art publications by lorena kloosterboer for poetsartists: glorious … · 2018. 6. 10. · in...
TRANSCRIPT
GLORIOUS COLORCurated by Lorena Kloosterboer
Senseless Color In each dream, she has more color,pigment developing like a Polaroid—lips rust-red now, hair darkening into mocha finger waves. Always laughing, her jaw sharpensas though someone were shading it with pencil lead, and at last she looks so alive that I think
maybe I can touch her. Leaning in, I repeat my last words,and there is a fleeting membrane of apricot skin against my cheek. I know she exists outside my senses, not quite a memory,not quite my mother’s mother,just a tangle of lovely want. Each time I’m deceived anewby fractals and shapesreconstituted as I dream—there her proud brown eyes, there her lacy fingers and fine white teeth. Again and againshe comes to me, born on an oceanof light and waves and waves.
Poem | Sarah Bokich
PUBLISHER Didi Menendez
CURATOR & WRITERLorena Kloosterboer
POEM Sarah Bokich
PRINT-ON-DEMANDMagcloud
COVER ARTISTTba
MEMBERSHIP Patreon
www.poetsandartists.com
GOSS183 PUBLISHING HOUSE604 Vale Street Bloomington, Il 61701 USA
Copyright © 2008-2018 All rights are reserved by PoetsArtists, GOSS183, Didi Menendez, and contributing artists, writers. All writings, artwork and images
are copyright of the contributors and may not be reproduced without explicit permission. This publication may not be reproduced electronically, digitally,
in print or any other form, format, or media without the explicit, written permission and approval of the copyright holders. All images and artwork are used
with permission of the authors/creators or their representatives. Unless otherwise noted all sizes are in inches.
NOT AVAILABLE INQUIRE AT ARTSY ARTIST’S GALLERY
Agnès Lefèvre
Alan Larkin
Aleksandra Kalisz
Alvin Richard
Andrea Alvin
Anna Schellberg
Antonio Castello Avilleira
Astrid Ritmeester
Carin Wagner
Cesar Santander
Christiane Vleugels
Christina Ramos
Christopher O’ Connor
Daryl Gortner
Daryl Zang
Diane Dahlke
Dirk Bal
Doug Webb
Elizabeth Selby
Ester Roi
Gemma Di Grazia
Gerd Lieder
Hashim Akib
Heather Arenas
Heather Heitzenrater
Jacques Bodin
John Hyland
Joyce K. Jensen
Kai Lun Qu
Kerra Taylor
Laura Tan
Leonard Koscianski
Lisa Fricker
Lorena Kloosterboer
Lucas Bononi
Margaret Ingles
Megan van Groll
Nancy Depew
Natalie Holland
Pamela Askew
Pieter van Bernebeek
Rachel Linnemeier
Robert Nelson
Sarah Stieber
Shane Scribner
Shannon Fannin
Susannah Martin
Teresa Elliott
Thomas Wharton
Yvonne Melchers
c o n t r i b u t o r s
The Premise
When Didi Menendez, publisher of PoetsArtists, invited me back to curate a special edition for the second time, I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation. Curating Idiosyncratic Monochromes in 2017 was a tremendously enriching experience for me, especially because that issue was so well received.
This time, to juxtapose the previous monochromatic theme, I chose Glorious Color as the starring leitmotif and published a call for submissions asking for paintings and drawings created in vivid, bright, intense colors. My objective: To publish a spectacular anthology of realist artwork expressed in vivaciously flamboyant color schemes that will show the artists’ bold and intrepid use of a variety of polychrome palettes that will wow the reader.
Color and Emotion
As sentient beings, we learn about color through experience, subconsciously associating each color with a personal thought, feeling, or specific memory. This partly explains why we passionately love one color and profoundly dislike another. Despite scientists and artists trying to ascribe universal attributes to specific hues, color preference and meaning remain enigmatically subjective—we all see, feel, describe, and remember color in a very personal way.
In his book Chromophobia, British artist and author David Batchelor reasons that, “in the West, since Antiquity, color has been systematically marginalized, reviled, diminished, and degraded.” He labels this phenomenon “chromophobia”—described as the fear of color marked by a desire to eradicate and/or master the forces of color. Over time it seems intense color has come to be perceived as dangerous, superficial, and potentially contaminating, while white, black, and other neutrals are valued as rational, clean, and controlled.
Of course, every color carries a certain cultural assumption and association, but in today’s world bright colors are often avoided, especially in regards to important investments. We witness this in the color choices we make for our homes and cars. Color psychology is extensively used in marketing
because color influences consumers’ perceptions of goods and services. Commercials show subtle beige interiors as tranquil havens of affluence and black cars as an emblem of importance—moreover, both are easily resalable, while a bright yellow kitchen or a pink car are not.
It seems as if seductive, emotional, and fascinating colors are only acceptable in small doses—we might wear a flamboyant scarf, electric blue nail polish, or paint one accent wall vivid orange. We are afraid we’ll get bored with the bright purple sofa, change our minds about the huge turquoise painting, or that others will feel contempt for our loud, gaudy color choices and label us as kitschy and unsophisticated.
