Ken McClellan: Inspired by Encounters with Nature

Writer's Notes: On a perfect clear blue sky day, I headed east to Cedar Flats and turned right onto Deerhorn Road. With the McKenzie River on my left, I was soon winding through a forest of mixed cedars, doug firs, and lots of deciduous trees on the river bank. I couldn't remember if I'd driven here before, but if I had, I certainly hadn't traveled up several miles on this beautiful river road, passing by Taylor Landing on the way to visit with Ken McClellan.

Thinking I was going to be late with my slow driving to see the views of the river, I ended up arriving right on time. Ken had just stepped outside to turn off a sprinkler and invited me into the house where he introduced me to his wife, Nola. As we walked through their home headed for a back deck, I stopped to look at several Ken's wildlife paintings some of which I'd recalled seeing when he had a show at the art center last year.

As we stepped out onto their deck overlooking the river, the view -- with the river flowing directly at us -- was breathtaking! The sound of water rolling over the rocks coupled with the large trees rising around the three-tiered deck made me feel like this was an ideal place to spend many years of one's life (even in Oregon's winter rains!).

Looking out from the deck, far in distance I could see cars on Hwy. 126 on other side of the main stream of the river. Two streams passing around islands in the river converge directly in front of the McClellan's home. Ken brought out a painting he had done of their river view and we set it on the rail of the deck and I took a picture which shows what you see before you in this glorious setting (without the eagle today!).

I sat down with Ken and Nola at their outside dining table and started the interview -- distracted by all the beauty and sounds of rushing water below. I was surprised to learn that Ken had taken a 20 year "break" from his wildlife painting while finishing his career of over 40 years as a graphic designer for two different printing companies. But after taking a workshop with Terry Isaacs at the art center in February 2006 (who he had met in the mid 80's at a Robert Bateman workshop), Ken started painting again. His work with acrylics is amazingly realistic -- so much so that I wanted to reach out and touch the fir on some of his animal paintings.

Ken works in his home studio from photographs he takes in nature and of wildlife at places like Wildlife Safari (as well as of deer as they're standing at river's edge taking a drink just across the water). He has a growing collection of photos from from observing nature on their field trips as well. Now that Ken is retired and without the pressures of earning a living, he can "just do it" and enjoy the process of painting.

In his studio, Ken had a painting in progress and was willing to do some work on it while I took photos of him. He worked on some grasses around the rocks in the river scene. Ken said he sometimes paints outside on the deck and has plans for converting the garage into a "studio with a view" (an amazing one at that!).

Ken draws inspiration for his painting from the following Bible verse:

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this in His hand are the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12: 7-10

In a philosophy on wildlife art that he wrote in the late 1980's, Ken said "If animals, birds, fish and the earth are teaching us anything, it's the fact that man has to stop polluting and destroying the air, the soil, and the wildlife that it supports. Ultimately, it's the Creator who is trying to teach us that whatever happens to nature and wildlife will eventually happen to man."

He went on to say "if the current wildlife art can make a 'statement' that will cause people to reflect on what we are doing to this fragile planet and perhaps change man's attitude towards doing something to preserve what we have left, then wildlife art will have a purpose."

After our interview, we went back inside the house to take lot of pictures of his paintings, many of which had just been framed for his member show in August with other artists at the art center. Of course, I took far more photos than I can share on this blog, so I encourage you to visit the show and see Ken's work. I can promise you, you'll go away feeling blessed by the experience of seeing the work of an artist with a great love and respect for nature and wildlife.

More images of Ken McClellan's art follow the newspaper story.

(Note that clicking on the photos anywhere on this blog will enlarge the art image for better viewing).


Featured in the Springfield Beacon (August 1, 2007)

50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Ken McClellan
Inspired by Encounters with Nature

Last year, after putting his art career "on hold" for 20 years, Ken McClellan started painting again. The scenic beauty and abundant wildlife surrounding his home on the McKenzie River provide an inspiring backdrop and subject matter for his art.

Ken's goal as an artist is to share his love and respect for nature and wildlife. He hopes that people who view his paintings will find peace and serenity.

Ken believes that "mankind cannot improve upon God's creation in its many forms. We can only try to capture with paint some of the magical moments we observe that are the results of His hands. It is also my desire that viewers of my paintings will see God's handiwork in the pieces of art I create."

Over 20 years ago, Ken was honored to be juried in to a Master Class workshop offered by well-known wildlife artist, Robert Bateman. In 1987, at a second workshop with the artist in Montana, he met Terry Isaac from Salem who went on to become a successful wildlife artist. Ken decided to keep his day job at the time rather than becoming a "starving artist".

