Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 2 No 4 April 2013

V I S U A L L A N G U A G E
VLcontemporary fine art
VL
April 2013
Volume 2 No. 4
Cover Artist Lesley Humphrey
lesleyhumphrey.net

VL
VISUAL LANGUAGE
Contemporary Fine Art
VisualLanguageMagazine.com
Subscribe Free Today.
April 2013 Vol 2 No 4
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Lesley Humphrey
Victory
Lesley Humphrey is actually a featured studio
artist this month in Visual Language. Her work
has transformed over the years as she has grown
as an artist. Her travels between the United
Kingdom and the United States keeps her on the
scene of change both in the art world as well as
in the world of horse racings and horses grazing.
Please read more about Lesley inside VL this
month.
VL Cover Artist
The Portal
The Huntsman

Dawn Waters Baker
Landscape Show Mary Tomas Gallery May 2013
“Downpour” 36 x 36 Oil on Canvas
www.MaryTomasGallery.com 1110 Dragon Street, Bldg. 1080 Dallas, Texas 7520

content VL
CFAI New Artists Pages 5
Painter’s Keys - Robert Genn Page 12
Colors on My Palette Pages 21-22
Angeline Payne and Cheri Homaee
Artspan Picks Page 23
Artspan Focus Page 24
Learning to Paint Pages 29 Hall Groat II
VL Studio Visit Page 45 Lesley Humphrey
International Equine Artists Page 53
Founder Deborah Flood
Equine Photographer Page 57 Katherine Minott
Equine Sculptor Page 67 Joe Collins
VL Studio Visit Page 73 Tom Pauly
Artspan Artist Spotlight Page83 Matt Flint
Feature “Age is Wisdom” Page 91 Barry Scharf
CFAI Juried Show Page 93-96
Caroline Peterson, Nancy Medina, Linda Bell, Pamela Blaies
Western Masters Pages 97 Diane Whitehead
CFAI Art Challenge Page 101-104
Carol Schiff and Linda McCoy
CFAI Blog Review Page 113
Equine Artists International
CFAI Artists Spotlight Page 115 Texas Artists
Daily Painters Page 121
CFAI Art Collections under $200 Page 131
7

VL new artists on cfai.co
Angela Sullivan
Ingrid Dohm
5

Helen Bailey
email: hbailey107@gmail.com
6

Hall Groat II
Ham and Cheese
www.cfai.co/hallgroat
http://www.nyartguide.net/groatii/

American Fine Artist
To Each Man is His Choice... BTL
www.cfai.co/hallgroat
http://www.nyartguide.net/groatii/

The Five Grace
Lincoln ~ Pace ~ Togel ~ Whitehead ~ Zora
the5graces.com
DianeWhitehead.com ZoradArt.com Charisma
What makes The Five Graces special/unique
All members of The Five Graces create bold, vividly-colored artworks with an inspirational flair. Several of the
group are excellent teachers and writers. They work energetically toward touring exhibitions that showcased th
artworks - shows to the US and to Europe. All five artists are spread out over the US.

s
d
Who are The Five Graces
Debbie Grayson Lincoln (the steady grace), Laurie Justus Pace (the heartbeat grace), Conni
Tögel (the wired grace), Diane Baird Whitehead (the business-minded, directly spoken grace)
and Mary Jo Zorad (the quietly inspired grace) have as many similarities as they do differences.
Their artwork demonstrates a common commitment to a high standard of workmanship.
To speak with any one of the five women reveals a commonality in what inspires them and
how they choose to live their lives, with integrity and a commitment to doing their work for a
higher cause. Each feels her creative inspiration as a passionate and natural calling.
thefivegraces.blogspot.com for daily updates
-art.com LaurieJustusPace.com DebbieLincoln.com
eir
the5graces.com

VL
VISUAL LANGUAGE
Contemporary Fine Art
Visual Language Magazine Staff
Editorial
Editor -in-Chief Laurie Pace
Executive Editor Lisa Kreymborg
Managing Editor Nancy Medina
Consulting Editor Diane Whitehead
Consulting Editor Debbie Lincoln
Feature Contributor Robert Genn Painter’s Keys
Artspan Media Manager Sarah Hucal
CFAI Contributor Kimberly Conrad
Feature Editor Art Reviews Hall Groat II
Feature Writer Barry Scharff
VL Sponsor ARTSPAN Eric Sparre
Advertising
Contact: VisualLanguageMagazine@gmail.com
Marketing and Development
Executive Director Laurie Pace
Senior Director Lisa Kreymborg
Carolyn McKee-Freese
11
René PleinAir
All Artwork is Copyrighted by the Individual Artists.
Visual Language Vol 2 No 4

