Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Gladys Bacon

Inspired to paint a peaceful world

A native of New Mexico, Gladys Bacon brings over 45 years of experience to her representational style paintings of landscapes, animals, and still life. She creates with pastels, watercolors, oils, and acrylics.

"Every painting is a new adventure," says Gladys, "sometimes exciting, sometimes disappointing, but never dull. Usually the subject suggests which medium I will use to paint. I paint only what inspires me."

After living in Taos, New Mexico for ten years where she painted the Southwest and owned her own gallery, Gladys moved to the Northwest in 2002 to be near family and discover new inspiration for her paintings.

Gladys has been an active member of the Emerald Art Center since 2003. She initiated the art center's annual national juried show three years ago which stands as a great success in the area arts community and one of her proudest accomplishments. Gladys currently serves on the Board and served as treasurer of the organization for three years.

Viewers of Bacon's paintings will see how the beauty of the world inspires the work of an artist who captures a pleasant, peaceful experience of life.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I knew I wanted to be an artist at about six years old when a neighbor gave me some colored pencils and a piece of paper to occupy myself while she gave my mother a home permanent. She put a peach on the table and asked me to draw it. I was hooked! My high school art teacher encouraged me to continue my studies but I did not start my art education seriously until my fourth child was just a baby."

Important Mentors:
"Carl Cogar, who was the director/teacher of the El Portal Institute of Fine Art in Las Cruces, New Mexico was most important to me. I've also studied with several great teachers -- Tom Lynch, Frederick Wong, Ken Hosmer, Albert Handell, Anita Wolff, Margot Schulzke and others."

Value of Art in Her Life:
"I can't imagine living without art. My life would not be as fulfilled as it is if I didn't have my art."

Her Artist's Legacy:
"I believe that it is the duty of an artist to pass on what we've learned to the next generation. I rejoice when I see other artists succeeding! Locally, I suppose that the annual Emerald Spring Exhibition I started in 2005 will be my legacy at the Emerald Art Center."

For more information about Gladys Bacon and to see additional images of her art, visit Gladys' website: www.gladysbacon.com


To display a larger image of the art on your computer, please click on the photo.



"Misty Cove" by Gladys Bacon


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About The Artist


Birthplace: Mosquite, New Mexico

Arts Education: El Portal Institute of Fine Art in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Media of Choice: Pastels and Oils

Favorite Place to Do Art: In my studio at home

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Landscapes

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, Pastel Society of Oregon, Pastel Society of the West Coast

Gallery Shows: Upcoming at the Emerald Art Center (November 2008); ongoing exhibit at LaVelle Wine Bar & Bistro (Eugene).

Website:
www.gladysbacon.com


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All art images and photographs of the art are copyright by the artist.


"Silhouettes III" by Gladys Bacon


"Double Trouble" by Gladys Bacon


"Perfect Ending" by Gladys Bacon


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Monday, September 1, 2008

Renee Manford

Creating fantasies of the natural world


Renee Manford's art is a reflection of the reality and fantasy she sees in nature. Her images are visceral and sensual, inviting the viewer to experience the beauty and peacefulness found in the natural world.

Renee works with various media but her greatest interest is in creating art using the monotype process. Monotypes are a single print of an image painted on plexiglass or a piece of prepared flat surface. The image is rolled through a press to transfer it to acid-free print paper. Often, Renee creates multimedia/monotypes which involves adding oil paint, pen, or watercolor media over the top of a monotype.

A turn of events in her life seven years ago led Renee into her work as a fine artist. Today, she says creating art has "become the air I breathe, the water I drink, and the food I eat. My art has become a necessity for leading a full, healthy, fulfilled life."

Renee Manford's love of art and passion for life is fully expressed in the monotypes and other paintings she creates.

In her own words:


Inspiration To Begin:
"I've always loved art and I recall my dad praising me for my art in grade school. But I really got started seven years ago when I got a taste for creating fine art while I studied graphic design at LCC."

Important Mentors:
"My teachers at LCC were wonderful mentors -- especially Adam Grosowsky, Craig Spilman, and Lynn Wiley. Among the masters, my favorites are Vermeer and Turner. My all-time favorite artist is John Singer Sargent."

Value of Art in Her Life:
"I love creating art and feel fortunate to be an artist. As a speaker at my daughter's graduation said, 'If you can find a job you absolutely love, you don't have to work a day in your life.' That's how I feel about my art. I can stay active and never have to retire!"

Her Artist's Legacy:
"I want people to see the beauty in the world and find a 'resting place' in my art where they can be at peace. For my family and friends, I want them to see in the art I've created how much I loved the natural world around me."

For more information about Renee Manford and to see additional images of her art, visit Renee's website: www.reneemanford.com


To display a larger image of the art on your computer, please click on the photo.



"Broken Fences" by Renee Manford


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About The Artist



Arts Education: Lane Community College (Graphic Design); fine arts classes

Media of Choice: Loves to explore all media

Favorite Place to Do Art: Outside in the "plein air"

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Landscapes and people

Arts Organizations: Works part-time at the Karin Clarke Gallery

Gallery Shows: Accepted for 2009-2010 season at the Jacobs Gallery

Website:
www.reneemanford.com

Blog Postings: Renee Manford; Travels with the Muse

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All art images and photographs of the art are copyright by the artist.



"Lily Pond" by Renee Manford




"Man at Sea" by Renee Manford




"Oak Tree at Doris Ranch" by Renee Manford


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