Last February, Ken (who had retired by then) discovered that Terry Isaac was teaching a workshop at the Emerald Art Center. He attended the class and was encouraged, challenged, and motivated to begin painting wildlife again. By the end of the year, Ken had his first show of new paintings at the art center!

In the presence of Ken McClellan's paintings of nature and wildlife, one feels blessed by the magnificent beauty of the earth and all of its wonderfully wild creatures. In his own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I've always been interested in art and thought about becoming an architect or commercial artist. But I ended up working as a graphic designer in the printing industry for more than 40 years. In the early 1980's, I started painting wildlife subjects with acrylics and was honored to be accepted to attend a Robert Bateman workshop in Wisconsin. Then at another of his workshops, I met Terry Isaac who (20 years later!) inspired me to get back into painting wildlife."

Important Mentors: "As I mentioned, my most important mentors have been Robert Bateman and Terry Isaac. I'd also include Paul Calle who paints the Old West and mountain men, Morton Solberg for his watercolors of wildlife, and Carl Brenders, another wildlife artist."

Value of Art in Life: "Going out into nature and studying what God has created -- capturing the moment and telling a story with a painting -- connects your life with His creation in an inspiring way. You can't loose when you try to put on canvas what God has created."

His Artist's Legacy: "I hope people will see that it's never too late in life to start painting .. or to begin again! And to not be afraid to fail because you get better by learning from your mistakes. Hopefully, my legacy will be that the Lord was honored by my painting."

For more information about Ken McClellan and to see additional images of his art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Cheetah Pair" by Ken McClellan

__________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Ely, Nevada

Arts Education: Self-taught and workshops with wildlife painters

Media of Choice: Acyrlics

Favorite Place to Do Art: At home in his studio

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Nature and Wildlife

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association

Upcoming Show: Several paintings at Emerald Art Center (opening August 10th)

__________________________________________________________________

# # #

"Harlequin Ducks" by Ken McClellan

"Near the Edge" by Ken McClellan

"Making Eye Contact" by Ken McClellan

Deanne Tiffany: Painting what she loves with clarity and cheerfulness

Writer's Notes: I had forgotten that east Springfield had some significant hills as I turned off Main Street towards Deanne Tiffany's home eight blocks up the hill. When I got out of my car in her driveway, I looked north to a great view of the Coburg Hills.

Deanne welcomed me in and we decided to do our interview at her dining room table. I had noticed some wood carvings of little birds on the way to the dining room and she told me she had begun carving last year at a Dick Jones workshop at Willamalane. The carvings of wrens are amazingly realistic as are the puffin and rabbit she carved.

In our interview, Deanne told me about her inspiration to become an artist in second grade (see newspaper story) and about being ridiculed by a 5th grade teacher for a drawing she made (of him) that sadly put an end to her art work for many years. In 1965, her mother-in-law invited her to go to an oil painting workshop and she's been doing oils ever since. In her living room are several of her paintings including one she calls "The Teachers" (which includes her grandmother) as well as paintings of two horses. I took a picture of "Clyde" which Deanne has on her business card.

We went upstairs to Deanne's studio which she has organized into three areas -- so she can have an oil painting, watercolor, and wood carving in process all the time. She also showed me her first oil painting from the 1965 workshop -- a kitten with flowers on a black background -- which I photographed but promised not to include here.

I asked Deanne to show me how she works (with her watercolor of a barn in process). She had taken photos of a barn she liked and had decided to paint it. We also looked at the oil painting she was working on of a scene along the Willamette River and the small carving of a horses head that she doing to get the feel for carving the much larger horse she was working on. She showed me a large drawing of the merry-go-round pony she is carving. For someone who just started carving last year, Deanne is certainly accomplished and willingly to take on big projects!

After taking more photos, Deanne invited me to have coffee and muffins with her and her husband (who had gone to high school in a Minnesota town I had visited to march in a parade about 45 years ago!). We talked about their decision to move to Springfield and how quickly the home buying and moving had gone for them. Deanne shared that several of her paintings are hanging at the Siuslaw Bank in downtown Springfield which I decided to photograph later in the day.

As the time came to end my visit, I felt well-nourished from seeing Deanne's art (as well as from eating a blueberry muffin!).

More images of Deanne Tiffany's art follow the newspaper article.

(Note that clicking on the photos anywhere on this blog will enlarge the art image for better viewing).