Painter’s Keys
with Robert Genn
Robert Genn’s
Studio Book
The personal touch
February 22, 2013
Dear Artist,
At shows, I often notice other painters with their noses pretty close to my work--trying to figure out what I’m up
to. Fact is, quite a few artists can make paintings that look like mine, but they don’t seem to be able to make them
made like mine.
A few years ago a slippery customer sent one of my paintings to China to get it copied. By sheer luck I had a look
at the result. I’m happy to report that even the best of the Celestial Kingdom couldn’t quite get it right. The painting
looked like mine, but the painter had trouble figuring out the order I laid-in its various layers and parts.
The name Otto Wacker might not mean much to you. He was a young art dealer in Berlin in the 1920s who
managed to find a lot of “undiscovered” Van Goghs and sell them here and there. He eventually went to jail for the
fakes, but not before many art critics, experts and museum directors had made a fools of themselves authenticating
and unauthenticating the lineup of the work in the courtroom.
Fact is, Van Gogh’s paintings were fairly easy to counterfeit. The style is unique and can be simulated. The technique
is pretty straightforward--characteristic and frenzied strokes directly and singularly applied, often with
colour right out of the tube. In other words, Van Goghs were faked because they could be. It’s estimated that at one
time as many as 600 fake Van Goghs were floating around Europe. In the case of Otto Wacker, his painter-friend
was never found, but most suspicion goes to his brother Leonhard.
I know this may sound perverse, but I think artists should consider giving their work such a personal touch that
future fakers will really have to scratch their heads before they might knock one off. As I mentioned, order is valuable--primer,
underpainting, glazing, scumbling, re-glazing, final impasto, etc. Also, changing the order on a whim
is more fun than a wheelbarrow full of Deutsche Marks. In my case, it surprises me that the fakers aren’t able to
pick up the various tones of my original primers.
Best regards,
Robert
PS: “The job of the artist is to always deepen the mystery.” (Francis Bacon)
Painter’s Keys - Robert Genn
Esoterica: If you’re at all interested in the fun and games of Otto Wacker, I thoroughly recommend Solar Dance by
Modris Eksteins. It’s a tribute to Van Gogh, an insight into life in Berlin between the wars, a parade of the great
art accumulators from both sides of the puddle, a cameo of a failed painter by the name of A. Hitler, and exploratory
operations on art dealers both honest and crooked.
12

Carmel

Jenkin
carmeljenkin.com

Marcia Spivak
Equestrian Scuplture
marciaspivak.com

eneefukumoto.com

Encounters
MaryAnn Brooks
maryannbrooksfineart.com

Dyan Newton
DyanNewton.com

http://www.jewelspan.com/collections/Turquoise#.USzpfuvwJvI

Denice Zengo
Lancelot & Guinevere 48 x 60
Acrylic on Canvas
zengo.artspan.com

Angeline Payne
Colors On My Palette
http://www.cfai.co/angelinepayne
http://www.cfai.co/colors-on-my-palette/angeline-payne
When did you realize you loved art and wanted
to be ‘an artist’ I have always loved the excitement
of the transposition of colour and found painting
as a form of art in keeping me connected to the
spirit of the land and people.
Who has been the greatest influence from your
past to mentor you to this career I have had the
most wonderful teachers and instructors who encouraged
me in studying art. Jack Shadbolt, a west
coast Canadian Artist has been most influential by
his works and teachings. The impressionists have
always been a magnet in my career.
Who is your mentor today, or another artist you
admire and why My students who I have been
teaching for the past 20 years, in ages from 6 to 86
continue to leave me with a sense of awe in their
accomplishments and followings. Without fail, I admire
their unforetold capacity to absorb be creative.
What is your favorite surface to paint on Describe
it if you make it yourself. Canvas is my
favorite surface to paint on - I love the feel of paint
and brush strokes on canvas for a more painterly
approach.
21
Read more at http://www.cfai.co/colors-on-my-palette/angeline-payne

Cheri Homaee
http://www.cfai.co/cherihomaee
http://www.cfai.co/colors-on-my-palette/cheri-homaee
When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be
‘an artist’ I have drawn and painted since before I started
kindergarten. I love art and had the same art teacher
in Steubenville Ohio public school system from K to 12th
grade. I have in recent years taken online classes and self
study. I did a lot of crafts, but started to get serious about
art about 5 years ago. I planned to return to art after I
retire. I always wanted to pursue art but didn’t feel like I
could support myself with the income so the next best thing
I though would be going to school for draft design. After
working for a while I decided to go back to school and get a
BS in Mechanical Engineering. After working as an Engineering,
Mathematician, and Programmer, I retired in 2002
with my own business as a consultant. My husband moved
to Ohio on a transfer and I retired. I decided to try my
hand at art again.
Who has been the greatest influence from your past
to mentor you to this career My K - 12 art teacher Mr.
Steve Psaroudis. He would travel to all the schools in the
area giving art classes. In high school I had all these A’s on
my report card and one big red F I was doing the artwork
for another student who infatuated with during those years.
I did this giant oil painting of The Blue Boy by Thomas
Gainsborough for his rec room.
Who is your mentor today, or another artist you admire
and why I like Michael Parks, Andrew Wyeth and James
Tissot. Michael Parks I love the fantasy, his is the first print
I bought; Andrew Wyeth, I just think we connect many
people have told me my work reminds me of his work. My
photography runs along the same subject matter that he
painted; and Tissot I like the details in his work
Read more at http://www.cfai.co/colors-on-my-palette/cheri-homaee
22
Colors On My Palette

artspan picks
Selected Members Worldwide
Marcy Lansman Trevor Young Maren Heydel
Vladimir Holomek
Julie Brown Smith
David Cicero
Sia Corrina
Julie Hester Lucas
Calaj
23

artspan
FOCUS ON:
Ceramics
Marcela Noriega Del Valle
www.delvallestudios.com
Pam Stern
www.pamsternart.com
Sydney McQuade Otto
www.sydneymcquadeotto.com/home
24