I suggest it’s time we get over our collective chromophobia and embrace color in a big way! We delight in bright colors in nature—think chameleons, parrots, tropical fish, flowers, rainbows—so maybe we should start incorporating more vivid color into our daily lives. And there’s no better place to begin than by delighting in some vibrantly colorful art… and perhaps even hanging it on our walls. And, dare I suggest it, get the couch and curtains to match!
The Mission
What appeals to me in multicolored artwork is its sense of exhilaration—in a mysterious way it offers joy to the senses. For this PoetsArtists issue I envisioned a sophisticated yet outrageously loud collection of multichromatic paintings that result in a must-have art publication worthy of special edition status.
All selected pieces fit the key principles of what I consider to be brilliant examples of Glorious Color. Some paintings rely on white or neutral backdrops but their focal color palettes are so exciting that I just had to include them. I picked a total of 50 pieces—and yes, I shamelessly added one of my own, just because… hey, I can.
Accompanying each painting, I write a little bit about the artist and also clarify my reasons for including the piece. Independently, each painting stands out for its individual splendor and amazing color. Seen together as a collection, these paintings form a stirring and inspiring survey through the courageous expression of glorious color.
LORENA KLOOSTERBOER
G L O R I O U S C O L O R
Agnès LefèvreAbstraction de Plumes Oil on Canvas 51 ¼ x 37 ¼ inches130 x 97 cm
Agnès Lefèvre is a French Vietnamese artist based in Paris, France, focusing on
contemporary photorealism. Her paintings—typically still lifes showing a variety
of subject matter—are an exploration into the substance, surface textures, and
the character of shapes and colors. She captures her compositions in a highly
realistic manner, often using a vivid palette.
Lefèvre’s striking Abstraction de Plumes draws me because of its joyful polychrome
palette with which she captures the feathers’ lively silhouettes with adept precision,
masterly conveying their weightlessness and softness. Lefèvre beautifully captures
the visually abstract qualities of reality within this highly appealing photorealistic
composition.
Alan LarkinIsabella and The Magic BallPastel on Illustration Board30 x 40 inches76 ¼ x 101 ½ cm
Alan Larkin is an American artist based in South Bend, Indiana, who uses strong
color not only to create dynamic movement but to emphasize important details
within the narrative of his artwork. Larkin’s elegant body of work is filled with
furtive symbolism and inspiring nuances, inviting the viewer to interpret their
meaning through imagery and titles.
Larkin’s sophisticated Isabella and The Magic Ball draws me because of the skillful
handling of the medium and its ardent vibrancy. The layers of crisp bright
colors applied in flowing gestural movements add to the beauty of this wistful
composition. This stylish painting harks back to a time of innocent grace, yet also
seems to hold a darker, more mysterious note.
Aleksandra KaliszTurkish ActOil on Canvas63 x 43 inches160 x 110 cm
Aleksandra Kalisz is a Polish artist based in Guimarães, Portugal, whose preferred
subject matter is the female figure. Kalisz’s series, entitled Act of Pattern, focuses
on cultural traditions in which she unites various sociocultural mores and
ethnicities by combining the Western female nude with highly decorative Middle
Eastern fabrics.
Kalisz’s elegant Turkish Act draws me because of its highly detailed and extravagant
depictions of patterned fabric and backdrop of tiles, which juxtapose beautifully
against the fluid expression of human skin. The eye gets lost in the ornamental
design components until discovery of the living element, which lends this
painting added significance and warmth.
Alvin RichardCrush Bottle on Crushed Crush CansAcrylic on Birch Panel24 x 16 inches61 x 40 ½ cm
Alvin Richard is a Canadian artist based in Moncton, New Brunswick, whose
subject matter focuses on aspects of popular and mass culture. Richard’s
photorealistic paintings capture glimpses of daily life in a skilled and aesthetically
pleasing manner, transforming commonplace themes into delightful still lifes,
often containing symbolic, narrative, or journalistic content.
Richard’s captivating painting, entitled Crush Bottle on Crushed Crush Cans,
draws me because of the intense yet delicate color palette and superb portrayal
of textures—the irregular glass, crumpled metal cans, and cardboard box are
all wonderfully detailed—expertly elevating discarded trash to an epitome of
contemporary fine art.
Andrea AlvinGot a Penny?Oil on Canvas24 x 24 inches 61 x 61 cm
Andrea Alvin is an American artist based in New York’s Hudson Valley, who paints
realistic still lifes capturing the nostalgia of American popular culture, seeking to
evoke pleasant memories of a bygone era. Using fluid loose brushstrokes, Alvin
aims to capture her subject matter in a painterly style that looks photorealistic
from a distance.
Alvin’s joyful painting, entitled Got a Penny?, draws me because it evokes happy
childhood memories of the excitement of grabbing a delicious treat out of the
metal chamber of the iconic gum ball machine. The dreamy quality of the light
surrounding the subject matter infuses this still life with sunlight and emotion,
while its color palette unequivocally alludes to the memorable pigmentation of
1960s Kodachrome photographs.
Anna SchellbergUnited Colors of MarilynOil on Canvas51 inches square130 cm square
Anna Schellberg is a German artist based in Hamburg, Germany, whose
background in journalism inspires her to create large scale portraits depicting
narratives of shattered dreams, lost hopes, and broken personalities. Schellberg
examines what lies beneath the familiar, capturing conflict and imperfection,
creating new beginnings by creative destruction.
