Jewelers of America announce new August Birthstone.

Jewelers of America has just announced they have added Spinel to the official August Birthstone lineup. Now, you might ask what gives them the authority to do this?  Jewelers of America is credited with the establishment the official list of birthstone list in 1912.  Which has gone faily uncontested eversince. Thus, they have the power and own the history.

Going further back in time, gemstones have been assigned to the astrological signs, and even before to the 12 tribes of Israel.  For a great history of birthstones, check out GemSelect's article here: 

http://www.gemselect.com/other-info/birthstone-history.php  

Now, back to the spinel..  Here at Ironstone's Heritage Museum, we always thought light green was the August Birthstone. But, according to this article ...

"Here’s a quick guide to what makes spinel special and why it’s now recognized as a birthstone for August." ... "For those looking for an alternative to higher priced rubies and sapphires, spinel may be the best choice."  

Forget the time honored tradition of lunar symbolism and holistic qualities of the selection of stones as one's birthright, lets go direct into commercialism? Wait, just typo? ... OK. 

From our inhouse research, Spinel has been used as the birthstone for July on an international level for quite a long time.  When we first put together our in house list of birthstones, out of respect for our many international visitors (who actually called us out on our limited list) we have always had spinel listed for July. If you check it out, although the exact stones don't always match the official American birthstone list, colors have remained pretty much the same internationally. 

Jewelers of American is an outstanding source for jewelers and buyers, we were just a bit confused by this article.  Take a look yourself at the full article which was actually putblished June 2 of this year, and I only now discovered it.


http://www.jewelers.org/ja/marketing/resources/marketing-news/590-what-makes-spinel-special?utm_source=prnj&utm_medium=em&utm_campaign=spinel

Well, that was fun!

July 2nd. Independence Celebration was a big hit again this year.

First band up wandered the grounds playing awesome accoustics to the grateful crowds.  As the generators were unloaded, and the stage bands struck up some toons, out on the dance floor more dancers than we have seen in past years were having a ball!  

People were meeting their lawn neighbors, singing along or just visiting with friends, family and neighbors. Amazing what can happen when all cell service is down!  Seems one of the many fires that day took out two towers and left everyone without.  they actually had to spend the day talking to each other or doing something other than text or play on social media.

While up front all looked well, behind the scenes was chaos. Organized chaos mind you. With no power, all the food & beverage vendors were scrambling for generators to keep on functioning.

Ironstone crews were busy relocating massive light towers to locations deemed most critical come dusk, hooking up generators to keep everything running smooth, finding a lost ice delivery truck, the list goes on and on, but all ended with another amazing fire works display that just never ended!

We will all remember this year's event for some time to come.

Now, lets get ready for our first concert!

Independence Celebration!

Come Celebrate Independence Day with us here at Ironstone on Saturday, July 2.  Gates will open at 2:00 PM. There is a $15 entry fee for each adults and $5 for young people between the ages of 6 - 12. 5 years and under are free.  Cash only to get through the gate. Parking is free.  

Again, this year the kids can have fun on bounce houses, climbing wall, face painters and jugglers tricks. Volunteers from PAWS will be monitoring the bounce houses again this year. So, do stop by and show your support to that wonderful organization.

Adults will enjoy live music featuring some of the Sierras favorite bands.  Lots of food & beverage concessions.  No off site food or beverages are permitted, so please leave the ice chest at home.  

The fireworks will begin after sunset. We are excited to have the same fireworks company that has been "wowing" us for years. Here again to out-do last years show if that could be possible.

Weather reports it will be a warm day, so wear your big floppy sun hats and lather up with lotion. And lets have fun!  

See you Saturday!

Collector Dolls

Ironstone Heritage Museum has acquired several lovely collector dolls.

We are posting them on Craig's list for sale as we don't have room for them here in the Museum and don't want them to sit in boxes too long.  Prices range from $35 to $95.   Below are a few photos of a couple.

Ironstone's obsession does Social Media!