Matt Flint
WO
MattFlint.com
Blue
36.75”x36.75”
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas over Panel 2012
Courtesy of The Adamson Gallery
The Wolf
47.75”x47.75”
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas ov
Private Collection

LF
er Panel 2012
Elder
47.75”x47.75”
Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas over Panel 2013
Private Collection
MattFlint.com

Debra Hurd
debrahurd.com

kithevronmahoney.com

VL
Learning How to Paint
by New York Art Professor Hall Groat II
Professor and Chair,
Art and Design Department
Broome Community College
Learning how to oil paint in a classical style requires one to practice observing the world
in a completely new way. You have to become a child once again. Instead of looking at
apples as just round forms strewn on a tabletop, one must learn how to see them in terms
of both color and value within the space that they rest. This empty space that surrounds
the apples, believe it or not, has a unique color and value, too, and must be observed as
carefully as the fruit itself.
Learning how to paint well and the process of becoming an artist are completely different.
Good paintings are about mastery of craft; whereas a fine artist has to achieve a balance
between mastery of craft and the idea behind the painting—its content! Don’t bother trying
to be an artist in the beginning; first learn the fundamentals of painting before setting
out to consciously make paintings about grand ideas. The simplest subjects often make
the most profound statements. It is better to make a small painting about a big idea, rather
than a monumental painting that expresses nothing. If you study nature daily through
your paintings, there will be great truth in your work. What you see in the world provides
the answers.
29 Thomas’ English Muffins on Plate 8x10 in. Oil on canvas by Hall Groat II

McDonald’s French Fries with Coke 10x8 in. Oil on canvas by Hall Groat II
SELECTING A SUBJECT TO PAINT
One must get into the habit of studying their surroundings in order to discover desirable
subjects to paint. The most engaging motif often presents itself during ordinary, day-to-day
life, when you are not actually trying to decide on what to paint. Begin by choosing a subject
that you find aesthetically appealing and inspiring, one that perhaps evokes memories or has a
quality about it that catches your eyes. Ordinary, mundane objects often reveal extraordinary
qualities, such as a mysterious glimmer of light or reflection on a metallic surface. In some
instances, the particular mood of the space that surrounds the motif may be what attracts you

VL
Learning to Paint
with Hall Groat II
Dunkin’ Donuts 10x8 in. Oil on canvas by Hall Groat II
ARRANGING OBJECTS INTO A COMPOSITION
The composition of your painting is the most important component. One can paint with
tremendous virtuosity; however without a well-balanced and unified composition the painting
won’t keep the viewer’s attention for more than a few seconds. For many painters it is the
most elusive and intimidating step in the creative process to tackle. A good composition is
like a well-organized kitchen, where there is logic for how the appliances are strategically positioned
around the room. Why do people place the refrigerator along the wall and not directly
in the middle of the kitchen, or the toaster on top of the counter and not on the floor where
someone could trip and fall on their face
In most cases, well-composed rooms are formed in ways that reflect their function, allowing
people to freely move throughout the living space. In the same way, the viewer of a painting
should be able to rhythmically move throughout the picture from object to the next way – the
composition should be inviting to enter. An unbalanced and non-unified painting will appear
weak and unappealing; no matter how well you paint it! For some artists, the ability to set up
engaging compositions is a natural gift, and for others, it requires countless hours of trial and
error.

Artspan
https://www.artspan.com/visual_language#.USzscuvwJvI
https://www.artspan.com/visual_language#.USzscuvwJvI

Kimberly Kelly Santini
**
** h o r s e s, c a t s, b u n n i e s, e t c w e l c o m e d
ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

http://www.BonnieHamlin.com

Michella Danielle
Expressionist Abstract Artist
When I was Five
michelladanielle.com

24 Carrot
Jonelle T McCoy
mccoysgaitedhorseartworks.blogspot.com

nikigulley.com

David Forks
Fine Art
DavidForks.com
mailto:dforks@gmail.com
DForks.blogspot.com
New paintings posted regularly.

René PleinAir
painting-pleinair.blogspot.nl

Blue Moon Gallery
www.bluemoongallerysacto.com
2353 Albatross Way
Sacramento, CA 95815
916-920-2444
bluemoongallery.sacto@yahoo.com

Something Special in Your Life...
Linda McCoy
lindamccoyart.blogspot.com

Equine Portraits, Wildlife, Animals and Nature
Carolyn McKee-Freese
carolynfreese.com

Laurie Justus Pace
Commission Work Welcome
lauriejustuspace.com

VLSTUDIO VISIT LESLEY H
41 45
Jump Expression 4

UMPHREY
lesleyhumphrey.net
The Huntsman

Artist of the United Kingdom and Artist of Texas
Lesley Humphrey at home in her studio.
Spirit Horse
Respite
lesleyhumphrey.net

Whinnying, stomping, snorting... The jangle of bits... The British wind buffeting my face
as we careen down the road...My bike and I. What a perilous pairing! As a child, when
unable to cajole my riding instructor into more “lessons”, my bicycle became my trusty
steed, complete with actual reins and bits attached to the handlebars... Treacherous
beginnings for this horse artist!
Lets Fall in Love
lesleyhumphrey.net

I believe that my lifelong love affair with the horse began with my first breath, and when
I wasn’t riding them or dreaming about them, I was drawing them....From ponies to
thoroughbreds... I’ve had the lot. I have driven ponies, rode to hounds, competed in 3-
day eventing, and even galloped racehorses.
Every encounter informs my art. The nature, the fear, the triumph, the love, the mystery,
the resolve, the training... the stories
Time to Leap
49
lesleyhumphrey.net