Schellberg’s eye-catching portrait, entitled United Colors of Marilyn, draws
me because it’s a highly recognizable portrait despite the ravaged paint and
psychedelic color palette. The results of Schellberg’s brave painting method
disavow the public’s romantic ideas of celebrities by emblematically exposing
their dark side and private truths.
Antonio Castello AvilleiraSin TituloOil on Linen27 ½ x 39 ¼ inches70 x 100 cm
Antonio Castello Avilleira is a Spanish painter based in Toledo, Spain, whose
highly detailed realist paintings have a timeless yet modern-day quality. He
creates both still life and figure paintings, seamlessly unifying classical painting
methods with a contemporary photographic approach expressed with meticulous
proficiency.
Castello Avilleira’s exquisite still life, Sin Titulo, draws me because of its diffuse
light, beautiful compelling colors, and extraordinary attention to detail. This
portrait of tropical fruit at the height of ripeness and fragility is so much more
than a memento mori—it excites the senses and feasts the eyes on the magnificent
splendor of nature.
Astrid RitmeesterMake BelieveOil on Canvas32 inches square80 cm square
Astrid Ritmeester is a Dutch portrait painter based in Bussum, the Netherlands,
whose background in theater costume design inspires a dramatic touch in her
bright, contemporary portraits. Ritmeester applies 17th Century Dutch and
Flemish painting methods, skillfully using subtle, loose brush strokes with a
gifted eye for color, values, and beautiful soft edges.
Ritmeester’s remarkable portrait, entitled Make Believe, draws me because of
the ingenious placement of intense color expressed through elegant painterly
brushstrokes which capture recognizable textures so well. The direct gaze of the
young girl—both innocent and knowing at the same time—seem to question the
authenticity of the world around her.
Carin WagnerSky XIOil on Linen24 inches square61 cm square
Carin Wagner is an American realist artist based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,
who paints landscapes, skyscapes, and closeups of nature. Her paintings convey
the idea of mutually beneficial responsibility, in that the valuable cycle sustaining
life on earth can only endure if we respect, safeguard, and preserve the delicate
ecological system.
Wagner’s beautiful cloudscape, entitled Sky XI, draws me because of its tranquil
beauty and euphoric color palette which is both peaceful and powerful at once.
The expression of light is superb within this highly recognizable abstraction.
Evocative of summer evenings, these soothing clouds encourage meditation on
the things that are most important.
Cesar SantanderBox of Sixty-fourAcrylic on Panel42 x 64 inches106 ½ x 162 ½ cm
Cesar Santander is a Spanish artist based in New York City, whose iconic
photorealistic paintings bring both familiar as well as unexpected and humorous
subject matter to life. Santander is best known for his detailed still lifes depicting
intricate compositions of assemblages of popular vintage toys, cartoon characters,
and metal robots.
Santander’s delightful painting, entitled Box of Sixty-four, draws me because of its
amazing attention to detail in color, form, and texture. This polychromatic close-
up of waxy crayons in their cardboard box evokes blissful childhood memories—
one can almost smell them—bringing this beloved, legendary subject matter to
life.
Christiane VleugelsBrown SugarOil on Canvas63 x 51 inches160 x 130 cm
Christiane Vleugels is a Flemish artist based in Schoten, Belgium, whose large-
scale hyperrealist oil paintings reveal delightfully complex, contemporary
compositions that seem to capture the enigmatic allure of a bygone era. Vleugels’
highly attractive paintings are based on undeniable technical skills with respect
to composition and expression.
Vleugels’ elegant portrait, entitled Brown Sugar, draws me because of the
incredibly opulent skin tones which juxtapose so well with the vibrantly intense
colors of the multifaceted ethnic jewelry. The dark backdrop and subtle lighting
enhance the elegant features of the figure as well as the details of the amulets and
peacock feathers, infusing this painting with sophistication.
Christina RamosThe Critic Acrylic on Canvas48 x 24 inches122 x 61 cm
Christina Ramos is an American artist based in Mission Hills, California, who
paints portraits and the human figure using acrylics. Often combining realism
with more graphic or abstract elements, her work frequently shows the humorous
side of more serious content.
Ramos’ eye-catching portrait, entitled The Critic, draws me because of its bright
red backdrop, lighthearted graphics, unexpected compositional format, and the
delicate depiction of the figure. The young boy—the artist’s son—personifies
everyone who views art and becomes a critic in one way or another. Subtle
brushstrokes skillfully capture the delicate lighting on skin and fabric, which
contrast smartly against the playful background.
Christopher O’ConnorArtifact No. 31 - 46Acrylic on Canvas8 inches square each20 ¼ cm square each
Christopher O’Connor is an Irish painter based in Westbrook, Maine, whose
paintings have a strong compositional sense and a vibrant quality. His subject
matter includes still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. O’Connor’s recent series,
entitled Artifacts, is painted with restrained intensity, illuminating the beauty of
everyday objects against lively backgrounds.
O’Connor’s dazzling collection of 16 small paintings, entitled Artifact No. 31 -
46, draws me because of its contemporary take on scale, format, composition,
and spectacular color palette. While these paintings can be enjoyed separately,
their charm is enhanced by seeing them all together within a grid, forming an
exciting singular piece.
