Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Connie Carson-Romano

 

Artist Connie Carson-Romano

          

It’s fun to look at art and try to imagine what the artist was seeing and how it was interpreted by his or her vision.   So much emotion can be transferred by a painting. And the varied interpretation of the same subject matter is almost miraculous.  It is also interesting to follow the history of painters as they age and evolve into specific styles and genres. 

O-020 African Violets by Connie Romano oil 16x17 $450

Being raised in the 60 and 70s gave my first paintings a surrealistic feel with imagined subjects.  But growing up in New Mexico gave me wonderful landscapes and colors to work with which focused my attention and evolved my paintings into landscapes and scenery; the abstract colors created by nature didn’t need much interpretation.  I found myself drawn to landscapes for a long time as a way of celebrating places I had been and scenery I was captured by.

O-021 a rose by Connie Romano oil 28x22 $525

 

I had a short period where I was attracted to still-life’s but that didn’t last long. Plants and flowers began to fascinate me when I found the Spring Obsession Art Show at Ironstone.  Painting daffodils in different ways turned into an Obsession with all types of flowers and the shadows and light reflections they produce.  Sometimes the emotional aspects of the flowers create more of an abstract feel which I find fascinating. 

O-022 The Iris by Connie Romano oil 16x18 $474

I have always painted primarily for myself but enjoy sharing my view of the world just as I enjoy looking into the vision of life experienced by others.   

 

O-023 Feeding Goldfish by Connie Romano oil 28x22 $510

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Sandra Campbell

 SANDRA CAMPBELL - ARTIST STATEMENT

T-006 Yellow Trumpets by Sandra Campbell mm 20x8 $175.00

I love color and experimentation which is why collage appeals to me. The medium allows me to try new ideas, techniques and papers and affix them to a variety of surfaces. Most collages are abstract or impressionistic while my pastel art tends to be realistic. However, I enjoy punching up the pastel colors.

O-024 Along Ridge Road by Sandra Campbell pastel 10x16 $325

When creating a new collage, I may use watercolo9r, ink or acrylics, in addition to paper, turning it into a mixed media piece. Some artworks are affixed to watercolor paper, while others use surfaces such as matboard, canvas or wooden panels, or cradled canvases. Many collage pieces are fabricated from rice or similar type papers, which come in a variety of textures. Some I hand paint to achieve just the right color combinati8ons. Other pieces utilize papers out of discarded books or magazines and even maps and atlas pages.

O-025 Bird in Bamboo by Sandra Campbell MM 11x8 $300

After retiring from teaching, I took classes in various media. I gravitated to soft pastels and studied for three years with master pastelist Thelma Davis. Many of these pastel artworks, especially landscapes, are based on my own photographs or working plein air with fellow artists in a group that meets twice monthly for critique and support. Besides landscapes, my my subjects include florals, still life and animals, all on sanded papers that accept multiple layers of color.

O-026 Magnolia by Sandra Campbell collage 11x14 $325

My pastels and collages are displayed not only at Sutter Creek Gallery but other local spots as well. These include the Amador County Fair, local venues through Art in Public Places, sponsored by the Amador County Artists Association, and regional art shows. Currently I am teaching a monthly beginning class in co9llage for adults at the Amador Senior Center. Memberships in the ACAA and the local Arts Council provide collegial support as does my informal art group. Some of my work can be viewed on my website at www.sandracampbellart.com and the gallery's website www.suttercreekgallery.

Meet 2023 Spring Artist Judie Cain

 JUDIE CAIN

A Colorist's Impression from life

O-061 Pastoral by Judie Cain oil 20x20 $800

Oil Painter and instructor

A native of Burlingame, CA, Judie studied at California College of Arts after high school. Family responsibilities behind her, and taking early retirement from the business world, Cain returned to painting by attending college, numerous workshops and taking private lessons.

Painting from life as much as possible, or from her own reference photos, Ms. Cain strives to capture the light and mood of the moment using brush and/or palette knife. "My wish is for my paintings to capture the light and life of the moment in an uplifting or inspiring way. The fleeting moments of light on a magnificent natural vista or on the petal of a rose; a simple smile, the still reflection on a pond. The joy of life".

O-062 Inspired by Susan by Judie Cain oil 36x24 $1200

She has taught her workshops, "Basic Nuts & Bolts of Oil Painting" and "Color Demystified" in the western states as well as other local venues,. She currently teaches adult summer classes and private lessons covering painting fundamentals and colo9r. Primarily and oil painter, Judie has begun also to use gouache, and opaque watercolor.

An award winning artist, Ms. Cain has been represented in galleries in Washington, Oregon, New Mexico and California, including Murphys, Sonora, Copperopolis and Carmel.  She has several works in print, Giclee and on home products and is collected world wide.

Judie lives in Murphys, CA where she has a working studio, "The Art Studio", which is open by appointment, classes and special events.

