LaVonne Tarbox-Crone

Watercolors With the Glow of Life

For the past 18 years, LaVonne Tarbox-Crone has painted watercolors with a strong emphasis on design, texture, and color. She has created a vast portfolio of art including still life, landscapes, people, places, abstracts, and illustrations.

Along with watercolors, LaVonne creates art with acrylics, pastels, oils, and collage. Her illustrations are featured in the Territorial Seed Catalog and on packages of Abundant Life Seeds. In 2008, she began creating sculpture as well as a series of miniature paintings of scenes with special emphasis on skies and clouds.

LaVonne says that in her paintings she "sometimes like to suggest a story which I leave for the viewer to complete. My scissors paintings are a tribute to my late mother who worked in garment factories and spent years sewing for her family and making quilts. Scissors have many connotations. They are beautiful. They are useful. They can be dangerous. And maybe, for me, they also are a symbol of the cutting losses we all endure in our lives?"

In creating her still life series, LaVonne notes that "the patina of time puts a beautiful face on the walls of ancient architecture. I find the visual contrast between these remnants of time and the glow of living in such objects as fruit or flowers an endless interaction I love to explore."

LaVonne Tarbox-Crone's devotion to her art is a testimony to her love for life and willingness to express her creativity in an ever-expanding repertoire of art media.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I always wanted to be an artist but never had an art class until I was in college. When I lost my son to a tragic accident in 1990 ... painting was my solace then. He had encouraged me to paint … and that was a large part of my motivation. Perhaps I feel my paintings are now a way that his memory is not lost to time. Memories, like a good painting, capture a sense of time and place."

Important Mentors: "When I worked as a school counselor, Marge Orre, our office secretary taught a watercolor class that got me started after many years of not painting. Classes with watercolorist Judy Morris were also helpful to me. Among artists I admire today are H.C. Dodd who I met in Taos a few years ago."

Value of Art in Her Life: "Painting makes me get up in the morning. It has made me a keen observer of life."

Her Artist's Legacy: "I hope my art will bring comfort and pleasure to people who live beyond my life. While my son's life was cut short, his memory (and my legacy) is carried in every painting I create."

For more information about LaVonne Tarbox-Crone and to see additional images of her art, visit her website: www.tarboxcrone.com

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




"Market Patterns" by LaVonne Tarbox-Crone

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Chewelah, Washington

Arts Education: U. of Idaho (Art Minor), Portland State (Life Drawing), Classes with Judy Morris

Media of Choice: Watercolors

Favorite Place to Do Art: In my studio at home

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Still Life

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, Watercolor Society of Oregon (Board of Directors), Corvallis Art Guild, National Watercolor Society, DIVA, Watercolor USA Honor Society

Special Awards: National Watercolor Society Exhibition (2008), Watercolor USA -National Competition (2008), Milford Zornes Award - National Watercolor Society (2006 Nationwide Tour)

Gallery Shows: Internet Cafe Gallery (Sacred Heart at Riverbend) through Jan. 2009

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



"Beyond Botanical II" by LaVonne Tarbox-Crone



"Mosaic With Watering Can" by LaVonne Tarbox-Crone



"Jacksonville Tower" by LaVonne Tarbox-Crone

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Bonnie Smith

Painting to Express Her Spirit

Throughout her life, Bonnie Smith has been an avid student of art. Since her retirement in 1989, she has been actively painting with oils, pastels, watercolors, and other media.

Bonnie's paintings are inspired by the color, form, value, light and shadow around her. She says that when she paints "something inside me has to get out." Her work includes landscapes, florals, still life, wildlife, and portraits.

Bonnie says that "in one sense, recreating the beauty of the natural world is about as close to divine creation as one can get. Art expands insight and reverence for life. If I can engage the viewer to feel the same reverence, then I have succeeded.”

Active for many years with the Emerald Art Center, Bonnie has served as a member and secretary of the Board. She regularly exhibits her work in the art center's member shows and at the Lane County Fair. Over the years, her art has garnered many ribbons and awards. Her work has been exhibited at Design Consortium in Ohio, White Dove Gallery in Washington; Treasures Gallery and Black Bear Gallery in California, and Maude Kerns in Eugene.

Along with her painting, Bonnie is also a writer with a ready-for-publication book of creative non-fiction about life in Mississippi in the 1930's. She is currently seeking an agent for her book and hopes to have it published next year.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I started drawing when I was six years old and wanted to be a painter and writer for as long as I can remember. The countryside and landscapes around Holly Springs inspired me. When I was 20, living in Philadelphia with me husband, an Italian friend of ours who heard me complain about not having paints and showed up one day with a box of paints. That day I did my first real painting, which was awful."

