Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Renee Rondon

 RENÉE RONDON 

O-065 Passion-in-Purple-oil by Renee-Rondonoil 20x16 295

 Renée is a 4th generation (of 5) Californian. She moved to Calaveras County 12 years ago. Her pastimes include camping, hiking and gardening. Her passion is painting. 

 Most of her experience is in oils, but she also enjoys using acrylic, watercolor, and pastel. She is mostly self-taught, but has gained experience and knowledge from many respected instructors including Ed Garcia, VaLoyce Jensen, Gereon Rios, Gill Delinger, George Durkee, Diana Boyd, Judy Cain, Peggi Kroll-Roberts, Jim Toenjes, and Heinie Hartwig. 

O-066 Easing-around-Lodi-Lake by Renee-Rondon oil 15x19 $295

 Renée enjoys the challenge of developing her paintings into a story that will touch someone’s heart, or remind them of something special that is part of their life. Each painting is developed from a personal photo, sketch, travel, plein air painting, and even from her own backyard. 

 Her art has won several awards, and her paintings have been in various galleries and venues including the Aloft Gallery, Calaveras Arts Council in San Andreas, Ironstone Winery, Lodi Community Art Center, Mistlin Gallery, Delicato Winery and Umpqua Bank. 

 If you would like to contact Renée, please call (209)772-0287, or email her at paintinglady2012@gmail.com.

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Steven Correll

 

Artist’s Statement / Spring Obsession 2024

Steven F. Correll

O-001 Dark Calla by Steven Correll, acrylic 20x9 $100 #1

Fortunately for me, I had amazing parents who encouraged and nurtured my artistic endeavors all my life growing up—through childhood, high school, college, graduate school and into adulthood. I hold art degrees from the College of William & Mary and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

For the past 30 years I have focused on pop, minimalist compositions. I reduce images to just what is necessary to be recognizable in the mind’s eye. My paintings are a result of continual looking, seeing and searching for the essence of that which is my visual world. 

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Phyllis Berger

 

Artist Statement

Phyllis Berger

 

T-019 Date Night by Phyllis Berger wc 19x22 $535

I live in Stockton, but I grew up outside of Clements and still consider myself a country person.  I have always loved Calaveras County. My son and his family live in Arnold, which greatly enhances my affection for this area. Spring is my favorite time to be in Murphys, green hills, flowing creeks, and snow just a short drive up the hill. And of course the Ironstone daffodils! I appreciate Ironstone and other resources in Calaveras County for promoting the arts.

 

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

 

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Linda Lawrence

 

Linda Lawrence

 

T-003 Barrel Beauties by Linda Lawrence oil 12x16 $395

Always artistic by nature, Linda was constantly drawing as a child, and enjoyed art classes throughout her school years in Soquel and Fresno, California. As an adult, her love of design was explored and expressed through photography, homemade cards, sketches and interior decorating. 

 

Linda and her husband, Ron moved to Murphys in 1992, for its inherent natural beauty and small-town lifestyle. As her children grew more independent, Linda was thrilled to begin taking classes through Columbia Junior College around 2000, and first studied with Hermione Rios.

 

Linda paints primarily in water-based oils, which she finds to be user-friendly and a bit healthier overall.  Through the years, she has developed a playful, colorful style, and had enjoyed and appreciated the influence of instructors Diana Boyd, Susie Hoffman, Sunny Sorenson, Eva Walker, and Judy Cain through Town Hall Arts in Copperopolis. She has also taken workshops from Murphys renowned plein air artist Kathleen Dunphy, and Colley Whisson of Australia at Coastal Maine Art Workshops in Rockport, Maine.

 

Linda often shows her work was at the Calaveras County Arts Council and was accepted to present a painting in their 2017 show, AnimalScapes. She was also invited to show at the Studio 11 Gallery in Oakland, California in 2018, and had her first show at Hovey Winery in early 2020.

 

Linda is thoroughly enjoying the evolving process of becoming an artist, and the self-expression, freedom, and mindfulness it provides. She considers her fellow artists soulmates and true inspirational treasures.

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Johanna Archer

 

JOHANNA ARCHER  - ARTIST STATEMENT

 

3rd. Place Winner Open Division  O-038 White Peonies by Johanna Archer oil 36x36 $1750

I was raised on a farm in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa and enjoyed drawing my surroundings from a young age. I honed my passion with a fine arts degree from Potchefstroom University, followed by a career in advertising for Young & Rubicam before immigrating to the United States.

