Christine Gherardi: Creating images that arise from her intuition

Writer's Notes: I met Christine Gherardi a few month's ago when she was doing gallery guiding at the art center. Both Christine and her son, Peter, are members so I decided to interview them both for the "50 Artists" series.

Last week when I interviewed Bruce Mitchell at his "drop-in clinic" at the art center, Christine was there working on a drawing. She said she had been coming to the weekly clinic for nearly three years and had found Bruce's guidance very helpful.

When I went to Christine and Peter's home, I interviewed both of them and took photos of Christine's work. Next week I will feature Peter's work when I receive the computer graphic images being sent to me.

Of all the artist's I've interviewed so far, Christine was the first to describe her art as "intuitive" -- coming to her as if she is guided to the image. One person at the art center told her that it looked like she was "channeling" the images that she drew.

Christine's work definitely evokes emotion. You can tell she (quietly) feels strongly about whatever image she is creating.

Christine hopes that her work will touch people emotionally and move them to make positive changes in their lives. Her intuitive process is a powerful guide for her art and her life.

More images of Christine Gherardi'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 22, 2007)


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

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Christine Gherardi
Creating images that arise from her intuition

For Christine Gherardi, creating art is a very intuitive process. It starts with a feeling. Then an image comes to her and she begins drawing.

Christine has been drawing most of her life. In college, she started a fine arts program but was talked out of it ("no money in being an artist") and went on to get a degree in sociology. Looking back, she feels she would have done better in the work world with a fine arts degree.

Christine has done award-winning images in pencil. But, for the past two years she has focused on watercolors. Bruce Mitchell's weekly "drop-in clinics" at the Emerald Art Center have been a great help to her and she paints there most every week.

Christine is especially proud of her son, Peter, who is studying at LCC and creating art himself (on computer and film). Together, they are members of the art center and enjoy many of the same artists.

Seeing Christine Gherardi's intuitive art images will open your heart and mind to the inner world of an artist. And they may touch you emotionally and awaken you to new ways of seeing the outer world.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I'm not sure when but know I started drawing in grammar school. In 5th grade I remember drawing a map of South America and then drew animals in each country. It took so long I didn't complete it in time so I got a 'B' instead the 'A' the teacher said he would have given me if I would have finished it on-time."

Important Mentors: "In college, Shane Falahi was a wonderful instructor. Here at the art center, Bruce Mitchell has been my mentor. Also, Jo Dunnick mentored me in her class, "Fun with Paint". There are many Emerald artists whose work I admire -- Don Burgess, Mel Vincent, Donna Schimmels, Carol Fourtner -- to name just a few." Among the masters, I like Van Gogh, DaVinci, and Michelangelo. And I love the work of Salvador Dali."

Value of Art in Life: "My art gives me a chance to express myself and show people who I am ... to show my heart.

Her Artist's Legacy: "I hope my art will positively change people ... to move them to look at themselves and make changes for the better in their lives."

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

"Anglo & Asian Brothers" by Christine Gherardi

_________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Torrance, California

Arts Education: Community College of Southern Nevada - North Las Vegas (fine arts)

Media of Choice: Pencil, pen & ink, watercolors

Favorite Place to Do Art: At the art center's classroom

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Whatever images arise from her intuition

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association

Awards: 1st Place in Division - Mayors Art Show (2005)
__________________________________________________________________

# # #

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


"Victorian Peace" by Christine Gherardi


"Tom's Story Pot/Christine's Story Pot" by Christine Gherardi



"Lady of Dreams" by Christine Gherardi

Bruce Mitchell: Mentoring artists with his knowledge of art materials and tools

Writer's Notes: Unlike past visits to artist's studios, this week I went to the art center to interview Bruce Mitchell at the weekly "drop-in clinic" he does for artists. Each Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m., Bruce is available to help artists with whatever they need to create their art work. Using Bruce's expertise in use of art tools and materials, artists who "drop-in" for the afternoon can solve a problem or create the effect they're looking for in a painting. Some artists come often; others get the help they need and Bruce doesn't see them again (until a new problem arises).

Today, two artists were there and another arrived after I interviewed Bruce. The artist had a photo she had taken of a green tree frog on a rhododendron leaf that she wanted to paint. She asked Bruce for help with the composition and he drew a grid with pencil on a blank piece of paper. After asking her questions about what she was trying to achieve, Bruce roughed in a drawing showing how to use parts of the photo to create the composition she was seeking. They continued in dialogue together until she was satisfied with the direction to take to begin her work.