Wine maker Steve presents Obsession wine made from the Symphony grape.

http://obsessionwines.com/


Twitter too!

https://twitter.com/ObsessionWines

Ironstone presents Erin Hanson's "California Wine Country"

California Wine Country: Impressions in Oil by Erin Hanson Coffee Table Book Featuring Erin Hanson's Iconic Wine Country Paintings Ironstone Vineyards is please to announce we now carry Erin Hanson's "California Wine Country".  An outstanding coffee table book featuring Ms. Hanson's vibrant and impressionistic paintings of California's diverse vineyard landscapes.   I was first introduced to this book by our Tasting Room manager, Ginger.  Immediately captivated by the intense colors, I found my self unable to put it down. With broad loose brushstrokes, each painted scene emits screaming emotions or calming vibrations. The images seem always in motion. Love Erin Hanson's Art and Love this book!  See for yourself...  Erin Hanson invites you on a visual tour of the lush, multi-varied landscapes which comprise the world-famous wine country of the southwestern United States. Like a full bodied wine, Hanson's palette is vibrant with color and light, rich with texture and contrasts, and a virtual feast for the senses. Her perfectly rendered harmonious compositions are a celebration of life and the natural beauty of the wide outdoors. Indulge your senses with a fresh view of California wine country, and enjoy her modern take on a classic landscape. Title: California Wine Country: Impressions in Oil Hardcover with dust jacket, 200 pages, 10x12 inches, published 2015.  $65.00

"7 Color Jade" by Consilio Decor

Direct from the Tuscon Gem & Mineral Show, comes stunning "7 Color Jade" by Consilio Decor.

These stunning rock vases consist of Actinolite and Serpentine. Actinolite being in the nephrite family of jade and serpentine a multi-mineral stone, colors range in shades of red, green, yellowish, bluish, brown, black and white. No two are ever the same.  

Beginning as a weathered block of stone, these are shaped, cored, polished and glazed to become the vases you see below.  This amazing rock is found along river banks in Tiawan where the vases are painstakingly made today and imported by Consilior Decor.

Ironstone is proud to be a distributor for the unusual vases.

Spring Art Down ...

Ironstone's 19th Annual Spring Art Show ended this past weekend. Always sad to see the work come down. It was such an outstanding exhibit with works hailing from throughout California. 

Many new names graced the walls this year along side so many of our local favorites.  We have completed the posting, here on this blog, of all the artists biographies for you to enjoy along with an image of the pieces that were accepted into the show.  If you would like information on any one of the represented paintings, please do not hesitate to contact Chris at cgomez@ironstonevineyards.com with the Artists name and title of the piece you are interested in and she will forward you the artist's contact information.

We are glad to announce that a great number of paintings found new homes this year.  One collector announced she was planning on donating her purchased painting to her favorite Charity for an upcoming auction.  A very generous gesture to be sure.

A special thank you goes out to both our wonderful judges this year, Kathleen Dunphy and Charles Pyle.  Both exceptional educators as well as keen observers, Kathleen and Charles are skilled  at evaluating all aspects of a piece of art and presenting their observations in a clear and concise manner. As nationally recognized artists in their own right, both are able to create an excitement towards a painting, opening eyes of non artists to all subtleties of a work of art.  Thank you Kathleen and Charles.


Next year, 2017, marks the 20th Anniversary of this exciting exhibit.  What would you like to see at next year's show?

Meet Artist Barb Young, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

ARTIST STATEMENT FOR BARBARA (BARB) YOUNG

O-023  Souza Cow Camp  watercolor  12x24  $500

Since coming to Sonora in 1990, Barb's ART has expanded to include many sales and now, participation in local galleries. In 1996 she took a watercolor class from Dianne Starnes, while recovering from heart by-pass surgery. Since that time Barbs choice of medium has been WATERCOLOR.

O-025  Fall in Reds  watercolor  11x14  $200

She has a prolific way of depicting old and historical building and capturing life like realism in her paintings of landscapes. And as well as doing watercolors, she has special touch with her Sharpie Pen Sketches of rocks and trees, and pinecones, and other things that depict the Sierras.

Now retired, Barb can spend more time on the things she loves: painting and drawing, and Therapy Dog WORK with her doggies Happy BURITTO, & Kristy both Chihuahuas.

Barb has done some commissioned paintings, with unique challenges, She also has sold a lot of her paintings and sketches, as well as cards made from her paintings and sketches. You can find Barb around the Sonora and outlying areas sketching and taking pictures, and observing the many views and buildings. She also spends a lot of time in the Sierras.