Important Mentors: "Most all of the artists I've taken classes with have inspired me. The old Dutch Masters are my favorites, especially Vermeer, as well as the Spanish painter, Goya. I've studied with Glenn Decker, Jane Hofstetter, Judy Betts and Rusty Stetcher (among others) but one of the first and best art class I took was with Laura Gubrud at EEAA.

Value of Art in Her Life: "I don't know what I would have done in retirement if not for painting and writing. Both have kept me active, interested, and involved."

Her Artist's Legacy: "Society will know that I tried."

For more information about Bonnie and to see additional images of her art, visit her website www.bonniesmithart.com and the Emerald Art Center website: www.emeraldartcenter.org


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

"Late Harvest" by Bonnie Smith

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Senetobia, Mississippi

Arts Education: Many classes and workshops from local and visiting artists

Media of Choice: Oils and pastels, depending on the subject matter

Favorite Place to Do Art: In my studio at home

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Whatever inspires me at the time

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association

Gallery Shows: Paintings in member shows at the Emerald Art Center


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

"Wanda" By Bonnie Smith



"Mirror Image" by Bonnie Smith



"Blue Vase" by Bonnie Smith


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Carol Fourtner

Watercolors in Full Bloom

In her paintings of strikingly bright florals, Carol Fourtner brings flowers to life. Her watercolors look so "real" that viewers want to reach out and touch them.

It took Carol only a few experiments with different media to convince her that watercolors were her love. For over thirty years, she has immersed herself in studies with many artists, absorbing techniques of skilled watercolorists.

Since her first solo art show in 1989, Carol has been creating and showing her art in a variety of venues. Today, she regularly displays her work in member shows at the Emerald Art Center and annually at Chateau Lorane's Memorial Day Wine and Fine Arts Festival as well as at the Artisan's Studio at the Lane County Fair. She also plans to teach a watercolor painting class for beginners which starts in January at River Road Parks & Recreation.

Carol Fourtner shows her love for flowers in her watercolor paintings that bless the viewer with an experience of joy in seeing real beauty in art.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I started drawing when I was in high school and enjoyed it. Off and on over the years I took art classes but didn't get really serious about it until I retired. Since then, I've created many watercolor paintings and continue to paint regularly."

Important Mentors: "During my years at Diablo Valley College in California, Jade Fon Woo, a well-known Bay Area landscape and portrait artist, was an important influence. Today, I'm inspired by the work of local artist, LaVonne Tarbox-Crone. I've learned so much from her and enjoy going to her studio to paint together."

Value of Art in Her Life: "Painting makes my life more exciting. I love getting up in the morning and going into my studio to paint. When I'm doing a painting and everything is working, I get a wonderful feeling ... like all is 'right and good' and worth sharing with people."

Her Artist's Legacy: "My hope is that those who see my work will feel the joy I experience when I create it and that others will be inspired to develop their own art."

For more information about Carol Fourtner and to see additional images of her art, visit the Emerald Art Center website: www.emeraldartcenter.org

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



"Tulip" by Carol Fourtner

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Bellevelle, Kansas

Arts Education: Diablo Valley College; art classes with Pat Dooley, Judy Morris, Betty Carr, Dan Chen, and others.

Media of Choice: Watercolors

Favorite Place to Do Art: In my studio at home

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Florals

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

Gallery Shows: Annual Memorial Day show at Chateau Lorane Wine & Fine Arts Festival

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

"Roses" by Carol Fourtner




"Blueberries" by Carol Fourtner




"Magnolia Leaves" by Carol Fourtner

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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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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

Birthplace: Watson, Saskatchewan

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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Paul Bourgault

Painting the Aging Beauty of Oregon

By Todd Peterson
For "50 Artists" Series

Paul Bourgault paints beautiful old structures and landscapes of Oregon with watercolors. His work is constantly evolving as he strives for "spontaneity and looseness” in his use of the medium.

Doing most of his work outdoors, Paul’s paintings are often of old barns, covered bridges, stately houses, and other old “classic” buildings. He also paints Oregon river scenes, farm settings, and birds in the wild.

After working in design and advertising in California for 25 years, Paul and his wife Marguerite made their “dream move” to Lane County in 1995. Since then, he has continued to provide graphic design services for businesses while devoting more time to developing his skills as a watercolor artist.

Paul has been active with the Emerald Art Center over the past 12 years, serving as a leader of the workshop committee that recruits nationally-known artists to teach at the center. He has served on the EAC Board and is currently a member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon Board of Directors. Paul produces the WSO quarterly newsletter, the Watermark, as well as two annual show catalogs for the approximately 850 member, statewide arts organization.

Through his involvement in arts organizations and dedication to his art, Paul Bourgault is contributing to the development of watercolor artists in our community and throughout Oregon.