I was deeply grateful when I was selected as the Official 2011 Kentucky Derby
Artist, yet the crowning achievement of my work, so far was when I was presented
to H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, as artist to the Grenadier
Guards.
My passion is to pass-on what I know, and you can check out my free, online “Lessons
With Lesley” at www.lesleyhumphrey.net. Happy painting!
The Portal
lesleyhumphrey.net
50

EQUINE AND WILDLIFE ART
Lori Musil
lorimusil.com

Deborah Flood
Image: Platadero, Wild Spanish Mustang
20 x 23 inches
Watercolor on 300lb Arches Paper.
Original and Limited Edition Prints Available.
A percent of sales from the Platadero Limited Edition Prints are donated to the
Monero Mustang Sanctuary in New Mexico.
DebFloodArt.com

International Equ
Above: IEA Signature Member Carol Walker Photographing in the field.
Right: IEA Signature Member Debby Thomas Photographing in Portugal.
The persistent gentle nuzzle of a horse is often the reminder of great things before in a
relationship and great things yet to come. The connection between man and horse has been celebrated
since the beginning of time. Sir Winston Churchill aptly described this feeling “There is
something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
All relationships take time in our lives to develop and bloom. The relationship to a horse often
takes more time, effort and dedication. As an artist the awareness of the fierce strength and the
sweet gentleness of the horse is key to capturing the true spirit.
Equine and Western Artist Deborah Flood knows this well. Once a part of a thriving equine art
group, she was encouraged to grow and find her way with her own work. She grew to treasure the
camaraderie of all the artists and when the group disbanded, it left not only a hole in her life, but in
the lives of many other equine artists.
53

ine Artists, IEA
The need to stay connected man to man, man to horse, horse to horse, is primary. When each
wanders away the connection grows weaker and the relationship struggles. Deborah Flood took
a deep breath, closed her eyes and decided it was time to bring these artists back together. It was
then International Equine Artists was born.
From her own studio experience Deborah knew what was needed to nurture this new group into
life. Creating an Internet presence and developing a marketing plan. Each day new things were
born. From the website, the blog, to a reference image library, and on to Facebook. From here
professional online member shows came to life with People’s Choice voting from the public.
IEA has grown faster than Deborah anticipated and the connection solid and nurturing for all
members. United together by the making of art and woven tightly by the love of the horse, each
artist brings to the group their own unique talents, strengths and gifts. Encouraging, mentoring,
fostering and sharing, the IEA is open to anyone that has that special connection to the horse.
Join the IEA members at their site to visit their online members exhibit and read about all the
latest news and sign up for the IEA newsletter open to the public

The International Equine Artists was founded September 16,
2010 by Equine and Western Artist, Deborah Flood. Visit
http://www.internationalequineartists.com/about.html to learn
more about IEA and to join in membership.
InternationalEquineArtists.com
IEA Signature Member Susan Monty with Baby, sketching.
IEA Signature Member Mindy Colton
working on a large sculpture.
IEA Signature Member Thomas Allen Pauly in front of his 5’ x 12’ triptych.

IEA Signature Member Kenna Al-Sayed working in her studio.
International Equine Artists
InternationalEquineArtists.com

57
Katherine Minott
KatherineMinott.com

When I step out my front door, I enter a classroom teeming with teachers, some winged, others four-legged.
They share with me the most valuable of lessons about patience, simplicity, and beauty.
My photography is a way to record these lessons and to celebrate my animal teachers.
KatherineMinott.com
Before the Dance Katherine Minott

Katherine Minott
KatherineMinott.com
Whether I approach the corral of a 30 year old horse or the sidewalk spot of a homeless
dog, I carry my camera and a quiet curiosity about the lives of these creatures,
described by naturalist Henry Beston as being “gifted with extensions of the senses
we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.”
And then a magic in our meeting reveals itself, often in the movement of sunlight
across the tips of fur or a breeze through whiskers, and a shared sense that, together,
we are held in this net of life.
Art and animals. These two subjects give my life purpose and expression. And they
have fueled my life-long learning and career as a photographer. There has been no
better blessing.
59
Angel Hair Katherine Minott

KatherineMinott.com
A Fire
Katherine Minott

Katherine Minott
KatherineMinott.com
El Embajador de Mexico Katherine Minott
Totem for the Boneyard Katherine Minott
The Touch Katherine Minott
Sky Sketch Katherine Minott

KatherineMinott.com

Ann Hoffpauir
ArtworkbyAnn.com

SorrelStudios.com

VL
Studio Visit with Scul
I have spent a lifetime in close association
with nature and the natural
world. My childhood on a small
farm, my career in natural resources
management and leisure pastimes
have all combined to create in me a
love for all things occurring in the
natural world. I have spent much
time in the American West, traveling,
hunting and for over 20 years
working on a cattle ranch for a period
each year.
It is a great and rewarding challenge
to take an inert, cold metal and create
a piece of art that transcends the
medium, and elicits an emotion in
the viewer that connects with the
person, animal or situation depicted.
I find great satisfaction in capturing,
in bronze, the fluid and graceful motion
of a galloping horse. What could
be more elegant than a wild mustang
gliding over the open plains, unencumbered
and free

ptor Joe Collins
68

Joe Collins Sculptures
http://www.joecollinssculptures.com/

Comparing Apples to Oranges

Studio Visit with Joe Collins

My goal in creating my art is to bring pleasure, concern
or thoughtful contemplation about the subject of
each piece of art. Ideally, the art will stir something in
the soul that transcends every day life--that transports
the viewer to another place, another time. The soul
needs nurtured as well as the body.
http://www.joecollinssculptures.com/