 

O-039 Breakfast in Malibu by Johanna Archer oil 16x40 $890

I worked as a sculptor with world-renowned Gerry Kirk and Bruce Phillips at the World Sand Sculpting Academy in San Diego, California, where we won the 1993 U.S. Open Masters Sandcastle Competition. After moving to Los Angeles, I joined the Christopher Slattof Studio and spent several years sculpting life-size figures in clay.  

 

O-041 Autumn Stroll by Johanna Archer oil 34x30 $790  SOLD

Currently concentrating on painting, my preferred medium is oil on canvas, which imparts a subtle transparency and richness. As my background is in sculpting, form is a big influence in my art, with a focus on color and the play of light and shadow. I am continually inspired by the magnificent beauty of nature, as well as my own spiritual journey.

 

O-040 Erato Rising by Johanna Archer mm 36x36 $1350

Being exposed to different cultures continues to shape my art and the perspective from which I create. My goal is always to make a connection with the viewer and to capture memories, atmosphere, and places, for myself and to share with others. I find it very rewarding to preserve on canvas the special and meaningful moments of my clients’ lives.

 

T-016 Spring Daffodils by Johanna Archer oil 16x20 $380

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Jan Freischlag

 

Jan Freischlag

 

Theme Division Winner ...T-004 Golden Daffodils by Janice Freischlag acrylic 20x10 $1495

 Art for Sale, California artist, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, commissioned art, pet portraits, commission portraits, landscapes, waterscapes, animals, flowers, people, art show, local artist, san francisco bay area artist, original artwork for sale, Jan Freischlag

www.artshowbyjan.com

O-027 Zzzebras by Jan Freischlag Gouache 18x24
    $3995

O-028 Lake Tahoe Sunset  by Jan Freischlag oil 30x30 $3995

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist George Haskell

 

George Haskell

Artist and Musician

 

O-099 Among the Giants by George Haskell oil 10x20 $650

 

George’s passion for painting started in college when he took an independent study in painting. After retiring from a forty year career in special education George returned to art.  Among his favorite topics are Yosemite, seashores, sunsets and animals.  What ever the subject is George focuses on capturing luminous, light color and mood of the subject at hand.  He has studied with Judy Cain, Susan Sarback and Heinie Hartwig. George is a member of Arts Of Bear Valley.

 

O-100 The Barn at Ross Resivor by George Haskell oil 12x16 $500

Besides art, George is also a musician.  He sings and plays both guitar and banjo at local wineries and restaurants.

 

George lives just outside of Murphys on the top of Treasure Mountain with his wife Patricia, two cats, two corgis and two horses.

Meet Spring Obsession 2024 Artist Elizabeth Frank

 

Elizabeth Frank is a California native who grew up in 25 of our states across America. She has been an artist since her first sketch of her brother when she was seven years old. 

O-086 Pheonix Rising by Elizabeth Frank $500 16x12 acrylic

Elizabeth grew up poor and endured trauma but was graced with innate resilience and creativity. Every sunrise is a blank canvas in her mind, to paint a new day.

Today she is a mental health psychotherapist, helping others heal their traumas through art therapy. The 'Phoenix Rising' painting; Elizabeth Frank's first piece of art to be displayed outside of her gallery at home represents hope, strength, and coming out of the chaos of life, wiser, stronger, and more beautiful. 

 

Meet 2024 Spring Obsession Artist Connie Collier

 

Connie Collier  

T-005 Chicks in a Barrel by Connie Collier acrylic 12x12 $125

I am an artist in progress, even though I have been painting for several years, my style of art is still a work in progress.  I am self-taught through UTube University! I tend to stay with acrylic and like to be whimsy in my style.  I like bold colors and big brush strokes. 

 

O-009 Poppin' Poppies by  Connie Collier acrylic 24x30 $325

COMING SOON!

 Coming Soon!  

Stay tuned for complete Artists Biographies of all Ironstone Spring Obsession accepted artists. Included will be the paintings submitted by each.

Concourse Art Exhibit Opens Saturday, Sept. 15th.

 Saturday, September 15th, Ironstone presents the Concourse Art Show honoring over 25 years of the Concours d'Elegance Classic Car Show held here at Ironstone each September.  

The Concours Art Show runs through Sunday, October 29, Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 - 5:00.

