Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist MarySue Palmquist

 Mary Sue Palmquist 

T-008 After the Rain by Mary Sue Palmquist wc 27x19 $380

 Mary Sue discovered a love of artistic expression in high school when her art teacher’s lesson was a portrait drawing every day. She chose Art as her major and attended Ripon College and Minneapolis College of Art and Design where she studied printmaking, graphic arts and typography (before the advent of computers). 

T-009 Sumi Daffodils by Mary Sue Palmquist wc  14x11  $110

 Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Rockford College in 1983 with a focus on watercolor, life had a way of taking her in other directions, and Mary Sue found herself managing her family’s business, a historic theatre in Rockford, Illinois used for performing arts performances. She kept her art passion alive by taking evening painting and calligraphy classes. After 18 years in the performing arts management field she went on to pursue the study of Art Therapy in a Masters program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which led her into teaching art in an afterschool program for three years until she moved to California in 2005. 

O-043 Good Morning Sunshine by Mary Sue Palmquist wc 21x19 $320

 In 2014, she took up her paint brushes again and began studying watercolor and entering art competitions, shows and the local fair. In 2018 she attended an international calligraphy conference where she rekindled her love of script, brushstroke and modern calligraphy. Mary Sue enjoys a variety of subject matter - from sea creatures inspired by visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to old buildings and photographs. Living in the Sierra foothills (Lake Camanche), she’s intrigued by the stories of the Gold Rush and the beauty of the light and nature in this part of the world.

O-044 Coleus by Mary Sue Palmquist wc 22x18 $260

 “Art is a natural way for me to connect with my soul and convey the often mysterious feeling of a sunrise, sunset, flower, animal or person. There’s a story in everything and interpreting that inspiration is my goal. 

 Mary Sue has been a member of the Sutter Creek Gallery in Sutter Creek, California since 2016 and displays her art locally through “Art in Public Places” and is a member of the Amador County Artists Association.

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Twyla Olsen

 

T-014 Unique Spring #1 by Twyla Olsen mm 20x16 $475

Twyla Olsen 

 Artist Biography

Twyla Olsen is inspired by the beauty of nature and seeks the intersection of spirituality, color, and artistic expression. Olsen paints landscapes, abstracts, and nature scenes from this source. She follows her creativity and artistic expression inspired by the beauty of nature and thrives on frequent exploration and travels to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and beyond to source inspiration. 

T-015 Unique Spring #2 by Twyla Olsen mm 16x12  $350

Currently, Twyla is a member of Art on Main in Murphy’s, CA. She was also member of Studio B for five years 2009 - 2014, located in downtown Sonora. She has shown in regional shows and galleries in: Angel’s Camp, Healdsburg, Jamestown, Modesto, and Merced. Her work was exhibited at the Ventana Gallery on Washington St. in downtown Sonora for over 3 years. She has also shown in a show at the Arizona State University Gallery in Phoenix, Arizona and was a member of the artist co-op in Mesa, Arizona from 2014 to 2016. 

When attending classes at Scottsdale Art School in Arizona she was fortunate to work with national and internationally known instructors. She has studied with local artists in the Mother Lode area. Twyla enjoys working with collage and multiple medias to create whimsical pieces and a variation that adds depth and character to her work. 

Twyla says, “I follow the advice of the late Danny Kaye ~

“Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can on it!” 

 Contact Info: (209) 617-6899 or Twylaolsen@gmail.com

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Ann Nall

 

T-003 Stained Glass by Ann Nall wc 15x12 $250

Ann Nall

1212 Shell Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 

web: annnall.com 

email: nall8900@comcast.net

Statement 

I have been a watercolor artist for many years. I love deciding what to paint, where to place my brush and color, and watching the water take my idea in a completely different direction. Yes, my skill lets me have the water and color remain in my chosen place, but transience and imperfection lead to magic. Watercolor is about magic. 

O-001 Bull by Ann Nall 9x12 acrylic $250

 Biography

 Ann started painting in 1985 to escape the pressure of work. Her first lesson was in the basement of a community center in Virginia, just outside Washington DC. Her teacher taught her how to hold a brush, mix colors, and put what she saw onto paper. Watercolor landscapes and still life slowly evolved into a love of painting animals and finally hundreds of detailed, realistic pet portraits. She has experimented with acrylics, applying paint directly from the tube onto canvas. She is also an enthusiast for decoupaged glass. While she has created some dramatic pieces of which she is proud, she always returns to paper and water. 

O-002 Moody by Ann Nall acrylic 13x13 $250

 Past Juried Shows and Awards Include: 

Ironstone Winery, Murphys, CA (1st place winner of Themed competition

Pacific Grove Public Library, CA (one of 12 for their 105th anniversary, national competition) 

San Luis Obispo Art Museum, CA (Art of Fine Craftsmanship) 

Northern California Arts Association, Sacramento, CA (Award of Excellence) 

Fusion Art Gallery, Palm Springs, CA (juried in 5 different competitions & honorable mention) 

Pacific Art League, Palo Alto, CA (Awarded Honorable Mention) 

Carmel, CA (Carmel By the Sea Holiday Banner, one of 20 winners) 

Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, AL (benefit auction) 

WGBH Boston, MA (auctioned poster design) Artists Group of Charlestown, Charlestown, MA (founding member)

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Shalaka Mulherkar

 Shalaka Mulherkar

T0012 Spring Forth by Shalaka Mulherkur wc 14x11 $480

 ABOUT ME

I am Shalaka Mulherkar and I reside in the charming East Bay city of Danville in the foothills of Mt. Diablo. I moved to California from India 20 years ago and have been living in the San Francisco Bay area ever since. I studied Architecture in India and have worked as a UI designer. Along with my husband, I have travelled across the country and hiked in many national and state parks, where I have seen awe inspiring landscapes and breathtaking color palettes of the changing seasons.