For information about her paintings, gallery representation, classes, please go to www.cainart.com or call 209 559-3345 cell. Email: cainart@goldurhs.com

Meet 2023 Spring Artist Ron Butler

 Bio for Ron Butler

O-013 Born an American by Ron Butler oil 12x16 $10000

Ron Butler enjoys the outdoors, cold weather and Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel. He currently resides in Lodi, CA and is always ready for a day trip to Murphys.

Ron enjoys dabbling with multiple mediums in oils, water colors, acrylics, and pencil and shade. He uses palette knife and brush. Ron has an eye for watching colors flow through art to invoke peace and calm in nature.

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Denine Bennett

 We can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember ... My Great Grandmother, Grandma Esther, encouraged us to make marks on her canvases when we were young and she would, in turn, paint beautiful flowers on the other side. I have those paintings hanging in my house now as a reminder to keep creativity close, and make those marks!!

T-013 You Can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers by Denine Bennett wc 11x15 $300

I am also drawn to nature and what we can learn from it. As Lao Tzu says, "Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished."  In a society of "Go! Go! Go!" I have been more deliberat3e with how I choose to spend my time. The hustle and bustle might be fun for a bit, but it is NOT sustainable. Rest, relaxation and nourishment have become an important part of my weeks and I have noticed the benefits in many ways, People tell me "you are so positive, how do you do it?"  or they come to me for a good squeeze. Often I find myself in amazing conversations because I was not rushing off to the next thing I had to do. Presence in the moment, gratitude, and love are my guides now.

We Can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers is a step into being more deliberate with my own art. As an art teacher, I create for others ALL THE TIME. Finding my own art again has been a huge blessing and it reminds me that it is within the process that is my happy place. I am at peace in my process. Ti9me fades away. And in the end, whether it is complete or not, I feel loved, I feel seen, and I look forward to my next creative session.

Thank you for engaging with my mark! Have a fantabulous day!

Denine "Superfly" Bennett

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Margarita Anderson

O-027 By The Sea Again by Margarita Anderson acrylic 12x16 $325

 I am a Tracy, CA artist, motivated by the natural beauty of California and influenced by both French and California Impressionism. 

O-028 Mendocino Rocks by Margarita Anderson acrylic 8x10 $150 (2)

I paint in acrylic both outdoors and in the studio. I have been a member of the Tracy art community for nine years and am currently on both the Tracy Art Commission and the board of the Tracy Art League.  

O-029 Mendocino Gloria by Margarita Anderson acrylic 11x14 $275

 Please visit my website to view more of my artwork at margaritaandersonart.com You can follow me on Instagram at margaritaandersonfineart You also can find my work online at The Grand Galleries in Tracy And In the New Dawn online exhibit published by the Livermore Art Associatio

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Phyllis Berger

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

 

PHYLLIS BERGER

 

Entries:  Proud Parents

             Just For You

 

T-026 Proud Parents by Phyllis  Berger watercolor 14x18 $150

 

I spent my early childhood in Stockton, later young years on a ranch outside of Clements.  Now I live back in Stockton but consider myself a country person.  I have always loved Calaveras County and feel lucky to have a home here now.  I am married, with an extended blended family.  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.   I appreciate Ironstone and other resources in Calaveras County for promoting the arts.  

T-027 Just for You by Phyllis  Berger watercolor 20x16 $200

                                                         

            I am an attorney and law professor, 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 occasionally work in oils but prefer the informality and surprises of watercolor.   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, a motivating life enhancement.  

 

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Denine Bennett

We can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers 

T-013 You Can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers by Denine Bennett wc 11x15 $300

 Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember ... My Great Grandmother, Grandma Esther, encouraged us to make marks on her canvases when we were young and she would, in turn, paint beautifu7l flowers on the other side. I have those paintings hanging in my house now as a reminder to keep creativity close and make those marks!!

I am also drawn to nature and what we can learn from it. As Lao Tzu says, "Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished."  In a society of "Go! Go! Go!"  I have been more deliberate with how I choose to spend my time.  The justle and bustle might be fun for a bit, but it is NOT sustainable. Rest, relaxation, and nourishment have become an important part of my weeks and I have noticed the benefits in many ways. People tell me "You are so positive, how do you do it?"
 or they come to me for a good squeeze. Often I find myself in amazing conversations because I was not rushing off to the next thing I had to do. Presence in the moment, gratitude, and love are my guides now.

We can Learn a Lot of Things From the Flowers is a step into being more deliberate with my own art.  As an art teacher, I create for others ALL THE TIME. Finding my own art again has been a huge blessing and it reminds me that it is within the process that is my happy place.  I am at peace in my process. Time fades away. And in the end, whether it is complete or not, I feel loved, I feel seen, and I look forward to my next creative session. 

Thank you for engaging with my mark! Have a fantabulous day!

                                                   Denine "Superfly" Bennett