Barb has come a long way from her beginnings in ART as a teenager, copying comic book characters and doing paint by number Paintings. her early works were sad and gloomy (which expressed her early life); and now, her work has taken on a "lightness, and colorfull expression." Barb credits her abilities as a God given talent.

Barb has won many awards at the MLAA shows in Oct. Her work can be seen at the ALOFT Gallery, Sonora. At Twain Heart's All That Matters; Pinecrest Gallery in Pinecrest and Sonora Blue Print. Barb has entered the Ironstone show many times.

bar-bar-a@att.net

Meet Artist Elizabeth Willmon, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Elizabeth Willmon

O-055  Wine and Orchids  watercolor  20x30  $1200

Artist Statement

I love to paint the designs and patterns created by light and shadow in everyday objects all around me. While I paint in a realistic style, I add my own interpretation by laying down many layers of transparent watercolor. These layers create glowing color, emphasizing the design that first caught my eye.

I paint because I never grow tired of watching the vibrant colors I put on the paper mingle and transform something ordinary into something that commands attention from the viewer.

Bio

Originally from Clovis, I have been surrounded by creativity for as long as I can remember. My mother was a fiber artist and my father was a jeweler and furniture designer. In the evenings as they were sketching ideas for their designs, I would draw portraits.

I fell in love with watercolor when I took Dan Petersen's classes at Modesto Junior College. After raising a family and then finishing my Bachelor's degree I have come back to watercolor because it feeds my soul.

I currently live in Modesto with my husband and our little Tibetan spaniel, Cookie. I paint every day in my studio which overlooks a beautiful courtyard filled with the scent of orange blossoms. 

Meet Artist Paula Tooman, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

O-133  Spring Delight watercolor  27x33  $580

My name is Paula Tooman. I really love doing watercolor painting. The colors intrigue me and the techniques always presenting interesting challenges. In my thirties I started painting – but was busy raising two children so could not paint as often as I desired. In my forties my husband and I adopted fourteen children – thirteen Ethiopians and one handicapped girl from the United States. The children were and are a joy – and sometimes a sorrow. We certainly felt emotions parallel to those experienced by parents all over the world – multiplied by fourteen! As was expected they did keep me very busy and I found time to paint only sporadically. Now I’m in my sixties and we only have four children at home. My husband prepared a home studio for me and I am enjoying the freedom to regularly paint again with my beloved water colors. It is such a luxury to have time to paint again and I’m having great fun doing it!

O-134  Rain forest Jewel  watercolor  29x25  $950

I enjoy most of all painting flowers, people, and landscapes. They lend themselves to the use of a great variety of painting materials, many color variants, and a host of presentation and brushing techniques. I am always reading books and watching DVDs by other artists to encourage myself to try new ideas and to look at each new blank paper as a new and interesting challenge.

Meet Artist Cathryn Strong, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Cathryn Strong, Groveland, CA

O-052  Bridge near Awanhee  watercolor  32x38  $630

 I re-discovered my love of watercolor in 2009 when I participated in a local watercolor class at Mt. Sage Nursery, Groveland.  As a Plein air artist, I try to attend as many watercolor workshops as I can and paint in Yosemite whenever I get the chance, and of course, with the MLAA Plein Air Painting group which enables me to paint throughout the “Gold Country”.

O-053  Call to the Mountains  watercolor  20x26  $450

Currently, I am a member of The Mother Lode Artist’s Association, Sierra Professional Artists, and Benicia Arts and show at the MLAA Aloft cooperative gallery in Sonora. As for education, I graduated from U.C. Davis and attended San Jose State University for postgraduate courses.

For the past two years, I have been juried into Ironstone’s Art Show (Spring Obsession) and was part of the 150^th Yosemite celebration (Sierra Professional Artists) Art Show in Groveland, CA.

Meet Artist Wendy Rogers, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted Artist & Judges Merit Award Winner

Wendy Rogers

Biography

Judges Merit Award Winner -"Prairie Fire"

O-104  Prairie Fire  watercolor  24x30  $550

Fiddletown painter Wendy Rogers is an award winning watercolorist and blogger, with work in private collections throughout the county. Working with careful drawings and a limited palette of transparent hues, she often enhances her paintings with layers of prismacolor pencil -- deep sky blues and purples, shadows of inky indigo, soft highlights of lightest grays and periwinkle -- all serving to communicate her passion for her craft, and her growing love of Nature.