VL
HorseArtist.com
73

HorseArtist.com
Studio Visit Tom Pauly

HorseArtist.com

Secretariat
TOM PAULY - Horse Artist
It was the caricature of President Richard M. Nixon that Thomas Allen Pauly drew in the fifth grade
that initially sparked his interest in art, a piece copied from Mad Magazine’s legendary cartoonist Mort
Drucker. But, it was an invitation in 1978 from his friend to witness his father’s harness horse, Rusty
Win capture the feature race at Sportsman’s Park that began the burgeoning artist’s career..
From that day, demand for his artwork only grew. In 1989, he portrayed the who’s who in racing at
his home track, Arlington Park International Racecourse. He has photographed and portrayed every
Kentucky Derby champion since1999.
Pauly was commissioned by Churchill Downs as the official portrait artist of the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
His portrait of the champion Barbaro was published as the track’s commemorative portrait. “They
made 10,000 prints of my painting and gave
them away on the track’s fan appreciation day. People were lined up in the parking lot waiting to get
the poster,” Pauly said.
Pauly was commissioned along with 10 international artists to paint the portraits of the Dubai World
Cup winners. His portrait of Cigar capturing the first Dubai World Cup was the highlight of his career.
“They invited all of the artists to Dubai to take part in the Dubai World Cup Art Auction and Exhibition.
It was a trip of a lifetime,” Pauly said.
HorseArtist.com

Tight Quarters
His portraits of Thoroughbreds and jockeys grace the walls of the racing elite, including his life size
portrait of a jockey wearing the silks of Kentucky Derby owners Kenny and Lisa Troutt’s WinStar
Farms. “It is truly an impressive piece and I am honored that it is in the collection of the great Win-
Star Farms in Kentucky,” Pauly said.
Jockeys are Pauly’s favorite subjects and his portfolio includes portraits of many of the all-time
greats. “I enjoy portraying the jockeys with their colorful silks riding up on their champions, but
I also like to portray them in the walking ring waiting patiently for their mounts,” he said. Since
2009, Pauly has been volunteering with The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) to assist
with their graphic designs. “We are very grateful to have a gifted artist like Tom Pauly share his time
and talents to support our mission, stated Nancy LaSala, Executive Director PDJF. His work with
the PDJF and compassion to help the men and women we serve enriches our program and is greatly
appreciated.”
Pauly’s 5’ x 12’ triptych titled Gates Open, They’re Racing and his Racing to the Wire were recently
featured in the National Art Museum of Sports exhibit Speed and Motion: Racing to the Finish Line.
Not too bad for a kid who started out playing with comic books.
HorseArtist.com

Barbaro
TOM PAULY
HorseArtist.com

To Their Mounts
TOM PAULY

HorseArtist.com

PerformanceHorsePortraits.com

Sarah Schryver
PerformanceHorsePortraits.com

ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
Matt Flint
Contemporary Fine Art
When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist When I was young I always felt like I had
to make things. I spent my free time drawing, building tree houses, forts, “inventions,” and wandering around
in the woods. I never really thought about art as a career until my junior year of high school when I realized
that I had no aptitude for math like the rest of my family and that I really loved making art.
Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date My greatest influence to date has been a professor
at Wichita State (where I attended grad school), Professor Ron Christ. Ron practices what he preaches and I
admire his professionalism and drive. He taught me how to analyze and construct a good painting.
Who is another living artist you admire and why I have always liked the work of Jim Dine. He is able to
work in such diverse media while maintaining a consistent approach that I really relate to.
What is your favorite surface to paint on I paint on 2” thick basswood stretched birch panels wrapped in
canvas. To ensure the best quality, I have my stretchers made to museum standards.
I like the rigidity of the panels, but I also like the texture of canvas, so this is the perfect solution for me.
What is your favorite brand of paints to use I use Windsor Newton most of the time. If I had an unlimited
budget, I would use Old Holland.
Do you have a favorite color palette Not really. I tend to stay towards earth tones and blues.
What is your favorite color in your closet Brown
You seem to paint a lot of water lilies. What prompted this
I don’t paint water lilies per say, but I do use an elliptical shape sometimes in my work. It is more ambiguous
and could refer to any number of natural things.
83
MattFlint.com

ist
Horse in Rain
How often do you paint how many times a week I have two full time jobs; teaching and painting. My studio time
is blocked out just like a job. I spend anywhere from 20-40 hours a week painting.
What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for. Being kind.
There are many culprits that can crush creativity, such as distractions, self-doubt and fear of failure. What tends
to stand in the way of your creativity I think self doubt is always near, but that is why I
keep making work. Doubt in my abilities, vision, etc. is a motivator for me; I certainly do not let it crush my creativity.
How do you overcome these obstacles I accept obstacles as part of the artistic process. I try not to let a day go by that
I do not work, the continuum is important for me.
What are your inspirations for your work Present and past experiences in the outdoors. The rural setting I grew up
in and the rural mountain setting I live in now.
What is your favorite way to get your creative juices flowing I make work. Again, the making the process is where
I like to be. As I work, ideas snowball, and suddenly I am working on 10 or more paintings all headed in a direction that
is exciting, undefined, and optimistic.
Which work of yours is your favortie The work I am making right now for my show at Gallery MAR in Park City in
February. Ask me the same question in a few months and it will be whatever work I am creating then.
MattFlint.com
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ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
Wanderer
When Night Comes