In his own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "My great aunt, Beatrice, inspired my interest in art when she gave me a John Nagy art set when I was in grammar school. I remember being asked to draw a turkey on the blackboard in parochial school when I was ten years old. Later on, I entered a statewide poster contest and won. After my freshman year at the University of Iowa as a taxidermy major, sophomore half year at University of New Hampshire as forestry major, I finally settled in at the Art Institute of Boston to study art and graphic design.

Important Mentors: "When I studied at the Art Institute of Boston, Murray Wentworth was a teacher who sparked my enthusiasm for watercolor. Among the early American watercolorists, I admire the work of Winslow Homer and John Singer Sergeant. I'm very inspired by Edgar Whitney who many consider the greatest teacher of watercolor North America has ever seen. Today, many teaching artists – Arne Westerman, Ron Ranson, Patrick Dooley, Eric Wiegardt and others – have guided me in my work as a watercolor artist.”

Value of Art in His Life: "Art has been a big part of my life. I studied to be a graphic artist and my career has been in design and advertising. I continue to do some graphic design work. Now, I’m more focused on watercolor painting and particularly enjoy Plein Air painting in Oregon.”

His Artist's Legacy: "I’d like to be remembered as an accomplished watercolor artist and inspiring teacher of watercolor painting.”

For more information about Paul Bourgault and to see additional images of his art, visit the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org or www.paulbourgault.com

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

"Covered Bridge" by Paul Bourgault

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Laconia, New Hampshire

Arts Education: Art Institute of Boston

Media of Choice: Watercolors

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

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Old Structures and Landscapes

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association (Workshop Committee); Watercolor Society of Oregon (Board of Directors)

Gallery Shows: Koho Bistro (June/July 2008); Chateau Lorane (Memorial Day)

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

"Old Barn" by Paul Bourgault

"Road Kill Grill" by Paul Bourgault

"Shriners" by Paul Bourgault

Dottie Chase

Telling stories with pastels and watercolors

By Todd Peterson
For "50 Artists" Series

Dottie Chase loves to tell a story when she creates a painting. She says, "I want people to feel an emotion when they see my paintings."

When Dottie paints a portrait, she begins with the person's eyes. Eyes show the humanness of each person and bring their essence to life in her paintings.

Today, Dottie is one of the area's leading portraitists with many private commissions to her credit. She has received many awards for her pastels and watercolors from the Watercolor Society of Oregon, Mayor's Art Shows in Eugene and Springfield, Lane County Fair, and Emerald Art Center.

In addition to her work as an artist, Dottie is a dedicated advocate and supporter of the arts in Springfield and Eugene. She has helped advance local art organizations with her fundraising abilities and has held leadership positions with the Emerald Empire Art Association, Gallery at the Airport, Jacobs Gallery, and Lane Arts Council.

In 1999, Chase received the Alvord Award for exemplary service and dedication to the advancement of the arts. She was among the 14 women named a "Legend" by the Springfield Museum this year for the difference she has made to help improve our community.

"I'm grateful to have been able to play a part in the growth and success of the Emerald Art Center," says Dottie. "It has blessed me in so many ways and has inspired my work as an artist."

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "In high school I considered being an artist. I knew I could do whatever I wanted to do. But I realized that I was a 'variety person' and entrepreneur by nature. I wanted to do many different things and I did over the years. In 1990 I decided it was time to seriously begin working as an artist. I've been creating art and involved in supporting the arts ever since."

Important Mentors: "Among contemporary painters, Daniel Green, Harley Brown, and Ben Konis have inspired me. Also a young painter, Jacob Collins, is a current favorite. Among the Old Masters, I enjoy Vermeer and Caravaggio.

Value of Art in Her Life: "Art is a part of my whole being ... the way I look at things. I just love being in the midst of it and get excited at the wonderment of colors and shapes."

Her Artist's Legacy: "I was able to share my art and make people aware of the beauty that surrounds them. As a result of seeing my paintings, I hope people will look, see, and feel the beauty of world in a deeper way."

For more information about Dottie Chase and to see additional images of her art, visit the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.

"Elephant Watering Hole" by Dottie Chase

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Arts Education: University of Oregon - Art Major (Sculpting & Ceramics)

Media of Choice: Pastels, Watercolors, and Oil

Favorite Place to Do Art: With people around creating art, except when painting portraits which she does in her home studio.

Favorite Subjects To Paint: People

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association (Board Member & Past President), Jacobs Gallery (Steering Committee), Gallery at the Airport (Steering Committee), Art Selection Committees for LTD(Springfield & Em-X Stations), Moshofsky Center, and RiverBend Hospital (Art Panel), Lane Arts Council (Past Board Member).

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

"George" by Dottie Chase


"Beach Walk" by Dottie Chase

"In the Shadows" by Dottie Chase