Featured in the Springfield Beacon (July 25, 2007)


50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Deanne Tiffany
Painting what she loves with clarity and cheerfulness

Since moving to Springfield a year and a half ago, Deanne Tiffany has become an active member of our arts community while enjoying painting outdoor scenes of her new home state of Oregon.

Deanne always has both oil and watercolor paintings in process in her studio. And she recently added wood carving to her artist's repertoire. Her current subjects include a carving a horse (half the size of a merry-go-round pony), a watercolor of a barn, and an oil painting of a Willamette River scene.

Deanne started her work as an artist in 1965 with an oil painting workshop. She focused on oils for over 20 years before taking a watercolor class. Since then, she has continued with both media while also doing wood carving which she learned last year at a workshop at Willamalane Adult Activity Center.

Deanne joined the Emerald Art Center soon after moving here and serves on two committees. She also joined the McKenzie Woodcarvers and serves as vice president of the organization.

Seeing Deanne Tiffany's paintings and wood carvings will bring a smile to your face as they cheerfully invite you in and welcome you to the world of the artist who created them. In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "In second grade, I went with a friend to visit an elderly lady who had many oil paintings on her walls. I saw a big painting on her easel of flowers in a garden with some doves. Right then, I just knew I'd be a painter."

Important Mentors: "After doing oils for years, I studied watercolors with John Yato in San Diego. I like Frederick Remington's work even though it's not my style. I also enjoy Norman Rockwell for the way he captured Americana. Among the old masters, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Monet are favorites."

Value of Art in Life: "I'm never bored and always have something that's going to be painted. I'm able to see life with an awareness of all aspects and capture life's details in my paintings. For me, it's the process of painting that I love."

Her Artist's Legacy: "I'd like it to be: She did what she loved! I've been fortunate to be able to paint for so many years and to paint only what I want to at this stage of my life."

For more information about Deanne Tiffany and to see additional images of her art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Orchids" by Deanne Tiffany

____________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Pasadena, California

Arts Education: Many workshops with artists over the past 47 years

Media of Choice: Her subject matter determines the media used

Favorite Place to Do Art: At home in her studio (but will paint anywhere)

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Outdoor scenes, flowers, people, horses, birds

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, McKenzie Woodcarvers

Currently Showing: Several paintings at Siuslaw Bank (7th & Main); "Little Lady" at Emerald Art Center

____________________________________________________________________

# # #

All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.

"Size 1" by Deanne Tiffany


"Hydrangea" by Deanne Tiffany


"Oh Baby" by Deanne Tiffany

Jim Nylund: Painting Nature With the Realism of a Photograph

Writer's Notes: As I headed east from downtown to the "last stoplight in Springfield", I was feeling thankful that the forecast 90+ degree day had not materialized. Yesterday's heat had reminded me too much of summers in the midwest (without the overgrown mosquitoes of my Minnesota youth!).

Jim Nylund's front porch was surrounded on two sides by roses in full bloom -- reds, pinks, and yellows as I recall. I was tempted to get my camera out and start taking pictures. Jim invited me in and we sat down at his dining table to talk about his art. On the wall beside us was a large "modern" painting which Jim told me he had purchased even though he generally wasn't attracted to modern art. The piece brought to my mind a raging storm in the desert with its dark wash of black flowing wildly through browns and reds.


On the living room walls were several of Jim's paintings -- both oils and watercolors of nature scenes (see images following the article). He told me stories about the places where he had composed the paintings -- in the Oregon desert and in Alaska. I asked him about the "Cross Mountain" painting he was currently showing at the art center. I was doubtful that such a place existed. It does. In Alaska where Jim had lived for seven years. He had taken dozens of photos of the mountain to use in composing his painting.

After our discussion, we headed upstairs where Jim has his studio. We first went into a room with an easel holding a new painting Jim was working on. I took pictures of the painting as well as attempted to photograph another framed painting covered with glass -- my nemesis in taking photos for this "50 Artists" project. No success .. too much glare ... and I couldn't get the flash to turn off on my new camera! I recommended to Jim (as I do to all artists) to take digital photos of your art before framing under glass.

We went into Jim's studio where he had a series of six paintings he was working on of a coast guard cutter breaking through a large wave (with difficulty!). The series was inspired by photos Jim had seen in an Oregon Coast magazine.


On the table beside the works in progress was another painting of a large wave that Jim had painted years ago. Next to it was a Bev Doolittle calendar -- an artist that Jim admires for her realistic portrayal of nature scenes and wildlife. Both of us wished we would have had the foresight to purchase Bev's originals before her price range grew far out of sight -- well-deserved for sure!


