Popcorn As Packing Material

By April Fox, eHow Contributor

 
 
 
• Print this article

The world is going green, and environmentally-conscious consumers have discovered a way to ship products without using the dreaded Styrofoam packing peanuts: popcorn! While it isn't a perfect solution--natural oils can damage or discolor paper products, and it's heavier than Styrofoam--popcorn is cheap, easy to use, and won't clutter up landfills like some other materials will. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that after you've finally put that package in the mail, you can reward yourself with a movie and your leftover packing materials.

Read more: How to Use Popcorn As Packing Material | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5822011_use-popcorn-packing-material.html#ixzz2I09GVMRF

Shipping your Art...

As many of you start planning on how to get your accepted works to Ironstone, I thought I would pass along some of MY past favorite Art Containers.

The photo above illustrates a basic, reusable, easy to handle solution for shipping your work. This crate is the favorite here at Ironstone based on its ease to open, remove art, repack unsold works and return to sender.  There is no popcorn, which is a nightmare to deal with, nor tightly/massively taped bubble wrap, which has to be cut or almost destroyed to get the artworks safely out of the protective cocoon.

Several of you are already using this packaging, and if I were involved in the judging, you will have earned huge points right from the start. Hmmm, such an idea! 

The photo above is compliments of Fine Art Shipping. A company that has a great blog with wonderful ideas & service.  You can check out their site at the following link.
http://www.fineartship.com/crating/

More later ...

What are you Thinking?

OK, here is a look at the panels we will be using for the Main Building Spring Obsession Artists March 2 & 3.

There will be 4 panels joined. with one panel per artist.  There is space for a chair and easel or small card table. The panels themselves are 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide. They have grey fabric that would use something like a shower curtain hook for hanging art. We will figure that out between now and March 2.

We think this will satisfy the past artists requests that we move them into the main building.  With other activities going on in this room that Spring Obsession Event weekend, these panels look to be a great solution.

The Heritage Room, which we have utilized in the past will be reserved for presentations, classes or other projects the accepted Spring Obsession Artists come up with. Send me your ideas!  

OR, if you have art supplies you would like to sell or services for artists you would like to promote, contact me. We can work something out for that great Weekend Event.

Gett'n Ready!

Today we are working out details on bringing the Art in Action for Spring Obsession to the Alhambra Music Room for the weekend instead of the Heritage Room where we have been located these past several years.

Based on suggestions from all of our past participating artists, this will bring you and your display into the same area as the Exhibit, which will provide more direct and constant contact with your public for the weekend.  An added benefit is participating artists will be able to enjoy Chef Rob's cooking demos on Saturday without leaving their space!

Making this move will limit the actual display area as well as the number of artists able to participate. How the selections will be made is still up in the air. Your suggestions are always welcome. Whichever direction is chosen will be what we consider the most fair for all.

Connie McLennan, Participating in the 2012 Spring Obsession Event in the Heritage Room.

Will keep you updated on the ongoing progress.

Artists! Get those entry forms in! $1000 first prize!

Yes, the deadlines are fast approaching! Theme Division entry forms for the 2013 Spring Obsession Art show & competition are due January 4th. while the OPEN Division with its $1000 first prize are due February 1st.  This year is Ironstone's 16th Annual Celebration of Art, Obsession wine and flowers.

Entry forms may be downloaded from the pages above or from the Ironstone Vineyards website.
www.ironstonevineyards.com.  Please call if you have any questions! 209 728 1251.

Life as a journey

"Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave intent on arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Cabernet in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"

This was emailed to me this morning... words for thought going into a new year. Anyone know who's quote is this anyway?

Happy Birthday to ME! the Crystalline Gold!

Today marks the 20th Anniversary of My discovery!  

I, the Crystalline Gold Specimen 

located here at Ironstone's Heritage Museum, 

was discovered by the Sonora Mining Company 

in their Jamestown site 20 years ago today!

Come by today and sing me a song!

50% off jewelry Sale Event

Ironstone Heritage Museum in Cooperation with OROCAL designers are offering a Fantastic Jewelry Sale starting this weekend!

You will find incredible savings of up to 60% on a wide selection of styles and stones above & beyond those produced by OroCal.  This sale is limited to stock on hand, so don’t miss out!

Come by today and find that perfect gift at the right price!

Krementz Vintage Jewelry finds it's way to Ironstone!

Ironstone Heritage Museum has acquired two very unique estate pieces. Vintage Krementz Costume Jewelry dating from the 1950’s – 1960’s.  Both of the samples currently available for purchase are very unique and hard to find examples of the famous Krementz design house established in the late 1800’s. 

The first piece, a unique silvertone and rhynstone necklace screw earring set, is in excellent condition showing no signs of wear. It is a stunning piece, perfect for the Holidays.

12/31/12 update; This piece has sold

The second piece is a rare “Bonnet” pin by Krementz. We were only able to find 2 samples of this piece on the web. Both of the sites offered the pin for sale for a price of $52.00.  Ironstone Heritage Museum is proud to present both of these beautiful estate collector pieces for only $35.00 each. 