ABOUT MY ART

Growing up I was always fascinated by the patterns, textures and colors that surrounded me, and sought to capture them through paintings. Visiting all the art fairs in our area and seeing the work of wonderful artists inspired me to begin my own journey as an artist. I have found true expression in watercolors, a medium that is dynamic yet lucid, able to exhibit both transparency and texture. I find joy and peace in seeing the beauty in nature come to life on paper and I hope to inspire those same feelings in my viewers. I have been featured in competitions by International Watercolor Society, with one of my paintings recently exhibited by IWS India and another currently on tour by IWS Bulgaria.

408-334-4915                SHALAKASDESIGN@GMAIL.COM        @SHALAKA_MULHERKAR

PHONE                           EMAIL                                                        INSTAGRAM

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Ron Miranda

RON MIRANDA

714-323-5990

www.artofronmiranda.com

artbyronmiranda@gmail.com

O-014 Ballarina en Azul by Ron Miranda oil 24x30 $2200.

Ron was born in the island of Guam, an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States in Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. His parents are of Chamorro and Filipino descent. Ron currently resides in Southern California where he studied art at the California State University, Long Beach, earning a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree graduating with honors.

O-015 Lonesome Dear by Ron Miranda oil 36x24 $2600

Ron began working as a graphic artist receiving state and national awards and accolades for his work. As a graphic artist, it had set him up on his lifelong journey to find his own unique style and language, to create amazing paintings pulsating with the light and energy that emanates from his heart and soul. Now his focus is as a full-time fine art painter to grow and discovery new visual boundaries.

Most of Ron’s inspirations and influences are from fond memories of Guam; romanticizing visions and memories of 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 realism to abstract. The concepts for his abstract works run deep from his island culture and music. Ron finds incentive for his representational pieces from a collection of images via his personal digital library that he photographed throughout his life. 

Very well versed in computer graphics design programs, Ron applies his computer skills to conjure up his painting compositions. He works mainly with oils and sometimes uses acrylic, charcoal, color pencil, gouache and pencil.

Ron hopes his paintings resonate with a broad spectrum of people, engaging the viewer in present time with a modern beauty created through his imagination and life experiences.

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Lisa Livingston

 LISA LIVINGSTON: ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Lisa Livingston is an artist from California's Central Valley, an area distinguished by beautiful gardens, abundant farmlands and flourishing orchards which have deeply influenced her work. An avid gardener, her paintings are often inspired by bountiful flowers, trees and colors found in nature throughout the year.

T-016 Pink Charms by Lisa Livingston acrylic 8x10 $300

The art she creates features complex patterns of shape and color presenting a unique vision of the natural world. Her acrylic, watercolor and mixed media paintings portray flowers, landscapes and abstract nature forms that reflect the temporal beauty of the seasons and cycles of nature. She often captures a poetic, transcendent quality in her subjects.

T-017 Trumpets of Spring by Lisa Livingston acrylic 8x10 $350

Lisa's work has been shown in exhibitions at Filoli, the Carnegie Art Center, and Ironstone Vineyards among other regional venues and is included in private collections.

A Former Art History instructor at both Modesto Junior College and CSU Stanislaus, she now devotes her time to research, painting, photography, and other creative endeavors.

A portfolio of current work is available at www.lisalivingstonart.com

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Stacy Lindsey

 

O-071 Falling by Stacy Lindsey oil 14x11 $200

Stacy Lindsey is a visual artist that works with collage, acrylics, oils and anything else she can get her hands on. Her work often reflects deep feelings that she’s unable to explain until the work is complete. She uses composition, poses, bold colors and subtle iconography to convey meaning. The piece submitted to this show was created in remembrance of the Atlanta spa shootings in 2021.

When she’s not using art to process her emotions, she’s using it to experiment with materials and colors. Learning new skills is half the fun. She strives to use recycled materials whenever possible. Her closet is filled with old books, magazines, broken jewelry and vintage frames.

Stacy is an early childhood educator and teaches art classes through Tuolumne County Arts and at local schools. She aims to use her skills as an artist and teacher to create connections and build communities. In a world where we are all separated and living individualistic lives, she believes that creativity can bring people together.

Stacy grew up in Tuolumne County and attended Columbia Community College. She graduated with an A.S. in Early Childhood Education and hopes to someday be a therapist where her skills can be put to even greater use.  She lives in Columbia with her two preteen sons, cat and copious house plants.

 

Meet 2023 Spring Obsession Artist Vaughn Lew

T-004 Gnomes hideaway by W. Lew oil 20x34 $600

 W Vaughn Lew

Artist

  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 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.

O-012 Lookout by Vaugn Lew pastel 15x19 $950

  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 five

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.