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   Crossroads Art Center Artists in Residence I - P   

The Crossroads Art Center has included information about artists in residence on this page. You may click on an image of the art work to enlarge it.

The purpose of the League is to provide the members with motivation, association and continuing education through lectures and demonstrations from qualified artists. The League also provides opportunities for members to exhibit art work in various locations throughout the Richmond area.

Thanks to a few who had a vision, the James River Art League celebrated its forty-sixth anniversary in 2010.

Meetings

MEETING PLACE: St. Matthews Episcopal Church at 1101 Forest Avenue, Richmond VA 23229 (the corner of Patterson and Forest)

MEETING TIMES: 11:30 am until about 1:30 pm on the third Friday of each month from September - May; except in the month of December. Refreshments are provided by the members.

Executive Board meets the 1st Friday of the months: September, November, January, March, May

History

The James River Art League was originally organized by members of a painting class taught by Helen Bailey. Through her persuasion, an art league was formed south of the James River in 1964. At that time, the meetings were held in a small white house on the grounds of the Westover Hills School. The members decided to follow the constitution and by-laws of the Petersburg Art League. They organized the James River Art League as a corporation. Their membership grew, and soon the League included members from across the James River and into the City of Richmond.

Contact Us

Please Email us for more information about the James River Art League. You may also contact Lois Shipley, JRAL President, 804-883-5040, lawshipley@embarqmail.com.

Visit the website at www.jamesriverartleague.org.

The Art of Beverley Jane

Beverley Jane paints images that are welcoming, focusing on the interplay of sunlight and shadows upon doorways, porches, and facades of homes. They are colorful, but also peaceful and tranquil images of architecture and the surroundings. Beverley Jane especially enjoys the color change of the seasons, Spring’s new blossoms or Autumn’s changing foliage. Gardens and pots full of flower blooms are an important aspect of her sunny inviting paintings.

Beverley grew up in western New York. She studied at Columbus College of Art and Design and has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Illustration from the Ohio State University. Richmond, VA has been her home for almost twenty-five years. After working exclusively in watercolors for over fifteen years, Beverley has decided to challenge herself with oil painting. Beverley’s paintings have won several awards including Best of Show at the Fredericksburg Art Show.

Beverley Jane hopes her images remind you of “someplace where the sun is warm, the shadows are comforting, and the porch is welcoming.” She often does commission paintings of her patron’s favorite places.

Besides seeing her work at fine art shows, more images and information about Beverley Jane can be found at www.beverleyjane.com. She can be contacted at (804) 674-8219.

I am a ceramic artist that creates functional pottery using stoneware clay. My primary ambition is to create objects that will bring someone beauty and joy when used in everyday life. A superior pot should function well and elevate the daily routine of eating and drinking to an artful and enjoyable experience. I get great satisfaction out of drinking coffee from a handcrafted mug, or eating ice cream out of a unique one-of-a-kind bowl. I love other people to enjoy this same pleasure.

Most of my work begins on the potter's wheel and starts as a cylindrical form. After being thrown, much of my work is altered or assembled together to form a new shape. Although, I have traditionally worked at the wheel, I've recently started experimenting with slabs and fun textures from around the house, such as leaves from the garden, or plastic floormats. I much prefer the look, texture and magic of pots that come out of a wood-fired kiln, so I participate in wood firings every chance I get. But when working in my own studio, I fire to a temperature of 2200 in an electric kiln. I've been experimenting with combinations of cone 6 glazes that will produce a wood-fired look, but it's just not the same!

I appreciate the form, function and elegant ritual that is associated with Japanese Pottery. In addition to the traditional masters of Japanese pottery, I am inspired by the modern day works of Warren MacKenzie, Jack Troy, Kevin Crowe and Jim Dugan.

Although I am a software engineer by trade, my true passion is spending time in my studio. I take classes and workshops whenever I'm able and have studied ceramics at Richmond Pottery, The Bowman House and Touchstone Center for Crafts.