12/18/12 update: This piece has sold

Please keep in mind  these are estate, previously owned pieces that will not come around again. If you are interested in purchasing, please contact us here in the Heritage Museum  immediately as they will not last for too long!

. 

Call to Artists Reminder

Just a reminder to all you artists out there... deadlines for the Open & Theme Division Spring Art Show are fast approaching. With the Christmas Season upon us, don't let this sneak up on you sending you scrambling at the last minute! Forms can be downloaded from the pages above or from our website. 
www.ironstonevineyards.com

Vaughn Pottery New pieces!

Bill & June Vaughn of Vaughn Pottery have graced our shelves for the upcoming Christmas Season with an outstanding collection of pottery and wearable art pieces.  

Above is June getting ready to set up while Bill talks shop with Ironstone's very own Garden Guy, Larry.

A union of two highly creative minds, each piece reflects the vital roles that both Bill & June each play in its formation.  Bill is interested in the form of the piece and the textures achieved through his choice of burnishing or using slip to finish; or to fire with or without horse hair.  June further develops the pieces with decoration that includes paint, carving, stones, antlers, beads and other found objects. 

Below are just a few from the collection available for sale. These are one of a kind pieces, each with a unique story all its own. 

#147  approx. 11" to top of horn tip   $700

#144  approx. 10"  $375

#142  approx. 10"  $375

#145  approx. 10"  $375

#150  approx. 10"  $350

#149  approx 8"  $325

#148  approx 17"  $750

#143  approx 10"  $375

You may see these and more right here in Ironstone's Heritage Museum. Open 11 - 5 daily.

Bulbs in from Holland

Bulbs are in from Holland, ready to go into the ground and delight you this coming Spring!  

Follow along their progress on the IronstoneGarden Blog at http://ironstonegardens.blogspot.com

Special Message to Artists from the New York Foundation of the Arts

We felt this worthy of sharing with our artist friends ... there is assistance out there, much more needed....

The information below is from the New York Foundation for the Arts newsletter... 



"Hello Friends,

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is back in our offices for the first day today. On behalf of everyone at NYFA I am writing to express support and concern for those of you affected by Hurricane Sandy. We sincerely hope this email finds you and your families safe and well. I want you to know we are here to assist you in whatever ways we can, and there are some specific initiatives about which I want to make you aware:

1. If you have suffered losses of any kind as a result of the storm, please take a few moments to fill out this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HurricaneSandyRecovery. It will be vital in our efforts to communicate your needs to funders, elected officials, the media and other interested parties.

2. If you had an event cancelled due to the storm, we are happy to offer you a free event listing in NYFA Classifieds through the end of the year. Simply send the information to: joblist@nyfa.org ATTN: Michon.

3. NYFA's offices at 20 Jay Street (suite 740) in DUMBO are open and we encourage you to come by for free coffee and refreshments. If you are without power you can use computers, Wi-Fi and recharge your cell phones or just spend some time talking to other artists.

4. We have an updated list of emergency resources on the home page of NYFA's website at www.nyfa.org.

In the next weeks, we will be scheduling a series of workshops on topics related to emergency recovery such as legal issues, assessing the value of your work and other insurance questions. As soon as these are confirmed, we will get a schedule out to you.

Finally, NYFA will be working closely with CERF+ (Craft Emergency Relief Fund + Artists' Emergency Resources), the National Coalition for Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response, as well as funders and government agencies to determine the most effective ways to provide coordinated support efforts.

Please know that NYFA is here for you; contact me or any staff member with questions, concerns, ideas or problems. The work you create is vital to helping us all cope in difficult times and, for those of you now going through difficult times of your own, I want you to have my personal assurance that NYFA will do whatever we can to help you.

Best wishes,
Michael "

CALL TO ARTISTS!

Call to artists, THEME DIVISION entry forms & OPEN DIVISION entry forms for Ironstone's 16th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show now available!  Download from the pages in this blog or go to www.ironstonevineyards.com - events - art show.

THEME DIVISION entries due Friday, January 4, 2013.
OPEN DIVISION entries due Friday, February 1, 2013.

See entry forms for details.

THEME DIVISION winner
     $500. prize

OPEN DIVISION winners:
*     1st place $1000.00
*     2nd place $500.00
*     3rd. place $250.00

All accepted artists eligible for participation on opening SPRING OBSESSION EVENT weekend, March 2, 2013.

Download entry forms and more information from: 
* blog pages listed above
*  www.ironstonevineyards.com
*email for an entry to be emailed to you at cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com.
*  http://ArtDeadline.Com
If you wish to have entries mailed to you, please send a stamped, self addressed envelope to:

Ironstone Spring Obsession Art Show
1894 Six Mile Road
Murphys, CA 95247

You may pick up your entry form at Ironstone's Tasting Room or Heritage Museum.

Quilter's Shoes! More Shoes!

What does a Quilter wear on the feet?

 What does a quilter wear on the feet? Take a look at these! See more, come out today, Saturday & Sunday see for yourself. It's the Mountain Heirloom Quite Fair.