Daryl GortnerSweet SensationsOil on Canvas48 x 36 inches122 x 91 ½ cm
Daryl Gortner is an American artist based in Fullerton, California, who creates
photorealist paintings that celebrate the beauty of ordinary objects and highlights
their charm through stunning use of color, light, and detailed textures. Gortner
is especially interested in painting the ephemeral world of reflections mirrored
in metal and glass.
Gortner’s delightful painting, entitled Sweet Sensations, draws me because of its
crisp brightness, festival of happy colors, and the skillful handling of her painting
methods. The portrayal of subtle transparencies within the cellophane wrappers
and glass jar are marvelous, and the distortions of the multicolored candy add to
the vibrancy of the image.
Daryl ZangSurfaceOil on Canvas34 x 44 inches86 ¼ x 111 ¾ cm
Daryl Zang is an American artist based in Newtown, Connecticut, who creates
still lifes and figure paintings that are inspired by her own life experiences, serving
as a visual journal of her most personal thoughts. Zang’s artwork is infused with
the memories and emotions associated with the subject matter, aiming to spark a
sense of recognition and nostalgia.
Zang’s vivacious painting, entitled Surface, draws me because of its celebration
of sunlight and summer play. The vibrant color palette enhances the strong
composition, expressed in a skillful—almost graphic—painting style which
cleverly juxtaposes the cool transparency of the water against youthful tanned
skin, shiny board, and wet fabric.
Diane DahlkeLobster on a Silver PlatterOil on Panel36 x 30 inches91 ½ x 76 ¼ cm
Diane Dahlke is an American artist based in Cumberland, Maine, who creates
realist oil paintings with a variety of subject matter, including the human figure,
still lifes, and landscapes. Highly influenced by Dutch vanitas still lifes of the
17th Century, her paintings present subtle beauty as both visually appealing and
as a reminder of mortality.
Dahlke’s elegant painting, entitled Lobster on a Silver Platter, draws me because of
the surprising subject matter, beautiful interpretation, and interesting crop. With
its opulent oranges and delicate turquoise hues, this piece hovers between being
a still life and a portrait, exploring the splendor and complexity of nature and its
ephemeral character.
Dirk BalFigs on Fire (Vijgenvuur)Oil on Panel16 x 24 inches40 ½ x 61 cm
Dirk Bal is a Dutch artist based in Berg en Terblijt, the Netherlands, who not
only paints realist still lifes, figures, and portraits but also sculpts. His work is
highly inspired by Johannes Vermeer. Based on strict classical painting methods,
he seeks to capture a sense of unpretentious beauty in which harmony and
stillness are center stage.
Bal’s exquisite still life, entitled Figs on Fire, draws me because of the impact of
light and intense color within an overall pale setting. Well balanced, peaceful,
and elegant, this arrangement of figs is a visual feast—inviting closer examination
of the plumpness and distinctive surface textures of these tender, delectable fruits.
Doug WebbThe Allure of OppositesAcrylic on Linen16 x 12 inches40 ½ x 30 ½ cm
Doug Webb is an American painter based in Calabasas, California, who is known
for creating a hybrid of surrealism by altering scale and placing unexpected
oversized objects within surprising panoramas. Webb’s hyperrealist paintings
always contain meaningful metaphors delineating interesting narratives that
often denote historic or sociocultural events.
Webb’s extraordinary painting, entitled The Allure of Opposites, draws me because
of its meticulous detail and unexpected whimsy. There’s something blatantly
suggestive about New York’s Chrysler Building surrounded by gigantic roses. The
ephemeral blue of the sky and the intense pink of the flowers beautifully frame
the faithfully detailed skyscraper.
Elizabeth SelbyWarm EnoughOil on Linen30 inches square76 ¼ cm square
Elizabeth Selby is an American artist based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who
creates whimsical large-scale portraits in a realist style. Her compositions are
inspired by her background in counseling, which fuels a desire to understand
human nature and thoughtfully survey it through the creative act of painting.
Selby’s inspirational painting, entitled Warm Enough, draws me because of its
ingenious use of color, strident juxtaposition between values, and its moving
elegance. Esthetically pleasing and emotionally profound, there’s a dreamlike
quality to the young woman whose expression seems to convey an eager sense of
idealism and hope.
Ester RoiSocial NetworkColored Pencil and Wax Pastel on Paper mounted on Panel22 x 28 inches55 ¾ x 71 cm
Ester Roi is an Italian artist based in San Juan Capistrano, California, who
creates flamboyant artwork using dry and wax-based media to depict river stones,
pebbles, and flowers. Water and wetness play important roles in her compositions.
Inspired by nature, she creatively integrates realistic imagery and abstraction with
a superb flair for color and technical skill.
Roi’s gorgeous piece, entitled Social Network, draws me because of its sheer
color intensity, flowing lines, and dramatic visuals. The expressive color palette
enhances the detailed realism of smooth wet rocks and flowing water. Both
composition and title suggest harmonious interconnectedness, adding emphasis
to the deeper meaning of this artwork.
Gemma Di GraziaRazzle-DazzleSoft Pastel on Paper34 x 35 inches86 ¼ x 89 cm
Gemma Di Grazia is an American artist based in New York City, who creates
representational paintings of flowers and fruits using soft pastels. By skillfully
joining formal aesthetic elements with a bright, vibrant color palette, Di Grazia
breathes energy and excitement into her graceful compositions that celebrate the
life-affirming beauty inherent in the natural world.