Many of the paintings presented were created on site during past Concours events. Artists participating, Aaron Johnson, Brad Stone, Charles Pyle, Donna Wayman-Maurer & Susie Hoffman. Do come by and see this fun exhibit. 

This year's Classic Car show is scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd. 

 Ironstone Concours d'Elegance link to website

Since 1996, the Ironstone Concours Foundation has held the 

Ironstone Concours d’ Elegance.

This event has resulted in more than $1,000,000 of donations made to support youth 

in agriculture, including Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H youth activities. 

It also regularly funds annual scholarships to the California State Fair and the Calaveras

County Fair.

In addition, the Ironstone Concours Foundation has underwritten a room at the State 

FFA headquarters in Galt, California, and we have steadily supported the 4-H Leadership 

Conference, Guide Dog Programs and Horse Classic.

It is with much gratitude and thanks to all of our loyal entrants, sponsors, vendors

and supporters ​that help us support these efforts each year.

OVERVIEW

For over 25 years, the non-profit Ironstone Concours Foundation has presented 

the Ironstone Concours d’Elegance with the idea of attracting the finest examples 

of vintage and classic automobiles as well as vintage race cars, trucks, trailers, 

housecars and military vehicles. Proceeds of the event go to promote and support 

youth in agriculture.  More than $1 million has been raised for local Future Farmers 

of America (FFA) and 4-H youth activities. The Ironstone Concours Foundation also 

donates scholarships to the California State Fair and the Calaveras County Fair as well 

as the FFA Leadership Conference, Guide Dog Programs and Horse Classic.

Michelle Thornburg interview

Check out this wonderful interview with exhibiting artist Michelle Thornburg. Click the "Interview" link below.

 Interview

OR, Read the article on Michelle here...

Calaveras Enterprise article

Artist Michelle Thornburg Solo Exhibit now through August 26, 2023

Ironstone Vineyards is pleased to announce Artist Michelle Thornburg will be exhibiting a wide range of her paintings in Ironstone's Main Galleria (located just downstairs from the Tasting Room) now through August 26th.  

Michelle Thornburg video link 

Michelle Thornburg - Artist's Statement

My style of creating artwork is painting from the subconscious. There are no carefully planned sketches, no grids, it is just me and my paint with no expectations of anything but painting. I use my hands to apply the paint directly onto my canvas, no rules, just whatever feels right. The key for me is to let go of the conscious world around me, and just paint, allowing my hands to take the lead. Eventually the painting reveals itself. It's like daydreaming on a canvas.

T-025 Mother Nature by Michelle Thornburg acrylic 36x36 $850

Artist's Biography

Michelle Thornburg is a  California Artist and Art Techer living and working in the Central Valley. She creates dream like paintings from her subconscious using the Surrealist technique of automatism, or automatic painting. Her technique of using mainly her hands to apply acrylic or oil paints to the canvas allow her to connect with her artwork. Her paintings are created by applying paints onto the canvas in various c9olors, patterns, and movements. Her paintings are often reworked and go through many changes before they are completed. These expressive paintings are full of fanciful images and colorful landscapes.

Meet n Greet "Smitty's" Chocolate Head Candy Maker! TODAY

Come on out to Ironstone Vineyards today to meet "Smitty's" Head Candy Maker, Daryl. 

No better combo than wine and chocolate!  Taste for yourself... 

free samples of this awesomely delicious chocolate!

Sunday Art in Action TODAY!

Today!  

 Join us here at Ironstone Vineyards this Sunday for a wonderful art in action display by Spring Obsession Artist Susan Farley. Susan will be present to answer your questions and talk about her art.

Susan's Bio:

Now featuring Lisa Michelle Stories "Calaveras County Crime Series"

 Ironstone Heritage Museum is proud to feature local award-winning author Lisa Michelle's Calaveras County Crime Series.   

Stay tuned for meet 'n Greet / Book Signing schedule.  

Book #1: "Blue Mountain"  

It’s been the year from hell for Jessica Williams. Her cheating husband not only bankrupted them—he’s been indicted. Now the rat bastard has disappeared. Thank God for Nana. Jess couldn’t survive without the old woman’s wisdom and brutal honesty. But when Nana is arrested and held responsible for the largest mass murder in Calaveras County history that honesty looks very doubtful.

As the oldest inmate at the county jail, Nana also holds the honor of being the only suspected serial killer ever housed there. When Nana is granted deathbed visitation, Jess wants the truth. All of it. At least she thinks she does. But after Nana confesses to bone-chilling secrets so horrifying, Jess begins to question everyone and everything, including her own sanity. Nana could be lying, Jess thinks, but why?