After shooting more pictures of Jim's paintings (see below) and promising him that I would give my best effort in attempting to shoot "Cross Mountain" (under glass at the art center) the next day, it was time to leave.

I look forward to seeing more of Jim's photorealistic paintings of nature in member shows at the Emerald Art Center.

More photos of Jim Nylund's paintings follow the newspaper story.

Featured in the Springfield Beacon (July 18, 2007)

50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Jim Nylund
Painting nature with the realism of a photograph

Jim Nylund began his work as an artist in grade school doing cartoon drawings of Disney characters. Since then, his art expanded to include a wide variety of media and subject matter. Today, Jim's watercolors and oil paintings reflect his love for the beauty of nature.

Jim seeks to portrait what he sees in nature as realistically as he can. While currently painting primarily with watercolors (and some oils), over the years he has worked in many areas of art -- photography, printmaking, air brushing, engraving, etching, and making fine French and Japanese handmade papers.

Having spent most of his life in the Northwest, including seven years in Alaska, most of Jim's paintings are of landscapes and wildlife from places that have been important to him. Instead of doing his art in the field outdoors, Jim takes photographs of landscapes from many angles and at various times of day for use in composing his paintings.

Jim Nylund sees with the eyes of a photographer -- capturing an image of nature's beauty -- which he turns into paintings with as much realism as he can. In his own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "Early in grade school, a teacher encouraged me to draw and I began doing Disney cartoon characters. Seeing cartoons at the movies made me think, if they can do that, I can do that. Years later when I met a cartoonist from Disney and he showed me the thousands of drawings required to make the characters move, I decided cartooning wasn't for me. I took three years of art and photography at Springfield High School and have continued to do art ever since."

Important Mentors: "My first mentors were the cartoonists. When I was taking classes at LCC, Joyce Comer, opened me up to doing watercolors after I had mainly done oil paintings. Among the old masters, Rembrandt and Michelangelo come to mind. Today, Bev Doolittle's work -- her paintings of wildlife and landscapes of the West -- inspire me most.

Value of Art in Life: "My art gives me peace of mind and a sense of well-being. I feel like I'm copying God's creation -- the beauty of nature -- with my art."

His Artist's Legacy: "I hope that whoever looks at my work appreciates it. Mostly though, my legacy will be a portfolio of original prints left for members of my family."

For more information about Jim Nylund and to see additional images of his art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Cross Mountain" by Jim Nylund

_______________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Isanti, Minnesota

Arts Education: Eastern Oregon University (LaGrande), Lane Community College, Chemeketa & Tillimook Bay Community Colleges.

Media of Choice: Watercolors and oil painting

Favorite Place to Do Art: Wherever I can sit down and not be bothered.

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Nature and wildlife

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association

Currently Showing: "Cross Mountain" at Emerald Art Center (until end of July)

______________________________________________________________________

# # #

All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.


"Oregon or Bust" by Jim Nylund


"Storms a' brewing" by Jim Nylund


"Surfs Up" by Jim Nylund

Bev Partridge: Mastering Light and Shadow With Emotion

Writer's Notes: On a beautiful sunny Oregon afternoon, I drove south towards Dorris Ranch to meet with Bev Partridge. I had never met Bev but had seen some of her paintings at the art center and knew that one of her watercolors had recently won an award from the Watercolor Society of Oregon. So I was looking forward to meeting the painter and seeing more of her work.
Bev greeted me at her door and we decided to do the interview first before going to see her art studio. Viewing some of her paintings hanging in living room, I was struck by the way she used light and shadow in her watercolors -- one of my personal "likings" in paintings no matter what the medium.

Our enjoyable interview was capped off by what Bev first told me when I asked about her "legacy" as an artist. She said "my standing joke is that, when I'm dead and gone, you'll find my paintings on the top shelf at Goodwill. It's the only 'gallery' I really don't want my paintings to hang in!" After my uproar of laughter, she went on to tell me what she'd really like her legacy to be (see the article below).

Going down the hallway to her art studio, I was saw several paintings on the walls that I admired -- again for her mastery of light and shadow. On the easel in Bev's studio was a painting that she had just completed -- rhododendron blossoms that seemed to glow with a purple haze on the surface of the paper. I took pictures of her and the painting as well as paintings hanging around the room and several that Bev pulled from a tray full of unframed paintings. It was a delight to see her wonderful portraits of family members, Mexico scenes, flowers and wildlife.