While Bruce was busy, I took photos of his paintings which he brought in for me to see, all of which he (thankfully) removed from their frames so I could take pictures without the glare of glass to contend with. I encouraged him to tell all the artists who come to the clinic to be sure to take digital photos of their artwork before framing under glass.

Thanks to Bruce's "un"framing, I had much better success in taking photos of the art this week. He said that with his new staple gun he would be able to get his paintings back into their frames without any trouble.

I encourage artists who haven't attended the weekly drop-in clinic to "show up" and take advantage of Bruce's knowledge and skills to learn new techniques that save time and enhance their artwork. He loves to teach what knows to both new (and old) artists!

More images of Bruce Mitchell'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 15, 2007)


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

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon

Bruce Mitchell
Mentoring artists with his knowledge of art materials and tools

For the past four years, Bruce Mitchell has led the Emerald Art Center's "drop-in clinic" for artists who come to learn how to best use the tools and materials of art. With his broad experience in most every art medium, he helps artists solve problems and learn whatever they need to achieve their desired creative outcome.

In his own art work, Bruce uses watercolors to quickly create what he calls "individualistic", not pictorial paintings. He may distort the colors and design of what he sees before him in a landscape or seascape.

Bruce has done freelance commercial art for many years, working for KEZI and Engleman-Becker where he did art for books and periodicals. Before he moved to Oregon in 1964, he taught a watercolor class on KQED, the public broadcasting station in San Francisco.

Bruce had early success in selling a painting he did while in elementary school. The painting of a house was purchased by the doctor who lived there. Over the years, his paintings have won many awards and he once had a gallery show at Mills College near where he lived in Oakland, California.

Currently, Bruce spends more time teaching and mentoring other artists than doing his own paintings. With his well-rounded experience with the materials and tools of art, he is passing on his knowledge to the many artists who come to the Emerald Art Center to learn, create, and display their art in the gallery.

In his own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I was inspired by my dad who was a commercial artist. He worked as a package designer. My grand dad, a furniture maker who did interiors of mansions in Oakland as well as woodwork on cruise ships, was also an inspiration for me to begin doing art.

Important Mentors: "At the California College of Arts & Crafts, Harry Donlevy, George Post, and Richard Diebenkorn were important mentors. So was Louis Milirak and Saburo Hasegawa, a Zen monk who taught me Sumi pen and ink and calligraphy. Among the art masters, I admire Winslow Homer and Singer-Sargent. Lots of artists inspire me -- Robert E. Wood, E. John Robinson from Mendicino, and George Post, the watercolorist I studied with in college."

Value of Art in Life: "It has been a part of my life since I started drawing at age five. Even while I worked in the retail and wholesale grocery trade and as a national sales manager for a hardware firm, I did freelance work as a commercial artist. Now in retirement, I enjoy teaching at the art center's drop-in clinic each week."

His Artist's Legacy: "I think my legacy will be as a mentor who had an ability to teach people how to use the tools of art and the materials correctly."

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

"Coast Guard Station - Newport" by Bruce Mitchell

__________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Oakland, California

Arts Education: Oakland City College; California College of Arts & Crafts; U. of Denver

Media of Choice: Watercolors

Favorite Place to Do Art: At home in his studio

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Landscapes, seascapes and portraits

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

Weekly Clinic: Offers drop-in clinic at Emerald Art Center on Wednesday afternoons (1- 5 p.m.)
__________________________________________________________________

# # #

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


"Crater Lake" by Bruce Mitchell


"Vernell Farms - Corvallis" by Bruce Mitchell

"Nelson Mountain Bridge" by Bruce Mitchell

Elsie Sharp: Painting to create beauty and joy for her loved ones

Writer's Notes: I didn't head east on Main this week but, once again, drove north on 5th Street to a north Springfield neighborhood that is home to several artists who are members of the Emerald Art Center.

Elsie Sharp invited me in and we walked through her home looking at several of the paintings on the walls that she had done over the past few years. Before taking photos of her paintings, we sat down at the kitchen dining table for our interview. Elsie had already done much of the work for me by writing down the "in her own words" and "about the artist" segments of the article -- common elements of each of the "50 Artists" stories.