Rogers was born and raised in the shadow on Mt. Diablo in the Bay Area of California -- and area known for its wonderful fresh fruit and rich farmlands. She learned at an early age to love the land, to respect the hard work and determination of the small farmers, and craved a piece of land to plant and nurture. 

In college she studied Fine Arts and Horticulture. Figure drawings often included detailed studies of plant parts, leaves and bark textures.

O-105  Redwood Sisters  watercolor  16x20  $400

"I am fascinated by complex subject matter. I love crisply defining sepia lines that play against soft washer of glowing light, enhancing depth and adding a sense of the mysteries of Nature. The dramatic lighting effects, foliage shapes and varying textures create vibrant contrasts. I enjoy painting portraits and landscapes, I love animals and birds."

In the last three years, her painting has blossomed. It has become richer and more expressive.

"I like to think it is my happiness showing through. If it is true that an artist's soul can be seen in her work, them my soul is sunshine and flowers -- and donkeys!"

Wendy Rogers

Fiddletown

www.fiddlesongstudio.com

Meet Artist Marilyn Richards, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

BIOGRAPHY

MARILYN RICHARDS

MJRArt@comcast.net

O-020  Historic Passenger Railroad Car  acrylic  16x20  $700 

I started my painting experience as a child in school. I went to the California College of Arts and Crafts and then continued painting landscapes on scene for many years with watercolors. I started working in acrylics and studying with Gereon Rios of Columbia College. Mr. Rios and my digital camera have helped me to expand my subject matter to landscapes, people, animals, and flowers. Now when I paint, I start with excitement and the challenge to incorporate color, composition, and joy into my paintings.

I am a member of the Golden Palette Art Association, and Arts of Bear Valley. I have participated in the Arts of Bear Valley Summer Shows during the Music Festival and the Art in the Park Show in the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. My work was selected to be on the posters for the Arts of Bear Valley Summer Show in 2006 and 2008. I am currently showing my work at Art on Main in Murphys. I also participate in the Fall Studio Tours sponsored by the Calaveras Arts Council.

O-021  contrasts on the Stanslaus  acrylic  24x30  $500

I have shown my work in the California Art League Exhibit at the Gallo Winery, the Mother lode Art Association Annual Exhibit, the Valley Art Assn Fall Carriage Show, the Ironstone Spring Obsession Show, the Professional Fine Arts Division of the Calaveras and Tuolumne County Fairs, with numerous awards and Best of Division in the Agricultural Division. I have also shown in Puerta Vallarta and Mazitlan in Mexico.

Meet Artist Henrietta Sparkman, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

HENRIETTA SPARKMAN

Contact via studio phone: 1-209-521-8336                             E-mail: sparkmanstudios@gmail.com

O-040  Flash Flowers  mix medium  16x20  $435

O-042  Yosemite bus stop  pastel 13x16 $345

Artist Statement

Visual Poetry is the direction I work, in painting landscapes, catching the essence of the scene without many details, is the goal and to leave the viewer their own metaphoric interpretation. Painting en plein aire gives the composition an unique vibrance and life. Working on location gives the viewer the sense of the moment, of place and conditions.
     Capturing scenes that change over time allows the observer an opportunity for that which changes and is not always constant and reminds us to be stewards of our land and nature that is often taken for granted.
     Figurative work with a live model has a different tempo in composing the human landscape. To relay the sculpture of the human form and capture the personality and the elements together in a soulful expression requires one's own personal introspection and understanding of the human circumstance.
     Abstract work has given license to turn reality inside out and create introspective improvisations. To seize the essence of matter and separate fundamentals from irrelevance is what I have created in the painting and the monotype series.
     As an artist my work overs a range of media from ceramic sculpture,printmaking, watercolour,cast bronze sculpture, painting and mixed media. I enjoy working in different mediums as well as subject matter and find that one method of communicating transposes in to another a visual message that becomes richer with time. My art explores a personal timbre and through my eyes, may you discover your own perception and meaning.

www.sparkmanstudios.com






     

Meet Artist Katherine Plumer, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

O-127  The Lookouts  scrimshaw  9x12 $2500

Artist Statement

Katherine Plumer

First Prize Winner * "The Lookouts"

When you were a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?  For me, the dream of being an artist has been unwavering, blossoming and growing ever since my little hands could use a crayon.  I create art because I can, and because I love it more than anything else, and because of the indescribable joy of the moment when a piece that I created I resonates with someone else, and becomes something that they treasure for the rest of their life.