Matt Flint
MattFlint.com
Up Close and Personal
What book are you reading this week I listen to books on CD in the studio. Right now I am listening to “The Pearl”
by John Steinbeck.
Do you have a favorite televion show Not Really.
What is your favorite food Coffee!
What color sheets are on your bed right now Greenish ... I think
What are you most proud of in your life My family.
Who would you love to interview J. M. W. Turner
Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting What is it I love to mountain bike and cross country ski. I
also really enjoy working out at Lander Cross fit.
Who would you love to paint Maybe Giacometti, but that would be a lot of pressure.
If you were an animal what would you be and why A wolf. I love to paint them. They are shrouded in myth and
controversy and yet are so close to our domesticated family pets.
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, what would they be Unlimited food,
water and shelter.
Share something with us that few people know about you. I once designed kid’s clothes for a company called Chocolate
Soup.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live Right where I live now.

ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
Matt Flint
MattFlint.com
A Glance
87

Orchard Horse
88

T R A C Y M I L L E R
Generations 24 x 36
Trio 16 x 40
TracyMillerFineArt.com

Elizabeth Mami
Magical Realist
Available in Print, matted and framed.
Paintings are done on Commission from Photographs.
40 years Experience.
All Mediums and Subject Matter.
gaiafirstgraphics.com

Barry Scharf
I have been an artist all my life and have like every other artist
made many works that I wish I never made. This is because
in my early years I was unskilled, unclear about direction and
meaning and without experience in life itself. Youth is filled with
energy, passion and devoid of life lessons, Expression often lacks
meaning and a clear vision. At the time I believed that the sheer
volume of work would eventually define the value and justify it’s
existence.
But now that I have lived long, and in retrospect see that there
have been many works that have made others pale, I am glad for
all those smaller ideas that lead nowhere and produced nothing.
Without them I would not have the clarity of vision I do today.
Age is wisdom only if one pays attention. Energy levels change with each year that passes, and I think
of what time I have remaining. What do I want to create in the limited number of paintings and
sculptures I have left in my life I think about subjects of importance in my life and seek to express
those topics in a way that encapsulates the depth and breath of my skill. I look to painting or sculpting
or digitally manipulating images by orchestrating symphonic compositions instead of some small
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Spring Buck by Barry Scharf

The Nest by Barry Scharf
pop single. I believe these are the works that will define me as an artist. If I am to have any
impact with my art there must be works that create a focal point of idea, design, concept and
execution. Works that bring a total of understandings of experience, knowledge and skill of
creative process together into a summery of self expression.
This is not to say that simply living long and working at my art will justify a positive outcome,
rather living long will provide the time for dedicated study, practice of excellence in
skill and constantly expanding the envelope of ones experience. Taking chances, walking on
new paths and seeing new places. One must develop tolerance of other ideas, test theories
and be open to evolve and change your mind. To seek spiritual awareness, push physical
limitations, and intellectual concepts. I believe it is the goal of art to teach us how to live in
this world. Great art inspires us in spirit, makes us think of ways we can do and be better,
and charges us with the energy to do so.
It is the “Shape of Content” (Ben Shaun) that delivers meaning to a visual image and expresses
a creative life.
http://scharf62.blogspot.com/

Best of Show - Carol Peterson
www.cfai.co/carolpeterson
http://www.cfai.co/juried-shows-elegance-winter-2013/
Juried Show Winter 2012
When you think of elegance, what kinds of subjects or objects come to your head first
I think of elegant clothes and people first. Elegance is almost an attitude. The most beautiful,
well dressed person, may not be elegant unless they have the right attitude.
Do you most often paint from photographs, a mental picture, or real life
I usually paint from one or more photographs. I do participate in a life drawing group on
Fridays and, of course, we paint from life at that time. Occasionally, I will paint from a
mental picture or just let the painting develop on it’s own.
What do you do when you have a creative block
I tend to create new surfaces to paint on when I have a creative block
What painting of yours has the most meaning to you and why
I have painted all my children and grandchildren. These paintings have the most meaning
to me. I also like to paint people from trips I have taken and those paintings are close to my
heart also.
What is the most challenging part of your creative process from blank canvas to finished
piece
I have a hard time knowing when to quit. I can easily overwork a painting.
What is on your easel right now
I am working on a painting of two older people snoozing on a cruise.
Artist Bio:
I grew up in Michigan and left to go to college and marry. After raising three children and
moving around the country a bit, we settled in Lubbock, TX. After retiring from teaching
“Computer Information Systems” in a Junior College, I pursued my lifelong interest in watercolor.
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“Elegance”
Juried Show Winter 2012
www.cfai.co/carolpeterson
http://www.cfai.co/juried-shows-elegance-winter-2013/