You may visit her website at www.KieferClayworks.com

In her carefully rendered portraits, Merrily Johnstone reaches beyond the external likeness of her subjects to discern and convey their essential inner character as though captured in a timeless moment of truth, grace, and dignity.

Using Renaissance painting techniques, she applies color in multiple layers of translucent glazes over a tonal underpainting. Deliberate and time-intensive, the process allows her to build rich, luminous skin tones, and to distill the subtle details and nuances of expression that bring her subjects to life.

Her enduring fascination with portraiture is rooted in early childhood cultural experiences while living in Europe with her military family.

“Some of my first memories include visiting the palaces and art museums in France and Germany, where I was deeply affected by the portraits and figurative masterpieces of the past. As I looked up at them, the faces portrayed there seemed to speak to me in a silent and mysterious language, reaching across history and cultural boundaries. Even at such a young age, viewing these paintings placed me in the context of feeling connected to all of humanity. I still hold the accomplishments of the great historic painters as my highest ideal.”

Johnstone was inspired to paint and draw throughout her early childhood years, and later she began the serious study of painting with instruction from Jack Clifton, a noted portrait painter and author in Hampton, Virginia. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating with a BFA in painting and printmaking. She has explored many approaches to painting, from traditional to post modernist abstraction; [,] as well as commercial disciplines such as fabric design, architectural rendering, and logo design for the signage industry. From these other work experiences she has synthesized and integrated into her portraiture “a broader understanding of the principles that elevate all forms of art to a higher level, such as proportion, composition, form and value, color harmony, and a respect for enduring craftsmanship and materials”.

She is a member of the Portrait Society of America, and maintains a studio in Richmond, Virginia.

You may visit the artist’s website at www.merrilyjohnstone.com

Contact:
Merrily Johnstone
P.O. Box 14749
Richmond, Virginia 23221-0749

Bonnie Jordan is a native of Virginia where she resides today. She has spent most of her working life as a technology professional. At the age of 40, she developed an overwhelming desire to paint. For the next ten years Bonnie divided her time between a career and her art. She recently began pursuing her artistic dreams full time.

The range of Bonnie’s work includes landscapes, florals, and still life. Bonnie has trained at Scottsdale Artists’ School, Hands Work Shop, Virginia community colleges, and Alexandria Art League School. She has studied with other noted artists in the United States and France.

“I am inspired by nature, the beautiful colors of flowers and the light found in morning sunrise,” Bonnie says. “I prefer oil as my medium because I can achieve bold rich colors and textures. I have a passion for flowers and prefer to work in the tradition of realism. Painting has brought me untold joy and changed the way I look at the world. I hope to share that joy and move others with the beauty of nature.”

Please visit Bonnie's web site at www.bjordanart.com.

I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. I spent many Sunday afternoons as a child walking through the galleries at the Cleveland Art Museum viewing and experiencing art. (Monet’s “Water lilies”, David’s “Cupid and Psyche”, Degas “Ballerinas” and Pollock’s splashes of paint as well as an amazing collection of suits of armor all of these visual experiences stirred my creative imagination.) My parents nurtured a love of history and art. We would travel to Virginia in the summer exploring all the tourist spots. I chose to move to Virginia because I had such fond memories here. I have created some amazing art while living in Richmond. I am inspired by the sunshine the lengthy colors of the seasons (spring and fall).I love exploring Virginia’s mountains and beaches and like to incorporate these experiences into my creations.

I graduated from the University of Akron’s College of art and design. I have a bachelor’s degree of fine art in advertising/graphic design with minors in drawing, photography and art history.