O-131  Thankful  graphite and charcoal 29x37   $6500

 For most of my life, I have lived in the town of Wilton, California, a rural area south of Sacramento.  I was raised on a farm and have always had a passion for nature and birdwatching.  The animals that surround and inhabit my life have a strong influence on the artwork that I create.  I aim not only to portray my subject matter as realistically and accurately as possible, but also to capture the expression and soul of an animal.

O-128  The First of Spring  color pencil graphite 20x23  $1125

O-130 Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed graphite 12x14 $395

The work you see here represents a few different techniques and media.  Over the years I have explored many ways of creating art, and currently focus on engraving and drawing.  I invite you to visit my website, www.KatherinePlumer.com, or join me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KatherinePlumerFineArt.

Meet Artist Helen Scofield, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Helen Scofield

O-037  Aspens in the Fog  oil  22x36  $400

Helen's artwork depicts her love of and involvement with color.

Subject matter that makes a definite statement in terms of color of emotion is what stirs her creativity. She primarily paints in oils because of the richness and texture of the medium.

O-038  Rushing Water  oil  18x18  $350

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, workshops and private lessons.  She has been accepted and won 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 Obsession Exhibit 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".

O-039  Survivor  oil  16x20  $400

Helen's work may be seen at local businesses; Art on Main in Murphys, Murphys Grille and through seasonal shows with Arts of Bear Valley, and on her website: www.helenscofieldart.com.

Meet Artist Ron Miranda, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

RON MIRANDA
Second Prize winner "Splash Mob"

O-026  Splash Mob  oil  36x24  $4000

Originally from the island of Guam, Ron currently resides in Long Beach, California. He studied art at the California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a Bachelor's in Fine Arts degree graduation with honors. Ron is currently a professional graphic artist receiving many awards and accolades for his graphic designs. As a successful graphic designer, Ron is ready to transition to fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a full - time fine art painter.

At a young age while growing up in Guam, Ron began developing his art skills with Crayola crayons, experimenting with blending and layering colors together,. The desire to explore the interaction of color and its emotional response motivated him more to becoming an artist. His drawing skills progressed by observing his older brother, Roland, an established cartoonist from the Guam Daily News.

Most of Ron's inspirations and influence are from fond memories of Guam; romanticizing the rich tropical vegetation, fauna and some of the amazing color, textures and patterns that channel their way into his paintings.  Heightened color is paramount in Ron's paintings with exaggerated hues to push boundaries and strike a chord with the viewers.

Many of Ron's works range from representational to abstract. The concepts for his abstract run deep from his island culture and music. Ron finds incentive for his representational pieces from his collection of personal digital library of images that he photographed.

Ron is very well versed in computer graphics design programs and will occasionally apply his artist skills to illustrate or paint using Photoshop or Illustrator,. Most of Ron's painting compositions are developed on the computer and he transfers the final composition to the painting. On occasion, Ron will work on multiple traditional mediums from charcoal, gouache, pencil, color pencil, acrylic, and oils.

Ron feels that every painting is a journey of exploration to discover new techniques, rouse the creative mind to capture the imagination, and anticipating the development from a blank canvas evolving to an amazing and wonderful image.

Meet Artist John Lovewell, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

JOHN LOVEWELL                  WILDLIFE ART

O-114  Sierra Gray Fox  oil  36x36  $1600

Statement from the artist:

It is my pleasure to personally share some things in my life that have contributed to my love of wildlife and its habitat and the desire to express this in the field of art.