Armed with jagged pieces of the ugly truth, does Jess have the courage to forgive and hunt down a sadistic monster even if it’s someone she loves? Even if it kills her?

Book #2: "Calaveras"

  Deep in the backwoods of Calaveras County accidents happen. For gritty rancher and soon-to-be grandmother Kate Dunnigan, these deaths are mostly good old cowboy justice—until the day that justice hits home. Kate’s idyllic façade is destroyed when Emma Lee, her pregnant daughter, is wanted for murder. On the run and fighting to survive, Emma Lee is haunted by filthy family secrets, but Kate will stop at nothing to save her from life in prison, even if it means using herself as bait.

Book #3: "Forest Creek"

Dying alone in the dark would be the easy way out of Forest Creek. But psychologist Maureen “Mo” Yamaguchi refuses to take her secrets to the grave. With a hunger to help her patients and make the world a better place, this may be the opportunity she needs. Simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time might payoff—if she doesn’t die first. With bare and bleeding feet, Mo forces herself through the cold dark, contemplating her next move. It will take much more than a fierce intellect to survive the night at Forest Creek.

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Sally Anne Fischer

 

Sally Anne Fischer B. 1981

O-084 Its Cold in the Shade by Sally Anne Fischer -oil 20x30 $1500

Sally Anne Fischer is a plein air artist whose ties to the Sierra Nevada foothills spans six generations. From her great great aunt Lottie, who mothered lonely cowboys in Kennedy Meadows, to her Portuguese watercolorist grandmother, Sally Anne Fischer’s deep roots in the landscape she paints continues to inspire her art.

 

O-085 Kennedy Meadows by Sally Anne Fischer-oil 24x36 $1500

Sally Anne was the president of her high school Art Club and went on to study watercolor with Dan Peterson at Yosemite College, then oil painting at CSU Fresno. During her third year, she changed majors completing a degree in equine science following her love of horses and a dream of becoming a horse trainer. After university, she worked for cutting horse trainers, taught equine sciences at Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo then settled in a career as a livestock feed formulator. After having her daughter, she turned to full-time painting, eventually opening a studio in downtown Sonora, though she credits most of her artistic development to plein air workshops, and individual instruction with painters Frank Serrano, Jim McVicker, Kathleen Dunphy Suzie Baker, and Charles Waldman.

 

O-086 Sonora Sundown by Sally Anne Fischer-oil 20x27 $950

Her current work reflects daily experiences. Still-lifes include objects of personal significance or flowers she's grown in her garden, and landscapes with historic meaning or childhood memories. As she resides in her hometown, with her husband and her daughter, she has inspiration and local knowledge of the sprawling terrain that makes up the Sierra Nevada mountains.

 

O-087 Mt. Morrison Easter Sierras by Sally Anne Fischer-oil 14x22 $975

Sally Anne values high quality, handmade or antique frames, which she refurbishes in her downtown studio. While she primarily works with oils en plein air, she also uses the sun room of her 1940s home to paint every morning.

 

T-021 Still life with Flowers and Fruits by Sally Anne Fischer oil 10x13 $595

T-020 Daffodils and Dry Hydrangeas by Sally Anne Fischer oil 9x12 $595

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Suzann Young

                                                                                                     Suzanna Young 

O-069 Tanka & Newborn by Suzanna Young acrylic 21x21 $325

HAVING DRAWN WITH ANY MEDIUM AFFORDED TO A 10 YEAR OLD, THAT’S WHERE I BEGAN. DRAWING OUT OF MAGAZINES AND LATER, MY PHOTOGRAPHY. SELF TAUGHT.

IN HIGH SCHOOL, RECEIVED MAYOR’S AWARD, SEVERAL FIRSTS, SWEEPSTAKES AWARD AT COUNTY LEVEL COMPETITON IN KERN COUNTY, BEST OF SHOW…. 

O-070 Tanka Grand Tetons Wyoming by Suzanna Young acrylic 21x21 $325

OFFERED FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP FROM HALLMARK MY SENIOR YEAR... 

RAISED MY FAMILY, RESUMING MY LOVE OF ART ONLY RECENTLY. ACRYLIC PAINTING & SILVERSMITH CREATIONS. 

 

A THEME OF MOVEMENT WITH EACH STROKE OF MY BRUSH