I prefer to create art with realistic imagery. I paint a variety of genre: still life, landscapes, and portraits (of both pets and people.). I also enjoy painting animals. When I create a portrait my objective is simple, capturing the personality. I observe my subject, photograph them then start sketching out my ideas. In my paintings I am passionate about color, design and spontaneity. I use vibrant color because I believe life is vibrant. When I work in watercolor First: I place wet color and wait for the magic that occurs when the paper dries. Second: I layer color to begin to create form from flat areas of color. Sometimes watercolor has a will of its own (As in the relationship between the wind and the trees or a child and its parent) this contributes to the joy of creating art. I also paint in acrylics this parallels the joy I experience when I am sketching the only difference is that I have accomplished a complete piece of art not just an idea. My acrylics are colorful, spontaneous and a joy to create. The base color provides an insight as to what my creation will be.

Every painting is two paintings…the one you see and the one you remember. That experience has a story for the viewer. It can stimulate anything from a memory to a dream. My goal with each painting is to evoke emotion from you my viewer. My hope is that my artwork inspires your imagination and encourages you to dream.

Visit the artist's website at http://tinyurl.com/WNPGDee.

Betsy studied art at the Art League School in Old Town Alexandria, and has since been exhibiting her work in commercial galleries and juried national and international shows throughout the country from NY to California. She has received numerous awards and has Signature Memberships in Pastel Society of America, Southeastern Pastel Society and Pastel Society of the West Coast where she is also a Distinguished Pastelist. Her works are in private and corporate collections throughout the country.
Visit her personal web site to view her gallery of landscape, still life and pet portraits in pastel and oil. View a step-by-step demonstration of her methods. Also a complete biography and resume are available, as well as information on her current exhibitions and galleries.
Betsy will be offering art classes in drawing, pastel and oil at the Crossroads Art Center beginning in the summer of 2002. Contact her at (804) 897-0449 or at the Crossroads Art Center at (804)ART-8950 for more information.
Please visit Betsy's web site at www.betsykellum.com.

ABOUT MOSAICS
Tile has been used for thousands of years to decorate walls and floors. Modern materials and methods now make it possible for anyone to transform a simple table, sidewalk, wall, fireplace, or garden accessory into durable,colorful and charming work of art. The inherent beauty, affordability, diversity and durability of mosaics lends itself to all styles of decor.
There is something so intriguing, so "contagious" about mosaics that I kept doing more and more and more... and learning more and more and more. I found it impossible to be bored with mosaics. I find it to be relaxing, therapeutic, functional and fun! Anyone can do it!

Please visit the artist's website at Tile One On Mosaics.

Heartfull Designs are enthralling jewelry pieces by artisan, Pam Kossman. A wanderer at heart, Pam’s current work includes components and inspirations from travels in Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Egypt. Included in many pieces are recycled materials, as well as findings that sponsor women’s collectives. Heartfull Designs also donates to charities dear to Pam’s heart: cancer, children, women and animals.

Design components include unusual combinations of natural gemstones, pearls, turquoise, sterling silver and 14kt gold. Integrating Bali silver and gold, Pam uses elements from her own silversmithing. Styles vary with every design and stone (and this artist’s wispfulness); each piece is a unique work of art and therefore never repeated. The collection maintains its creative edge using bold and whimsical touches. Versatility in wearing, blending of several necklaces as one, and adaptability in extending lengths adds to the design integrity. Think trendy Fifth Avenue, nature’s colorings, exotic travels, a dash of granny’s closet, a splash of flash and an oh-my-gosh! HD also specializes in customized orders, home visits and trunk shows. You will find these invigorating works in distinguished galleries, festivals and local art venues.

   Judith Kowler   

My creative journey is continually evolving. I often work on more than one body of work at a time, enjoying the way one informs the other though they may be very different. It has always been my utmost delight as an artist to be involved in the lively conversations that take place between me, the subject, and the inherent physicality of medium and process. Though works within a particular series have common elements, I have avoided becoming comfortable with a particular "style" and prefer each body of work to be a spirited and open investigation of subject, formal considerations, and process.