     I was born in Cody, Wyoming and raised in Kalispell, Montana, not far from Glacier National Park. I had a great time growing up, going fishing and hunting with my father and as a teen, hiking with my buddies into the back country wilderness, taking pictures with my trusty 35 mm SLR.
     I guess I was drawing birds and animals as soon as I could hold up a pencil. I took up taxidermy at 12 yrs old, and soon folks were dropping off specimens on the front porch. I was also called on to draw and paint things, even symbols on the sides of Teepees, and I enjoyed illustrating the High School Annual with scenes from Indian life.
     Although I left the area, my heart was always there. However, I did make it a point to always take my wife and sons to Yellowstone Park every summer for vacation, where I continued to take pictures of old snags and rocks and scenery that I filed away for future use in bringing back old memories on canvas when I had free time.
     That is why I strive for realism, so the painting can be convincing enough that you feel you have stepped into an actual scene of Nature and you are there for real, witnessing some king of drama or action, which for me usually means ... predators.
     I was largely self-taught, but felt encouraged when some folks seemed to appreciate my efforts ... and even more so when some of my pieces were accepted into the Los Angeles Audubon Society Wildlife and Environmental Art Show.
     When I found time, I would take hikes into the sierras and so finally I decided to move to Sonora, to be close by the mountains.
     This was a great decision ... here the Oil Painting World of technique and color was really opened up to me by a local artist and teacher, Gereon Rios of the Sonora Academy Of Fine Arts.
     I hope then, that my paintings will be successful in bringing an measure of appreciation for God's wonderful creations and that my experiences and memories will perhaps evoke the same joys I have and that lie deep in the soul of those who have tramped the woods ... or even maybe those who were only able to dream about it. 

John Lovewell

Meet Artist Susan King, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Susan

King

T-021  Nature's Symphony  collage  20x24  SOLD

     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.

Meet Artist Mary Hyodo-Polk, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Mary Hyodo-Polk

O-043  Natural Garden in Spring watercolor  23x29  $250

Always doing art since early childhood, drawing on margins of magazines and discarded books, it was second nature to draw, When in middle school, she was inspired by a teacher to enter into community of art contest which she won with a watercolor painting of a local park. When in high school, she designed and painted posters and programs for sport events and wall decorations for school dances. After going to college majoring in education, she was a stewardess for Northwest Airlines to satisfy her thirst to travel. When she had enough, she found her way into the commercial wart world doing graphics, illustrations and art direction for an ad agency and then Lockheed and Hewlett-Packard; all the while, taking many art courses in different mediums including clay sculptures, composition and color theory, drawing in pencil and charcoal, painting in acrylics, oil, pastels and watercolor. After taking courses from some of the finest professional artists, she settled for trying to develop her own style. She went to uninstructed figure drawing sessions twice a week doing from 1 minute to 20 minute poses and occasionally doing one post for 2 to 3 hours. She liked the spontaneity of watercolor and the fluid, transparent glazing you can't get in any other medium, and it's easy to transport when doing pleine air. But because every medium has something to offer, it's fund to work with different ones; therefore, she did a mixture of artwork-among them portraits of people in pencil, watercolor and oil.

O-045  Easter pre-omelet  watercolor  23x29  $325

Mary has bee juried into shows and exhibited in may different places winning many ribbons for best of show, first place and other awards. In one show, the judge bought her painting before it was hung. She is currently a consignment artist at Gallery 10 in Sutter Creek.

Meet Artist Dale Allan Huey, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Dale Allan Huey
Angels Camp, CA
Judges Merit Award Winner  *  "Washboard Chaz"

O-124  Washboard Chaz  pen & ink  9x13  $150

In an almost literal sense, Dale was born with a pencil in his hand, doodling airplanes, car and spaceships on anything that would accept a graphite smudge.  As a young man, a visit to the famous Canyon Road art market in Santa Fe gave him the opportunity to meet pastel artist Albert Handel. Mr. Handel's legendary skills with color and light ignited a hidden passion in Dale to draw the natural world around him. Possibly, that i why he made the wise decision to raise his family in the historic Mother Lode, where he finds endless inspiration in its land, color, and dreams of gold.