Di Grazia’s vivacious piece, entitled Razzle-Dazzle, draws me because of its
stimulating luminosity, its sheer splendor, and the skillful arrangement of both
true-to-life and abstract elements. This delightful composition entices the senses
through scale, gesture, ambiance, and especially its jubilant, organic palette.
Gerd LiederDinerOil on Canvas51 x 78 ¾ inches 130 x 200 cm
Gerd Lieder is a German artist based in Bremen, Germany, who creates
photorealistic paintings in a wide variety of subject matter. As a recurring theme,
Lieder paints reflective surfaces as an encryption of reality to understand life from
a different perspective. Inspired by his travels to major metropolitan cities, he
adeptly captures fragmented aspects of contemporary life.
Lieder’s captivating painting, entitled Diner, draws me because of its intense
color palette that skillfully captures reflections, bright neon, and the fascinating
tangle of straight and twisted design elements. As an ode to Ralph Goings, this
Miami Beach diner certainly has the caliber of the best traditional photorealism.
Hashim AkibCircusAcrylic on Canvas31 ½ x 39 ¼ inches80 x 100 cm
Hashim Akib is a British artist based in Southend-on-Sea, the United Kingdom,
who paints intricate cityscapes, seascapes, landscapes, and the human figure in
a highly recognizable signature style. His extensive experience as an illustrator
clearly shapes and influences his interesting conceptual ideas and exceptional
painting methods.
Akib’s lively painting, entitled Circus, draws me because of its sculptural
brushstrokes, vividly expressive flecks of color, and sheer energy of the subject
matter. Akib masterfully captures the busy crowd in London’s Piccadilly Circus,
balancing detail with abstraction, and translating it in an exciting palette of cool
and warm hues.
Heather ArenasIf I could flyOil on Birch Panel12 x 20 inches30 ½ x 50 ¾ cm
Heather Arenas is an American artist based in North Port, Florida, who paints
a variety of subject matter using vibrant, expressive brushstrokes. Finding
inspiration in everyday objects, places, nature, and the human figure, Arenas
adeptly captures an impression of reality in a loose, abstracted, and seductively
intangible manner.
Arenas’ delightful painting, entitled If I could fly, draws me because of its glowing
impression of light, sense of movement, and graceful subject matter. The young
woman waving feathers in a theatrical motion conveys a sense of joy, which
is reinforced by both the radiant color palette as well as the vivacious flow of
brushstrokes.
Heather HeitzenraterHindsightOil on Panel18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm
Heather Heitzenrater is an American artist, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
who paints the human figure in settings surrounded by Mylar which highlights
distorted shapes and bizarre reflections. Inspired by science fiction and fantasy
novels, she creates mysterious and enchanting new worlds in which emotions and
color play leading roles.
Heitzenrater’s thought-provoking painting, entitled Hindsight—part of her series
Thresholds—draws me because of its intriguing subject matter, superb impression
of reflective surfaces, and the strong local color cast onto nearby surfaces.
Balloons surround a young woman lost in thought, her face expressing emotion,
beautifully articulated in deep, scrumptious, highly dramatic colors.
Jacques BodinRepaire de DionysosOil on Canvas46 ½ x 43 ¼ inches118 x 110 cm
Jacques Bodin is a French hyperrealist artist based in Levallois Perret, France,
whose highly detailed subject matter ranges from grass, fruit, and hair, to still
lifes, landscapes, and fascinating close-ups of nature. Within his body of work,
Bodin seeks to capture a dynamic form in a static pose in order to convey a
sense of energy and movement.
Bodin’s exquisite still life, entitled Repaire de Dionysos, draws me because of its
technical mastery, intriguing multifocal range, and attractive subject matter.
The colored pencils in the cracked jar are truly eye-catching, and the glass
objects are both translucent and reflective, disclosing a furtively hidden world
beyond the scene.
John HylandThis Same Flower That Smiles TodayOil on Canvas8 inches square 20 ¼ cm square
John Hyland is an American artist based in New York City, who uses oils and
dry media to paint a variety of subject matter ranging from portraits, figures, and
still-lifes to landscapes, seascapes, and interiors. His background in journalism
influences his artwork in which the underlying narrative aligns beautifully with
an unrestricted yet meticulous execution.
Hyland’s stylish painting, entitled This Same Flower That Smiles Today, draws
me because of its fabulous color palette capturing the essence and beauty of this
quintessential Tiffany lampshade. Sharing Hyland’s love for Tiffany’s leaded glass
objets d’art, this painting stands out for its bold yet unpretentious statement and
the delicate rendering and luminosity of handmade glass.
Joyce K. JensenSilver Bowl ReflectionsWatercolor20 x 28 inches52 x 71 cm
Joyce K. Jensen is an American artist based in Zionsville, Indiana, whose artworks
are known for their powerful color palette and strikingly intricate and patently
distinct subject matter. While Jensen’s work is realistic, it ingeniously relies on
elaborate abstract shapes, patterns, and reflections through the skillful use of her
medium.
Jensen’s watercolor, entitled Silver Bowl Reflections, draws me because of its strong
composition, boldness in both palette as well as outline, and its jubilant and
sunny vivacity. The balance between cool and warm hues creates a stunning
visual, which is both true to life as well as illustrative, exalting the vintage silver
bowl to its rightful stardom.