In most recent years, I have been drawn to the landscape. It nourishes me with possibilities, with its dance of colors, shapes, shadows and textures. I approach it as I do any other subject, real or imagined, with just some initial notion of what the final piece might look like. I relish the give and take of discovery, the excitement of unanticipated color harmonies, the whisper of an elegant edge, the joy that I feel when shapes and forms lock into each other as they play across the surface, and the evolution of my visual language as I move from one work to the next. It is all very challenging..and deeply satisfying.

My art career began early with Crayola drawings on the pages of the Chicago Tribune.

However, my formal education was not in art. I have a BS, MBA and have spent 30 years working for major corporations in a variety of marketing positions management positions. I painted throughout my corporate career taking classes and workshops to build my skills. Early retirement has opened the door to full time dedication to my art.

But why in the world would I become an artist? Because I Love to Paint! The creative process makes me feel great. Color fuels my spirit and nothing is better than painting on location near my home, through out the US, or across Europe.

I work in variety of media; however, Watercolor and Oil are my major emphasis. While size and media may vary, the landscape is the dominant subject. My paintings reflect how I feel about the subject. One can visually enter the work and not need to see every brick, flower or blade of grass. So enjoy the view.

You may visit the artist's website at www.tomkrusinis.com.

Born 1941 in Buffalo, New York, some formal training, but mostly self taught. Art has been a very real part of my life, during my long career as a professional designer and artist.

I am a daily painter, specializing in landscapes generally favoring the sun or moon with dramatic atmospheric translucent light effects.

My favorite en Plein-air subject is the sun's first and last 15 minutes. Many of my paintings are developed from my en Plein air studies and photos taken during these sessions.

I have numerous paintings in private and commercial collections in Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, California and Nevada.

My wife Brenda and I live in Virginia.

Oil Painters of America - Associate Member OPA
American Impressionist Society - Associate Member ASI

2010 January - Finalist Fine Art View Painting Competition - Judge Brian Blood

2010 Salon International 2010 - Greenhouse Gallery - San Antonio, Texas

2010 Venice in Peril Exhibit - W. H. Patterson Gallery - London, England

2009 Venice Collection Featured - Informed Collectors News Letter 12/16/09

2009 OPA Eastern Regional - Corse Gallery & Atelier - Jacksonville, Florida

Contact e- mail chuck@larivey.com Web site www.chucklarivey.com

As a Fine Art photographer the challenge is to recognize the moment, to isolate the image from the entirety of your view, and then to capture that image in a way that retains it’s essence and conveys the visual emotion and beauty of the moment. The pleasure of accepting that challenge, the process of mastering the techniques that make it all work and the enjoyment of later witnessing the results of those efforts are what drive me as a photographer and as an artist. To create a lasting image of interest and beauty with a universal appeal that can be viewed and enjoyed by others is the goal I strive for.

David Leahy Photography offers an array of Fine Art images that catch your eye and capture your imagination. I look forward to the opportunity to talk with you about each and any of my photographs that may interest you. Please visit his website at www.davidleahyphotography.com.

Lynn Limon is an award-winning, fine art photographer who is represented by the 12 12 Gallery in the Manchester district of Richmond and is an artist-in-residence at the Crossroads Art Center, also in Richmond. Lynn enjoys capturing images of broad, dramatic landscapes, of intimate flower and garden scenes, and of architectural details in both new and well-worn buildings. Photographs from recent visits to Europe offer examples of the diversity of Lynn’s work, including work from a Western Ireland walking tour with marvelous examples of stone in the architecture and landscapes. The warmth and allure of Italy are represented in the uniqueness of Venice and the hill towns of Tuscany of Umbria. Most recently, from a first-time visit to Paris, a black and white interpretation with a suggestion of color contrasts the curves of the older structures with the angularity of newer designs.

Lynn is well known for her annual Richmond color calendar, offering a wide spectrum of iconic images from this diverse city. One of these is Main Street Station which was captured in the early evening on a very windy day, with dark clouds flying through the sky.

Please visit Lynn's web site at www.lynnlimon.com.