The windows on Bev's studio look westward over a deck to large trees fronting the Willamette River. On the deck are an unusual feeder for squirrels, birdhouses, and a red hummingbird feeder. On the south side of the deck is a flower garden with some interesting statuary, including a horse (from an child's old rocking horse). I wandered around the pathways and took pictures of the magical scenery.

Before leaving, Bev surprised me with the gift of a painting of a rooster which I had commented about earlier when I first saw it -- having said that my partner, Anita, would especially enjoy it. Thanks again, Bev, for your generosity and for delighting Springfield and Eugene (and the state of Oregon) with your beautiful watercolors!

More photos of Bev Partridge's paintings follow the newspaper article.


Featured in the Springfield Beacon (July 11, 2007)


50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon


Bev Partridge
Mastering light and shadow with emotion

When Bev Partridge was 65 years old, she started painting again. She had given up art years ago to focus on her family and raising children.

Today, just nine years after her first watercolor class, Bev is creating award-winning paintings that most people would think were done by someone who has been working as an artist throughout their whole lives.

Most of Bev's art offers a realistic, close-up view of subjects that interest her emotionally as well as visually. She has painted many portraits of family members and other people who have touched her life. Many of her watercolors also feature wildlife, flowers, and scenes from Mexico.

One of Bev's paintings received the Watercolor Society of Oregon's Sweepstakes Award in April 2007. Titled "Manana", her composition for the painting was created from photographs she took during a visit to Mexico.

As a member of the Emerald Art Center, Bev enjoys being able to regularly show her paintings as well as enter a painting in the annual Mayor's Art Show. She thinks that people who came to Springfield's art center are often surprised at the excellent quality of art being shown and by the many workshops and classes going on for artists.

While Bev Partridge looks for things to paint that give her a "wow" feeling, her ability to use light and shadow in her watercolors gives viewers of her work a "wow" feeling as well. In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "When I was five years old I found out I could draw. My father always encouraged me to draw, color in my coloring books, and do paintings. When I married, I started an art correspondence course but when I began raising children I ended up giving up art until I was 65 years old. Then I took several classes and began painting with other artists. Now, painting is almost the only thing I do."

Important Mentors: "I really got started with Ellen Gabehart and took several classes from her over the years. Judy Morris has been a big influence and so have Jean Elliott and LaVonne Tarbox-Crone. I prefer the work of realistic painters and especially like Andrew Wyeth. He really captures the emotion of whatever he is painting."

Value of Art in Life: "After my health prevented me from doing the physically active things I've done all my life, my art has given me a way to enjoy life. It gives me a place to go in my mind. I'm seeing things differently ... the light, shadows, shapes, and colors ... and taking pictures of things that I can use for future paintings.

Her Artist's Legacy: "I've done lots of portraits of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So, if my family and friends take my paintings and enjoy them after I'm gone, that will be enough of a legacy for me."

For more information Bev Partridge and to see additional images of her art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Manana" by Bev Partridge

___________________________________________________________________
About The Artist

Birthplace: Beatrice, Nebraska

Arts Education: Self-taught and classes from local art teachers

Media of Choice: Watercolors

Favorite Place to Do Art: In her home studio overlooking the Willamette River

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Portraits and anything she sees that gives her a "wow" feeling

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, Watercolor Society of Oregon

Currently Showing: "Zinnia Design" at the Emerald Art Center
______________________________________________________________________

# # #

All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.

"The Gathering" by Bev Partridge

"Blue Grass" by Bev Partridge

"Weaver's Bench" by Bev Partridge

Charlene Eckman: Exploring Nature's Designs With An Impressionistic Style

Writer's Notes: Charlene Eckman welcomed me into her home which is a beautiful mix of modern and antiques (with a backyard view to the tallest of the Coburg Hills). When Charlene and her husband, Jim, moved to Springfield, they decided it was time for a modern, single story home after years of living (and painstakingly restoring) a Victorian-style home in Yreka, California.

I noticed a painting above the fireplace mantle that reminded me of the inside of the barn of my mother's parents Minnesota farm -- a place I visited often when I was a child. Charlene grew up on an Illinois farm and lived in Woodstock, a town not far from Geneva (30 miles west of Chicago) where I had lived in the late '70s and early 80's. So we had Midwestern connection, including the fact the she had gone to college in the Illinois town where I had worked -- Wheaton. Small world!