We then began taking photos -- first of her studio space where she had a painting in progress. She was working on an eastern seashore scene of a lighthouse. It was one of a 10 painting project she was doing, one each for her two daughters and eight grandchildren. Her loved ones were asked to give her a picture of their choice for her to paint. What a sweet gift she's giving her daughters and grandchildren!

Elsie showed me a technique that she learned at a class from Terry Isaac, using a small open square which you lay on the image you want to paint, then place a second square of the same size on your canvas -- where you do your painting, section by section. I had never seen the technique used, but it sure looked a lot easier (as a non-painter!) than taking on the whole image from the start. Now I wish I would have photographed the whole process -- too late now!

For most of the rest of the photos, we took the paintings off the walls and placed them on the easel for shooting. Others I was able to photograph in place on the walls, depending on the lighting conditions in the rooms. In one of the bedrooms was a winter snowman scene with one of her grandsons that Elsie had done.

A new painting was ready to be framed for sending to a relative who has a mischievous bear in his backyard in Colorado. Seems to enjoy a daily mouthful (or sixteen mouths-full) of sunflower seeds from a bird feeder in their backyard. I've included a larger version of the bear "at lunch" following the newspaper story.

As I walked passed the refrigerator on the way to leave, I noticed a photo of a young woman holding up a beautiful painting of purple daffodils. Elsie said it was her grandchild (now in college) who had taken a class with her taught by Elsie's sister, Shirley Reade. Artistic talent definitely resides in her family! Elsie said she had encouraged her granddaughter to keep painting ... and she promised that she would.

May the world be blessed with many more artists in Elsie Sharp's family! Thank you, Elsie, for sharing your art journey with me.

More images of Elsie Sharp's art follow the newspaper story.

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

___________________________________________________________________

NOTE: I had less success with photographing paintings this week than in the past. Not as sharp as I would prefer -- and another photo of Elsie's "still life" had too much glare and lack of focus for my use. My attempts to do the photo work handheld may be a little shakey (at least some days)! My apologies to Elsie for my less than professional photos.
___________________________________________________________________


Featured in the Springfield Beacon (August 8, 2007)

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

By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon
Elsie Sharp
Painting to create beauty and joy for her loved ones

Elsie Sharp began painting seven years ago, encouraged by her sister, local artist Shirley Reade. She joined the weekly art class that Shirley teaches and has been painting ever since.

Elsie loves to work with different colors and learn new ways to use them in her detailed paintings. She sees the world in a different way since she began painting with acrylics. Now she always has her camera with her to capture beautiful scenes to use in future paintings.

Along with her sister, Elsie is co-chairing the Springfield Mayor's Art Show this year. The annual show opening October 5th is celebrating its 15th anniversary as a community event of the Emerald Art Center.

Elsie's children and grandchildren have inspired her to begin a wonderful new project. She is in the process of painting a picture (subject of their choice) for her two daughters and each of her eight grandchildren. Currently on her easel is a one of these paintings -- a lighthouse on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean with bright white buildings along side it with their roofs in a brilliant shade of red.

Elsie Sharp is an artist deeply devoted to her family who shows her love and caring in the beauty of paintings she creates especially for her loved ones. In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I have always been involved in arts and crafts in some way. I would say my mother, who encouraged us to create beautiful things, and my sister (a very talented artist and art teacher) who convinced me that I could become an artist."

Important Mentors: "My sister, Shirley Reade, is my mentor. I joined her painting class in 2000 and have been painting at that class almost every Tuesday afternoon for the past seven years. I have also taken classes at the Emerald Art Center from Terry Isaac (who inspires everyone he teaches) and from Robert Warren."

Value of Art in Life: "Art has been a part of my life since the first painting class I attended. I love the challenge of creating something that people might enjoy. When a painting turns out as I have envisioned it, I am inspired to begin the next one."

Her Artist's Legacy: "I would like people to enjoy my paintings, especially my children and grandchildren. I hope they will look at my paintings and smile, remembering the love that went into every brush stroke."

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

"Floral" by Elsie Sharp

"Chickadees in the Apple Tree"
by Elsie Sharp

__________________________________________________________________

About The Artist

Birthplace: Portland, Oregon

Arts Education: Painting classes with mentors.

Media of Choice: Acrylic

Favorite Place to Do Art: At home and painting class.

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Whatever I see that interests me.

Arts Organizations: Emerald Art Center

________________________________________________________________

# # #

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

"Mischief" by Elsie Sharp



"Still Life" by Elsie Sharp



"Winter Waterfall" by Elsie Sharp

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