In this world of war and confusion we need some serenity, which I try to express in my paintings. Color is my thing and I use a lot of it. My fondness for interacting with people is reflected in my work.
 
 

Born in New York City, I grew up outside of Washington DC, in Alexandria, Virginia. I currently live in Richmond with my husband, two children & two dogs. My family inspires me with their kind, and enthusiastic 'art criticism' as they journey with me over time and place to watch a piece evolve. A piece 'in process' can take from days to years to feel completed. I move most canvases around the house to 'live' with as they are being created. From easel, to kitchen counter, to chairs by windows, I soak in the balance, design, color and movement from various perspectives, until each added hue, line or texture has purpose.

My recent body of work is rich with emotion, textures and dramatic colors. At times my work is spontaneous and simply directed by the materials I use. More often my pieces continue the process of completing the expression of a recurrent sketch or theme. Typically, I use an exciting variety of mediums and techniques on each piece. Often acrylic and enamel paints are layered and combined with beautifully colored and textured papers and fabrics. At times I use a heating element to seal and texturize the paint. My artistic goal is to create works that are soothing and sophisticated, yet express an inspiring playfulness and joy.

Contact information: Email: HMarkhoffStudio@aol.com or Visit me on Facebook @ Holly Markhoff, Studio

On A Whim

Dana Masters; Sculptor and founder of On A Whim

"Hi. I'd like to introduce to you my collection of pewter figurines, ornaments, & other Whims...

...but first I'd like to take a few steps back. I was graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelors degree in fine arts. After graduation, I headed for Williamsburg, VA, where I spent several years honing my skills in different media, including designing and carving jewelry and Christmas ornaments. But sculpting gave me my greatest satisfaction. So, upon advice from a friend, I headed for New England, the hub of the pewter and jewelry industry. My in-house experience with New England companies gave me a chance to work on projects for such companies as Disney, Hudson Pewter, & General Motors. In 1992 I founded On A Whim. Drawing upon my experiences in the industry and my past, I began designing, sculpting & producing my own lines.

I gather inspiration from everywhere; observation of life around me, family & friends, and of course a couple of terrific cats. Once a design is solidified in my head, I carve the original in wax; often using several different types of wax to create the effect I want. I then have various molds made, from which castings of fine lead free pewter are created. Finally, each piece is hand finished to bring out the intricate detail. Each creation becomes a part of me. I strive to express a sense of movement, and an interaction between the characters or with the viewer. I'm not satisfied with a piece until I can feel the life in it emerge. That's the true challenge; bringing them to life. Being able to share these intimate WHIMs with all of you gives me great pleasure. It's great fun, and I hope that you enjoy my On A Whim characters as much as I enjoy creating them.

Product development

My approach to developing pieces for my ON A WHIM collection begins with an idea. I try to create pieces that are both whimsical and utilitarian at the same time; trinket box figurines, tooth fairy boxes, etc.. Every design is my own original concept. Once I’ve solidified the idea for a new piece in my head, I begin to carve using a variety of sculptable waxes. I form the waxes into exactly the design I want including every detail & technical aspect (i.e.: The way the piece will open, as with the tooth boxes and trinket figurines, and any hanging methods necessary; ornaments.) Once I’ve completed the waxes to my satisfaction, they are ready to be transformed into pewter. Molds are made of my originals and castings are then created from those molds. Each piece is then hand finished to my specifications, and the finishing touches are ready to be added. Under my supervision, sewn pouches are made for the tooth boxes, ribbons and beads are added to the ornaments, and finally each is carefully packaged. The entire process is fascinating, and truly a labor of love (and many late nights!)

Please visit the artist's website at www.tashamckelvey.com

Morgan E. McKinney was born in the coal-mining town of Maplewood, West Virginia, and moved to the Richmond, Virginia area at a young age. A passion and affinity for art grew from an early interest in drawing anything and everything in his surroundings. This enthusiasm and endless creativity occupied most of his time during adolesence.