Kai Lun QuAshtonOil on Linen11 x 14 inches28 x 35 ½ cm
Kai Lun Qu is a Chinese artist based in Baltimore, Maryland, whose paintings
capture a variety of subject matter expressed in a tempestuous, untamed style.
In his artwork he seeks to explore the unrestrained application of paint and
intentionally avoids an overly polished outcome by constructing his paintings in
a highly sculptural manner.
Lun Qu’s impressive portrait, entitled Ashton, draws me because of its masterful
handling of light through color, the exciting turbulent brushstrokes, and the
exploratory look of the finished piece. There’s a sense of gallantry in the expression
of the figure, skillfully supported by the areas of bright red background that form
an essential part of the composition.
Kerra TaylorKids Go Bump in the NightOil on Canvas43 ¾ x 37 ¼ inches111 x 94 ½ cm
Kerra Taylor is an American artist based in Springfield, Missouri, who paints
theatrical paintings creating an exaggerated reality that stretches beyond the
ordinary. Taylor aims to encourage viewers to interpret the narrative of her
unusual compositions through their own experiences by representing highly
detailed and lively scenarios.
Taylor’s idiosyncratic painting, entitled Kids Go Bump in the Night, draws me
because of its humorous and perplexing subject matter, festive color palette, and
the amazing wealth of interesting details and textures within the scene. The rowdy
tableau triggers the imagination and piques our curiosity while we scrutinize the
wealth of interweaving minutiae.
Laura Tan3 SheetsOil on wood38 x 28 inches96 ½ x 71 cm
Laura Tan is an American artist based in Miami, Florida, whose body of work
chronicles three decades of expressive self-portraits that record how she feels and
sees herself in an unfiltered response toward particular moments in her life. Tan
portrays herself without frills, bluntly presenting herself as she is, usually gazing
directly at the viewer.
Tan’s powerful self-portrait, entitled 3 Sheets, draws me because of its honesty,
thought-provoking expression, and beautiful application of intense, recurrent
colors. The lack of self-consciousness and the solemn attitude celebrate the plight
of contemporary womanhood, sending a powerful message of self-acceptance,
inner strength, and purpose.
Leonard KoscianskiJeremiadOil on Canvas42 x 26 inches106 ½ x 66 cm
Leonard Koscianski is an American artist based in Annapolis, Maryland, whose
unique creative style and intense, psychologically charged paintings are highly
recognizable for their sharp color palette, whimsical subject matter, and distorted
perspectives. His artwork often alludes to the dark emotional turmoil of suburbia,
which is manifestly present in both content and form.
Koscianski’s magnificent painting, entitled Jeremiad, draws me because of its
bizarre imagery, deep and sophisticated colors, and exceptional composition.
Although unsettling, there’s genuine beauty in the strongly illuminated subject
matter and its myriad of arresting details which expertly convey a dark, threatening
atmosphere that simultaneously frightens and fascinates.
Lisa Fricker3 Darts $5Pastel on Panel24 x 30 inches61 x 76 ¼ cm
Lisa Fricker is an American artist based in Denver, Colorado, whose colorful
impressionistic artwork focuses on figures and florals. Highly inspired by
encounters with strangers, she eloquently explores the pictorial complexities of
scenes found in public places which she captures in her pastel series entitled
Encounters at the Fair.
Fricker’s outstanding piece, entitled 3 Darts $5, draws me because of its exquisite
multichromatic palette, superb application of the medium, and fascinating,
energetic scene. The wonderful abstractions of the setting juxtapose beautifully
against the more in-depth depiction of the jaded young woman waiting for her
next customer.
Lorena KloosterboerTempus ad Requiem XXIIAcrylic on Panel28 x 22 cm71 x 55 ¾ cm
Lorena Kloosterboer is a Dutch artist based in Antwerp, Belgium, whose still
lifes range from photorealistic close-ups to timeless compositions featuring birds,
aiming to eulogize the beauty of contrasting textures and colors. Her compositions
are steeped in symbolism, furtively conveying stillness, self-reflection, wisdom,
and serenity.
I chose to include this uplifting painting, entitled Tempus ad Requiem
XXII, because it is a departure from my more widely known blue and white
compositions showing Dutch and Asian ceramics. The color palette is bright and
exciting, highlighting the splendor of the bee-eater, the beautiful vintage glass,
and the sparkling water droplets.
Lucas BononiUnveiledOil18 x 24 inches 45 ¾ x 61 cm
Lucas Bononi is an American artist based in Long Island City, New York, whose
artwork explores the mystery of ontology through discovery and interaction. His
painting style is based on classical realism, yet the subject matter is skillfully
enhanced by loose brushwork within an imaginative context, which gives his
work a refreshing contemporary look.
Bononi’s remarkable painting, entitled Unveiled, draws me because of its
curiously whimsical subject matter, masterful expression of shapes and textures,
and sophisticated color palette. The skillful representation of movement supports
this enigmatic portrait of a vintage household appliance within a strangely
ambiguous situation, tending daringly towards surrealism.
Margaret InglesThe Art of ReflectionOil on Canvas35 ½ inches square90 cm square
Margaret Ingles is an Australian realist artist based in Brisbane, Australia, whose
paintings and photography are inspired by her relocations and travels through
the Asia-Pacific region. The artistic celebration of cultural diversity found within
her work forms the gateway to understanding and interpreting both her inner
world as well as her outward look on life.