O-123 Vineyard Wagon color pencil  15x11  $240

Dale has an obsessively creative personality, combining the tactile disciplines of pencil, paint, wood, glass, and paper, into unexpected objects of art. Despite his lack of formal study, Dale's keen eye and wide skillset have led to a number of awards - his art has been shown at the Haggin Museum of Stockton, and the Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Amador county fairs. Currently, Dale is best known locally for his themed deck chairs made of reclaimed wood, which have collectively raised over $1200 at several Calaveras County Art Foundation and Farm Bureau charity auctions. These chairs reside in the collections of former Calaveras County Sheriff Gary Kuntz, the Whisky Slide Ranch of Mokulumne Hill, and the AM Ranch of Paloma.

At the moment, Dale is exploring colored pencil, with a Grisaille under painting of India ink or Prismacolor art markers. He also keeps up his skill with pen and ink, using the medium to create works of delicate intricacy which draw the eye in for extended study. As time permits, he also dabbles in corrugated paper sculpture, in the form of a 1/10 scale 1926 Hudson Boat tail racer.

O-122  Red Racer  mix media  13x16  $150

Dale also has an alter ego, inspired by the likes of "Big Daddy" Ed Roth, Von Dutch, and Robert Williams - he produces automotive cartoons and caricatures that harken back to the early days of Southern California hot rodding.  His medium of choice for this art is a Wacom digital art pad and Autodesk "Sketchbook" program, producing purely hand drawn art on a computer.

Meet Artist Cindy Henderson, Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artist

Cindy Henderson-Liotta 

O-126  Wishing  acrylic  12x24  $500

Cindy is a California Native, and is a registered member of the Chickasaw Tribe of Oklahoma. Cindy's maternal grandmother being a full blood Chickasaw/Choctaw from Oklahoma.

Cindy started drawing very early and her love of color and fantasy has continued into her adult life.

Currently Cindy is studying art at Columbia Community College in Columbia, California.  Her studies include watercolor, oils, acrylics, and sculpting.
Cindy is the mother of two, enjoys her family and friends and finds inspiration in her colorful family.
Cindy's art reflects her love of imagination and is inspired by everything around her. She says she just draws and paints what pops into her head.

O-125  Peeking  acrylic  16x20  $300

She currently has her art displayed in the College Bookstore at Columbia Community College.
Cindy has also designed the wine labels for Renegade Winery in Mokelumne Hill, California. She is working on labels for a new brewery slated to open in Galt, California.
Cindy is excited to share her Fantastical Art with All.

Meet Artist George Haskell, Spring Obsession accepted artist

George Haskell, 

Oil Painter

O-101  Vibrant Yosemite Spring  9x12  oil  $250

George Haskell's first artistic love has always been landscape painting, in particular Yosemite.  He has always been captivated by the grandeur of Yosemite Valley season by season, scene by scene and moment by moment.  It is never the same valley twice. Capturing and interpreting the moods of the valley has alway been always a challenge and deeply inspiring.  Since retiring from a career teaching special education has focused on creating paintings that evoke a feeling of the time place and season for the observer.

O-102  Half Dome Fall  oil  9x12  $250

           George began oil painting when he took a semi independent studies class in painting in college during the seventies.  He has worked for the past ten years to sharpen his skills.  During much of this time the main influence on his approach to painting has been his longtime friend and teacher Judy Cain.  Using color, often emphasized, evoking a feeling in the observer has been a primary consideration. 

Meet Artist Carol Goff, Spring Obsession accepted artist

Carol Goff

O-057  Just Resting  wc  $400

The watercolor medium has intrigued me since I first watched some artists painting on site in Murphys when I moved here several years ago. Through private lessons, workshops and community college classes I have learned the versatile aspects of this surprisingly forgiving but challenging medium. I continue to strive to add new dimensions to my work, always exploring new ideas and techniques.

My inspirations come from being an avid gardener and many of my paintings who my love of what is produced there. I also feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful area where I can share the delightful scenery and wildlife in the foothills and surrounding areas.

O-058  Reflected memories  wc  $400

I am an active member of Arts of Bear Valley, Golden Palette Art Association, Calaveras County Arts council and the Gallery Group. My paintings have won ribbons at the Calaveras County Fair and Lodi Grape Festival. I also received the third place award at Ironstone Vineyards' 2011 Spring Obsession Professional Art Show.  My work can be seen at the Art on Main Gallery in Murphys and at other local businesses and seasonal shows in the area.