While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University, Morgan accepted a position in advertising production with a Richmond based company, which began his vocation in the graphic arts world. Career positions included mechanical artist, graphic artist, art director, graphic and structural designer, and management of corporate graphic arts for a large Virginia based paper manufacturer. During much of this time, Morgan supplemented his income as a musician. His last few years in the graphic arts industry involved sales for printing and digital pre-press companies in Virginia and Minnesota. With the demands of a full time career that included travel, and many midnight press checks, he found there was little time left for his true ambition. In 2003, he made the life altering decision to change that, and decided to devote all of his time to painting. Although not exhibiting during the years employed in the graphic arts industry, most of Morgan's paintings were commissions or were sold directly to private collectors.

Working in both oil and water media, Morgan has spent the last few years creating a body of work comprised primarily of contemporary realism. His work is heavily influenced by his love of boats, sailing, and architecture. His fascination of light and shadow, and his desire to retain the purity of color is evident in his paintings. In much of Morgan's work, this purity is achieved by the fragmentation of both light and color. Dedication to craftsmanship and technical accuracy, and the use of premium archival materials are very integral to Morgan's work.

In appreciation of the Chesapeake Bay area, one of the major sources of Morgan's inspiration, 5% of net-profit from each nautical themed, limited edition paper giclee is donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. CBF is dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers. Its "Save the Bay" programs include environmental advocacy, environmental education, and habitat restoration throughout the Bay watershed.

Please visit the artist's website at www.morganmckinney.com

After nearly 25 years in “Corporate America”, Celeste Miller retired to pursue her creative side. Her chemical engineering background and love for “process” attracted her to stained glass, glass mosaics, and fused glass. Her glass education and experience is a result of working part time for a local stained glass studio for the past six years.

Celeste’s desire to do more with fused glass led to a certification in Precious Metal Clay (PMC) several years ago. PMC is made up of tiny particles of silver suspended in an organic binder to create a material that can be molded, formed and textured like modeling clay. Pieces are then fired in a kiln at temperatures in excess of 1100 degrees to burn off the binder and fuse the silver particles. The result is a piece of fine (99.9%) silver jewelry. Celeste loves to combine dichroic fused glass with Precious Metal Clay to create unique pieces that always generate compliments.

Learning chain maille became a “must” when Celeste's PMC students expressed a desire to make charm bracelets for their fine silver pieces. She took a number of classes in chain maille and became “addicted” to the ancient art. Her chain maille pieces are handcrafted from sterling silver and/or gold filled jumprings. The jumprings are opened and closed so they can be linked together in a pattern to form a beautiful pair of earrings, a bracelet or necklace. All pieces are finished by tumbling to harden the metal rings and produce a beautiful shine.

Celeste currently teaches classes in Precious Metal Clay, chain maille, stained glass, fused glass and glass mosaics in Richmond and the surrounding area. When not teaching, Celeste and her husband enjoy their two rescue dogs, learning new skills and traveling in their spare time.

Please visit the artist's website at www.byceleste.net.

Marianne Metzger freely admits that the influence of European designs found in antique Meissen and Royal Copenhagen’s “Flora Danica” show in her fanciful creations. Evidence of these influences are especially found in the vines, leaves, branches and flowers that lavishly embellish most surfaces.

Each piece is hand built of whiteware and involves extensive use of color washes with underglazes, glazes and subsequent detailing with china paint.
 
 

Looking at art should be like love at first sight, bringing one to a standstill with heart skipping a beat – a rather tall order. For a painter who holds this perspective on art, the challenge then is to create a work that someone will love. And so I am inspired to paint when I see something that makes my heart skip a beat - something I would want to see again and share with others. I think of painting in a way similar to that of the contemporary British artist and printmaker, Howard Hodgkin, who said “I would like to paint pictures where people didn’t care what anything was because they were so enveloped by them”.