Ingles’ graceful painting, entitled The Art of Reflection, draws me because of its
fluid contours, vivid subaquatic atmosphere, and compositional depth. There’s a
sense of weightless serenity and emotional wellbeing that beautifully conveys the
luxurious comfort and uplifting solace of the lithe solitary female figure floating
in a silent body of water.
Megan van GrollCrushOil on Canvas24 inches square61 cm square
Megan van Groll is an American figurative painter based in Dallas, Texas, who
explores identity, gender, and psychology through her portraits and narrative
paintings of the female form. She seeks to bare the essential and intuitive aspects
of the female experience—the emotional, psychological, and sociocultural forces
that shape contemporary womanhood.
Van Groll’s exceptional painting, entitled Crush, draws me because of its
compelling use of color, poignant depiction of skin textures, and ambiguous
and provocative narrative. The adept exploration of contrasts and paradoxes
cleverly embrace ugliness and beauty, darkness and light, discomfort and ease—
provoking a visceral contemplation of our deepest emotions.
Nancy DepewMergeOil on Canvas40 x 60 inches101 ½ x 152 ½ cm
Nancy Depew is an American artist based in Storrs, Connecticut, who paints
figures, still lifes, and landscapes in a style she describes as, “three-dimensionally
believable images.” Uninterested in documenting reality, Depew aims to
communicate the complexities of life by exploring the intuitive aspects of a
subject and disclosing the nature of the experience.
Depew’s dreamy painting, entitled Merge, draws me because of its fusion
of traditional painting techniques with a more contemporary approach, its
sophisticated, whimsical essence, and gorgeous variety of pinks, reds, and oranges.
This masterly orchestrated survey of an imaginary metaphysical environment
grants us a delightful exploration of form, texture, and emotion.
Natalie HollandLight WarriorsOil on Dibond20 x 24 inches50 ¾ x 61 cm
Natalie Holland is a Russian-Norwegian artist based in London, United
Kingdom, whose realist paintings—namely portraits, figure paintings, animals,
and still lifes—are based on classical painting methods. Her subject matter
focuses on contemporary societal narratives such as feminism, human rights,
religion, and contemporary sociopolitical challenges.
Holland’s poignant painting, entitled Light Warriors, draws me because of its
exquisite color contrasts, great balance between realist and graphic elements,
and its highly compelling subject matter. The figures’ body language and facial
expressions convey a strong sense of guardianship, mutual devotion, and trust, as
well as a wonderful sense of quiet dignity.
Pamela AskewYellow TreeOil on Canvas18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm
Pamela Askew is an American artist based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who creates
landscapes, still lifes, and animal paintings in a classical yet loose style. In her
work she seeks to highlight the fragile beauty of nature as an indispensable source
of peace and inspiration, hoping to encourage enhanced stewardship of our
precious wildlife and its habitat.
Askew’s extraordinary painting, entitled Yellow Tree, draws me because of its
superb light and complementary color palette, skillful expression of natural
shapes and textures, and its meditative atmosphere. It captures an enchanting
view of a forest when the light momentarily strikes the changing foliage—a sight
that takes the breath away.
Pieter van BernebeekGele Sierappeltjes op Rode OndergrondOil on Panel27 ½ x 35 ½ inches70 x 90 cm
Pieter van Bernebeek is a Dutch artist based in Ravenstein, the Netherlands, who
paints realist still lifes and portraits using a classical method in which color and
light play leading roles. Within his paintings he seeks to create warm, harmonious
atmospheres through the beauty of form and refined detail that express a sense
of understated solemnity.
Van Bernebeek’s tranquil painting, entitled Gele Sierappeltjes op Rode Ondergrond,
draws me because of its unassuming humility, the richness and depth of distinct
colors, and the uncomplicated composition. There’s a feeling of gravity and
strength in this still life of yellow crabapples which articulates the beauty of
natural simplicity.
Rachel LinnemeierBlew MoodOil on Aluminum18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm
Rachel Linnemeier is an American artist based in Tucson, Arizona, whose
narrative paintings portray young women engrossed in situations that evoke
a certain tension between the idea of contemporary adulthood and residual
childhood. Linnemeier’s compositions include well-defined details as well as out-
of-focus perspectives, expressed in bright, vivid color palettes.
Linnemeier’s exuberant painting, entitled Blew Mood, draws me because of its
gorgeous balance between warm and cool hues, and its great descriptive qualities
and sense of spirited playfulness. The exquisite details—such as the reflective
sunglasses, the jewelry, the little jar of soapy water, and the patterned fabric—are
a feast for the eye.
Robert NelsonAwakenings 4Graphite, White Pencil and Acrylic on Wood28 x 28 inches71 x 71 cm
Robert Nelson is an American artist based in Whittier, California, whose work is
highly defined by his experience as a Graphic Designer. Based on his perception
regarding the conflicting and changing values held by individuals, he examines
the contrasts between ideas such as innocence versus corruption, the infinite
versus the finite, past versus future, and good versus evil.
