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!