Many of Charlene's oil paintings decorate the walls of her home and her studio has several paintings on the walls. Weather permitting, she does most of her paintings outside on the back patio from sketches done on location or photos taken during traveling. I especially enjoyed seeing her old paint box which she bought over 45 years ago when she was a freshman in college.

Charlene is an art educator at heart. After spending her whole career teaching art in schools, she now is at the forefront of encouraging and supporting art education for children and youth in our community. She leads the TEACHArts children's outreach and family art programs as a Board member of Emerald Art Center. She also teaches free monthly art classes for children at the Springfield Library and focuses on youth art programs in her role as vice-president of the Springfield Arts Commission.

With the leadership Charlene Eckman has provided for art education initiatives since she moved to Springfield two years ago, I'm looking forward to seeing even more children, youth, and families at the Emerald Art Center. And to seeing "what's coming next" from Charlene's devoted service in support of the arts and arts education in our community.

More photos of Charlene's oil paintings follow the newspaper story.









Featured in the Springfield Beacon (July 11, 2007)

50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Charlene Eckman
Exploring nature's designs with an impressionistic style

Since falling in love with art education over 40 years ago, Charlene Eckman has been teaching art and creating oil paintings that focus on designs found in nature.

In her paintings, Charlene explores the patterns and rhythms of lines, textures, and colors of her subjects. She often paints trees, rocks, and rivers of wilderness settings or barns, corn, and wheat fields of rural settings like those of her childhood growing up on an Illinois farm.

Charlene's paintings begin with catching the energy of the design using thin oil washes. Then she works with thicker oils to build forms, textures, and values while keeping colors and lines bold -- building her enthusiasm as she paints.

Charlene uses short, impressionistic strokes with her brush and palette knife in many of her paintings. In others, bold shapes and lines are made with her larger brushes.

Serving as an art teacher since the late 1960's, Charlene taught at elementary, high school, and college levels in California before retiring and moving to Springfield in 2005. Always an active volunteer while teaching in Yreka, Charlene soon became involved in creating children's outreach programs at the Emerald Art Center and serves as a member of the Board. She was appointed to the Springfield Arts Commission in 2005 where her focus is supporting opportunities in the arts for youth.

Nature continues to inspire the paintings of Charlene Eckman and her volunteer work keeps the joy of children creating art very much alive in her life. In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "When I was a child, I sewed with my grandmother and did embroidery work when I was very young. I didn't take an art class until I was a senior in high school. Even though I started as a biology major in college, I soon fell in love with art education and decided to follow my natural tendency and teach art."

Important Mentors: "In college, Karl Steele taught me to use a limited palette. He had us start and finish a painting in three hours! I recall going to the Chicago Art Institute and seeing paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, and Edward Hopper which inspired me. Later in life, I visited Santa Fe and saw Georgia O'Keeffe's work and the place where she painted near 'Ghost Ranch'. And within the last few years, the Canadian artist, Emily Carr and the 'Group of Seven' led by Lawren Harris have been new sources for learning and inspiration."

Value of Art in Life: "I learned to really see by creating art . . . to reflect the beauty I see in nature. And, as an art educator, it has been a joy to teach and I've learned so much from children who often asked me 'what if' questions. Energy comes to teachers from their students! For people who come to the Emerald Art Center, the availability of classes for all levels can make a difference in their lives, plus there's such a wide range of art to see inside the beautifully restored historical building."

Her Artist's Legacy: "It would be nice if some of my paintings are being enjoyed by people after I'm gone. My legacy as an artist includes my two sons who are involved in art education and creating beautiful spaces. I've collaborated on projects with Nate, who is an art teacher at Roseburg High School, and enjoyed seeing the outcomes of John's work as a facilities director at Portland State.

For more information Charlene Eckman and to see additional images of her art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Hillside Trees in Italy" by Charlene Eckman

_____________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois

Arts Education: Wheaton College (Illinois) B.A. Art & Post-Graduate Classes in Art & Education at UCLA, Pepperdine, San Jose College, UC-Berkeley, Chico State, and Southern Oregon University.

Media of Choice: Oil Painting

Favorite Place to Do Art: Outside on her patio at home


Favorite Subjects To Paint: Landscapes in rural or wilderness settings; flowers


Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, Springfield Arts Commission


Currently Showing: "Mountain Barn" at the Emerald Art Center
______________________________________________________________________

# # #

All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.

"Mountain Barn" by Charlene Eckman

"Cobra Plant" by Charlene Eckman

"Begonia" by Charlene Eckman