First Place - Nancy Medina
Juried Show Winter 2012
www.cfai.co/nancymedina
http://www.cfai.co/juried-shows-elegance-winter-2013/
When I think of elegance, I think of the simple line of a
flower, and the playful way those lines bend and move in
the breeze. I believe nature always has a hand in making
flowers feel real, and part of the authenticity and beauty
of nature is the fact that it is not static, it is not plastic.
This is why I always encourage my students to paint from
life. A real flower moves, it grows, it begins, and it ends.
All of those stages, from the buds to the brown edges of
the leaves are part of what makes a flower elegant to me.
I paint mostly from fresh flowers in the studio. Every
flower is unique, there are no two sunflowers that look
exactly alike, for example. Add to that all the different
ways light changes at different times of day, and you have
an infinite number of ways you can paint a single flower.
I began painting every day five years ago. I have not had
a creative block in quite some time that I can recall. The
only thing blocking me is the day to day chores of life that
have to be accomplished before I can rush to the studio,
and AnnieBee, my little four-footed helper who tosses her
ball at my leg every now and then when I've forgotten it's
break time....
I do not consider a particular painting to have overarching meaning to me as an artist, but there are certain
paintings that seem to mark turning points in my work. Every now and then I produce a work that seems beyond
my abilities for that timeframe in my growth. I’m not sure if I can attribute this to perseverance, intuition,
or simple good fortune. By painting every day, your relationship to the process begins to extend beyond mechanics
and becomes more intuitive. More and more with time I am influenced by the mood or the energy of a
color or the way light plays upon an object - shape and light become more important than the flower, vase, or
setup. When I become excited about a color or the way light strikes a petal or reflects onto a tabletop, I respond
to that muse right away.
The most challenging part of every painting for me is often the background. I am not a fan of using dark colors
to push subjects forward. I strive to tell a story with subtle changes between hues. My goal is to create an interplay
between temperatures, rather than a harsh backdrop that forces the eye to see your focal point.
On my easel right now - blue hydrangeas! I’m working on two paintings simultaneously. One for my monthly
giveaway on Facebook, and one for a client. Blue hydrangeas have been calling my name lately so I have to
respond!

Second Place - Linda Bell
Third Place - Pamela Blaies
Gabriele Bitter
Honorable Mentions
Juried Show Winter 2012
Elaine Monnig
Annie O’Brien Gonzales
Rae Andrews
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Continuing the Tradition with Th
Diane W
The Western Masters Art Show & Sale is a four-day
fine art exhibition held each spring at the Best Western
Heritage Inn in Great Falls, Montana.
The Western Masters Art Show & Sale is a four-day fine art exhibition
held each
spring at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Great Falls, Montana. Diane
Whitehead is one of 140 juried artists displaying in this years show.
Diane is highly praised for her strong brushstrokes and bold use of
color: both of which make her work come alive. Her animals look you
in the eye with a majesty and gentleness that creates an instant bond.
At once elegant and whimsical, Diane’s animals touch our soul and our
sense of humor. Diane has been juried into such prestigious shows as
Salon International, Best of Utah. She is a juried award-winning artist
represented in numerous galleries in Utah, Montana, Wyoming and
Texas Diane is a full time artist working from her studio in Park City
Utah and Ovando Montana.
Diane is represented by Rich Haines Gallery Park City Utah Rare
Gallery Jackson Wyoming Sundance - Sundance Utah Paws Up! Greenough
Montana, Dutch Art Gallery Dallas Texas Hodges Fine Art- Big
Timber Montana
DianeWhitehead.com
97

hitehead
e Western Masters Art Show

Diane Whitehead
DianeWhitehead.com

CFAI.co Art Challenge “R
Best of Show
CFAI Art Challenge
Best of Show
Groovin’
Carol Schiff
101 http://www.cfai.co/art-challenge-february-2013-romance/

omance” February 2013
Carol Schiff
http://www.cfai.co/carolschiff
First Place
Second That Emotion
Linda McCoy
CFAI Art Challenge
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Second Place
MOONLIGHT ROSES
Marie Williams
CFAI Art Challenge
http://www.cfai.co/art-challenge-february-2013-romance/
CFAI.co March Art Challenge - “Places I Have Been” - $100 Cash Prize
Open to all artists!
Enter now -
www.cfai.co/art-challenge
103
Winter’s Soltice -
Patty Ann Sykes

http://www.cfai.co/art-challenge-february-2013-romance/
Third Place
DATE NIGHT
Kristine Kainer
CFAI Art Challenge
Submit your portfolio to join
Contemporary Fine Art International
www.cfai.co/register
104

Sheep Incognito
Baaandits
Conni Togel
Charisma-Art.com

Caroline Ratliff
Lost Maples 16 x 20 Oil
CarolineRatliff.com
Studio: 4848 Guiton #209 Houston, Texas 77027

Melissa Doron
"Art is subjective. Not everyone will like your work but if you love it then everything else
will fall into place." -Melissa Doron
ArtistDoron.com
281-236-6096

Mary Jo Zorad
ZoradArt.com

Carol Engles
carolenglesart.blogspot.com
carolengles.artspan.com

Debbie Grayson Lincoln
NoworNever-Debbie.blogspot.com
DebbieLincoln.com

Gibson Pottery and Glass
GibsonPottery.com

Suzan Madison Casey
Facebook.com/FromMyPorchSwing

Blog Review
Laurie Pace
Rosemary Bonnin
Susan Bell
Jonelle T. McCoy
113

EquineArtistsInternational.blogspot.com
Equine Artists
Dottie Martz
Theresa Paden
Rae Andrews
Ally Benbrook
114