Of particular interest to me lately are the organic, lyrical, and playful qualities in some of the paintings by the Abstract Expressionists Hans Hofmann, Helen Frankenthaler, and Joan Mitchell. Although I admire “statement” art, I leave that to others. If I had to categorize my paintings, I would say they are somewhat organic, somewhat narrative, and somewhat abstract.

I am currently working in oil on canvas, using a variety of traditional tools – palette knife, brush, wiping with cloth, and a more modern tool - rich, creamy oil pigment sticks. The pigment sticks are wonderful for getting a bravura, spontaneous gesture to invigorate a work and, hopefully, the viewer as well. The idea is to incorporate a modern tool for experimentation, while staying within the basic elements and principles of making art. It is exciting to experiment, but in the end, for a painting to be successful it must hold together with pictorial integrity. Within this context, I am interested in the basic idea of a subject - to suggest, not to recreate.

Dallas Mosman

Please visit the artist's website at www.dallasmosman.com

I am a mother, wife, sister, and friend. I am shamelessly self taught, and love all forms of art. My work is a compilation of abstract art, mixed media, children's art, digital art, and photography. I like to refer to my art as Feminine Intuitive Art because my mixed media and digital art reflect the many facets of a woman's life.

Through my art I try to promote the message that it is never too late to do what you enjoy doing. Persevere, never quit, and enjoy every minute of being able to create. I hope my site tells daughters everywhere, that a woman's life is in stages, and each stage can be as fulfilling and as bright, or brighter, than the one before.

I would like to share one of my favorite poems with you that will provide insight better than my words could ever convey. The poem is 'The Crazy Woman' by Gwendolyn Brooks. I doubt that Gwendolyn Brooks meant this poem to be specifically directed toward a woman starting new paths late in life. But the beauty of poetry is that each heart translates a poet's words into her own language.

I shall not sing a May song.
A May song should be gay.
I'll wait until November
And sing a song of gray.

I'll wait until November
That is the time for me.
I'll go out in the frosty dark
And sing most terribly.

And all the little people
Will stare at me and say,
'That is the Crazy Woman
Who would not sing in May.'

              Gwendolyn Brooks

Patricia Motley

www.patriciamotleysart.com

It has been said that a painting should entertain the eye while it speaks to the soul of the viewer. That is Barbara’s reason for creating her art.

Having traveled throughout the United States and parts of Europe, the views that are provided by nature has always held a fascination for Barbara. Whether it be the view from a mountain top in California or the rolling of the waves as they break over the sands on the East Coast, the quiet solitude one can find in these beautiful places is what she tries to capture in her paintings.

One does not have to go far to find tranquillity if one is a gardener. Flowers and the ever-changing garden scene have been the subject matter for many of her paintings. The gardenscapes, which have evolved over the years, are a combination of flowers and landscape.

Originally from New Jersey, where she went to school, Barbara and her family lived for many years in Connecticut. Art entered the picture as a release from the everyday duties of raising a family. Over the years there have been many classes and workshops to gain knowledge and experience. Workshops have also provided an opportunity to paint outdoors and work with nature first hand.

Barbara is an active member of the Bon Air Artist Association and past president of the Salisbury Garden Club. She exhibits with the Bon Air Artists, Powhatan Plein Air Painters and Crossroads Art Center.

I was born in Pennsylvania, always enjoying the change of season and trying to capture, all of the brilliant color, starting with my crayons, the effects of which, seemed perfection to me and at four and five, with applause, coming from my family. The sky, of course, never touched the ground and the birds flew somewhere in between, with flowers growing, from the bottom of the page. That was so simple at my tender age.

As the years went by, I looked forward to a career in Dress Designing, but I was struck by cupids bow, and married and was a wife and mother to three children. With the family growing, I was able to study, with different teachers, wherever we lived at the time. Since moving to the Richmond area, I studied with Cindy Box, Jillian Warner and am presently a student of Christaphora Robeers at The Crossroads Art Center.