Nelson’s exceptional painting, Awakenings 4, draws me because of its eye-
catching and sophisticated composition, strong and exciting color palette, and
its stimulating, thought-provoking essence. The chemistry between detailed,
recognizable subject matter and graphic elements creates a highly compelling,
theatrical, and idiosyncratic vision.
Sarah StieberMarriageOil on Canvas54 x 78 inches137 ¼ x 198 cm
Sarah Stieber is an American artist based in San Diego, California, whose
electrifying style amplifies real life, using a bejeweled palette of brilliant hues and
haunting energy to explore reality. Her highly saturated paintings magnify the
human experience and present an idealized wishful world in which happiness
and color rule.
Stieber’s remarkable painting, entitled Marriage, draws me because it personifies
the concept of Glorious Color in palette, atmosphere, and composition. This
portrait captures the very best of human relationships—friendship, intimacy,
security, and shared love—where pleasure and joy are found in togetherness.
Everything about this piece makes me smile.
Shane ScribnerAngie in ColorOil on Panel18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm
Shane Scribner is an American artist based in Enid, Oklahoma, whose expressive
paintings capture the traditional female figure in a contemporary light. Scribner
masterly replaces flesh tones with strong, vivid hues, combining fully saturated
colors with distinct poses that allow him to capture a wide range of beautifully
expressive emotions.
Scribner’s fabulous painting, entitled Angie in Color, draws me because of its
fresh, vibrant colors, subtle representation of the grace of the subject’s silhouette,
and its statement of simplicity. The empty whiteness turns the background into
pure light, emphasizing the jewel-toned rainbow of colors which reflect a capti-
vating range of emotions of the gorgeous nude.
Shannon Fannin 1959 Cadillac Coupe deVille Red Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 24 inches 91 ½ x 61 cm
Shannon Fannin is an American realist vehicle painter based in Austin, Texas,
whose elaborate paintings capture the fascinating personality of cars, motorcy-
cles, and other means of transport. She aims to spark childhood memories or
long-held dreams of ownership through the portrayal of perfectly polished enam-
el, highly reflective chrome, and fascinating bodywork.
Fannin’s exciting painting, entitled 1959 Cadillac Coupe deVille Red, draws me
because of its deep contrasts, imaginatively cropped composition, and beautiful
photorealistic expression. This captivating piece draws the eye through its myriad
of alluring details—both of surfaces as well as the reflections of the surrounding
world—created by loose brushstrokes and finger-painting.
Susannah Martin Play DateOil on Linen20 x 20 inches 50 ¾ x 50 ¾ cm
Susannah Martin is an American artist based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
who paints unselfconscious lively nudes within natural sceneries that often
include animals. Martin seeks to examine our estrangement from nature by
showing two extremes of identity—the natural and the artificial—giving food
for thought regarding our behavior, conventions, and beliefs.
Martin’s dynamic painting, entitled Play Date, draws me because of its whimsical
subject matter, wonderfully vivid palette, and its powerful metaphors. The
ingenious disparity between nature and synthetic objects creates an added
dimension of psychological tension, provoking questions regarding our addictive
attraction to man-made products known to poison our environment.
Teresa ElliottBrewsterOil on Canvas24 x 48 inches61 x 122 cm
Teresa Elliott is an American artist based in Lakeway, Texas, who paints
masterful realist portraits of bovines and figure paintings set in the beautiful
rural environment of the Southwest. Her background in illustration and graphic
design underpin her flair for creating dramatic compositions using highly
saturated colors and poignantly engaging content.
Elliott’s alluring painting, entitled Brewster, draws me because of its gentle
candor, exquisite handling of light and texture, as well as its elegant atmosphere.
Elliott avoids all the common pitfalls of portraying an animal during sunset,
instead presenting an attractive, respectful representation that emphasizes the
bull’s stately personality and the magnificence of nature.
Thomas Wharton Song of the Shell Oil on Linen36 x 36 inches91 ½ x 91 ½ cm
Thomas Wharton is an American artist based in Wheeling, West Virginia, whose
impressive body of work includes a variety of subject matter—nudes, portraits,
seascapes, and still lifes—articulated through an accomplished classical painting
method which honors the tenets of realism and captures light and color through
thoughtful brushstrokes.
Wharton’s exultant painting, entitled Song of the Shell, draws me because of its
masterful expression of luminescence, its simplicity in form, and energizing
beauty. The complementary hues provoke an alluring radiance, elevating the
humble melon shell to its rightful position: a calcium carbonate miracle which
has delighted humankind since our earliest beginnings.
Yvonne MelchersRoom with a View - Summer in StresaOil on Linen15 ¾ x 15 ¾ inches40 x 40 cm
Yvonne Melchers is a Dutch artist based in Diemen, The Netherlands, who
paints a wide range of subject matter, including portraits, beachscapes, interiors,
and still lifes, using Claude Monet’s limited palette. Although her style is realist,
Melchers embellishes her signature paintings by applying impressionist-like
brushstrokes that create a sense of dynamic strength.
Melchers’ quixotic painting, entitled Summer in Stresa, draws me because of its
romantic atmosphere, superb attention to detail, and vibrant multichromatic
palette. This piece elegantly captures a moment of blissful intimacy by linking an
opulent private space with the world beyond—both equally enticing and inviting
in their potential promises.
Prepared by MagCloud for Pieter van Bernebeek. Get more at lorenakloosterboer.magcloud.com.