Filomena de Andrade Booth
Kristine Byars
Texas Artist Spotlight
http://www.filomenabooth.com
Niki Gulley
http://www.wildwood-studio.com
Barbara Haviland
http://www.nikigulley.com
http://www.barbarahavilandfineart.com
115

George De Chiara
Leada Wood
http://www.georgedechiara.com
Nancy Medina
http://www.leadawood.com
Sheri Jones
Texas Artist Spotlight
http://www.nancymedina.com
http://www.sheriart.net

Kimberly Conrad
Pouring Color
kimberlyconradcoastalcollections.
blogspot.com
Conrad Coastal Collections, Original Pai

Contemporary Artist
into Your Life
ntings and “Other” Lovely Things Coastal
ConradCoastalCollections.blogspot.com

Step by Step
hrgro
VL
Painting with
OilPaint

Hall Groat II
ingDVD.com
Demonstrations
OilPaintingDVD.com
at1@stny.rr.com

DAILY PAINTERS
aily Painters.comDaily
Tom Brown
Barbara Fox
Filomena De Andrade Booth
Carol Nelson
Kay Smith
David Larson Evans
Mark Adam Webster
Linda McCoy
Mark Schwartz
Debra H
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Crystal Cook
Kimberly Conrad
DailyPainters.com
Dottie Martz

DailyPainters.com
Carolee Clark
Kelley Macdonald
Roxanne Steed
Kay Wyne
Pam Holnback
Connie Chadwell
Nancy Medina
Debbie Grayson Lincoln
urd
Laurie Pace
Hall Groat II
Jeanne Illenye
Kit Hevron Mahoney
Justin Clements
Delilah Smith

THE COLORS OF TEXAS
DutchArtUSA.com

THE ARTISTS OF TEXAS
ArtistsofTexas.org

Daily Painters Abstract Gallery
http://dailypaintersabstract.blogspot.com
Bob Coonts
www.bobcoonts.com
Spring 2013 Juried Show - “The Tapestry of Life” - Open to Artists Worldwide
$500 in total cash prizes
Open to all visual artists
Enter today!
www.cfai.co/juried-shows
Papa’s Red Tractor - Barbara Haviland

LISA McKINNEY
www.cfai.co/lisamckinney
Lisa-McKinney.com
Lisa-McKinney.artistwebsites.com

Nancy Medina
NancyMedina.com

WENMOHS
Artists Retreat at t
Art Workshop Sc
Lodging is available on a first come, first serve basis. There is additional hotels and motels in nearby Marble
Lunches are prepared for you and in the evneings, everyone brings food to share along with a favorite bottle
for over eight generations and is today an active cattle ranch.
JUDY GELFERT
Oils/Studio February 9-10
$240
PAT CANNEY
Oils/Studio Working from photos or
mannequins February 19-21
$350
CAROL NELSON
Acrylic/ mixed medium/ St
abstract February 25-28
$450
LIZ HILL
Drawing and painting the
figure in mixed media
May 9-11
$350
TOM LYNCH
Watercolor/ Studio
May 20-23
$575
http://www.wenmohsranch.com/Art%20Classes.htm
BOB ROHM
Oils, Pastels/ Plein Air
October 25-27
$360

RANCH
he Bunkhouse
hedule for 2013
Falls. Our aim is to make you happy and see to it that you have your best learning experience ever.
of wine. Life is truly good at Wenmohs Ranch. The Texas Ranch has been in the Wenmoh family
udio/
DON SAHLI
Oils/ Studio/ Plein air 2 days of each
March 4-7
$595
RUSTY JONES
Oils/ Plein air
March 20-22
$350
ROBERT BURRIDGE
Acrylic, Studio/ abstract
April 1-5
$630
Also soon to schedule will be the great teaching team of KAREN
VERNON and KEN MUENZENMAYER.
For those of you looking for a great holiday gift idea--other than
a class at the WENMOHS RANCH, En Plein air Pro is offering a
15% off until the end of 2012 on all of their artist easel packages.
See you at the Bunkhouse!
DON SAHLI
Oils/ Studio/ Plein air 2 days of each
November 4-7
$595
Dena Wenmoh
http://www.wenmohsranch.com/Art%20Classes.htm
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CFAI.co Collectors
http://www.cfai.co/gallery/art-under-200/
Carol Schiff http://www.cfai.co/carolschiff
Maria Kitano http://ww
Linda McCoy http://www.cfai.co/lindamccoy
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Art under $200
http://www.cfai.co/gallery/art-under-200/
w.cfai.co/mariakitano
Carol Jo Smidt http://www.cfai.co/caroljosmidt
Suzy Pal Powell
http://www.cfai.co/suzypalpowell

CFAI.co Collectors
http://www.cfai.co/gallery/art-under-200/
Tim Lin
Barbara Haviland http://www.cfai.co/barbarahaviland
Ally Benbrook
http://www.cfai.co/allybenbrook
Patty Ann Sykes
http://www.cfai.co/pattyannsykes
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Art under $200
http://www.cfai.co/gallery/art-under-200/
http://www.cfai.co/gallery/art-under-200/
coln http://www.cfai.co/timlincoln
Lisa McKinney
http://www.cfai.co/lisamckinney
Carolyn McDonald http://www.cfai.co/carolynmcdonald

Dutch Art Gallery
Painting by Kay Wyne
DutchArtUSA.com