Each day brings a new idea for a painting, either in acrylic or watercolor and sometimes, using both of those mediums together. I gather my ideas for a new painting from my surroundings and my strong imagination.

As an artist, I am never bored, always observing, enjoying and using my brush as the key to my new adventure on canvas or paper. You may view my work at the Crossroads Art Center or my Studio.

Please visit the artist's website at www.designsbykym.com

"Find your bliss and follow it" was the sage advice of American professor and author Joseph Campbell. Art is Bev's bliss and she has been following its amazing path for over twenty years.

Bev is a native of Salisbury, Maryland. She now lives on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay near Richmond, Virginia. Her artwork had been exhibited in and won numerous awards in many regional, national and international competitions. Recognitions include being awarded "Best In Show" in several prestigious shows such as the Southern Watercolor Society, The Virginia Watercolor Society and the Central Virginia Watercolor Society. Bev has been published nationally in Artist Magazine and American Artist Watercolor Magazine where she was acknowledged as "one of the country's rising watercolor stars". She is a signature member in four prestigious watercolor societies.

Bev begins her creative process by looking for shapes within a subject and the effects of atmospheric lighting to create a mood within the painting. Many of her landscape paintings are painted on location ("en plein air"). These settings include Italy, France, New Mexico, Anguilla in the British West Indies, Monhegan & Grand Manan Islands, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the Chesapeake Bay area. When painting on location, Bev believes that the correct path to creative expression is to stop looking at the subject matter after the first half hour because at that point the painting will begin to take on its own character and the end result will be a more creative perspective.

Bev's paintings are included in many private and corporate collections such as Media General, The University of Virginia, Lynchburg College, Philip Morris, Allied Signal and Bank of America.

You may visit her web site at BeverlyPerdue.com

G P DESIGNS by Gail Perry
Bio:

My jewelry and fused glass studio is located in Richmond, Va. In 1998 I began taking metalwork classes with a focus on designing, soddering, and texturizing, working primarily with silver. From that beginning, I added jewelry with gemstones, Swarovski crystals and pearls, PMC pure silver, and vintage buttons. I started a business called G P Designs and did some shows locally.

In about 2004 I took some classes in glass fusing, also known as kiln-firing, which is a centuries-old process made popular again. This became my new focus. I especially enjoyed working with the magic of Dichroic glass. Soon after, I bought a kiln, and from that time on, I could be found in my studio making fused glass creations and jewelry. My fused glass work includes plates, bowls, vases, and home accents such as picture frames, wine bottle stoppers, eyeglass holders, nightlights, etc. The tableware is meant be to displayed as art when not in use to serve food.

My jewelry includes Dichroic pendants, earrings, and bracelets, plus Dichroic cabochons set in PMC silver. My “other jewelry” includes necklaces and bracelets with gemstones, Swarovski crystals and pearls, as well as beaded earrings.

I use a lot of color in my fused glass creations, and my designs range from geometric to abstract. My work involves a lot of trial and error, and as I work on a piece, it often changes and evolves from my original plan, depending on where it takes me. When I open the kiln after the 12 to 14 hour process of firing and cool down, sometimes I am disappointed, but usually the results are breathtaking and mesmerizing.

Please visit my website at www.jewelryandfusedglass.com. Contact me at gailwperry@hotmail.com or (804 216-3777) with suggestions or questions. Sometimes I take on custom orders, depending upon the request. Thanks for looking.

I'm drawn to color.

The painting process is for me largely and intuitive one: usually an abstract concept the takes form out of its own energy. That energy, rather than the concept or method, is the real power, the real inspiration, behind my work. I trust it, paint to its rhythm.

Trusting that energy, of course, means being challenged by the moment - a mood shift, the spark of an idea. My intention is to react to that moment through my fascination with light and color, creating new relationships between them by layering or by juxtaposition. My hope is that these relationships, born out of the moment, provoke in the observer the same shapes of thought, of feeling, that I had while painting.

      

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