Artist Spotlight: Gay Paratore

Gay Paratore of Santa Fe, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email your information to Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com

Artist Biography: 

Artist Gay Paratore

Gay Paratore was born and educated in Galveston, Texas.  She has taught art at all levels and is a former Art Department Head of Alvin Community College. She also taught art history at College of the Mainland. She has a Bachelor and Masters’ degree and 1/3 of her doctorate in art studies. She attend classes at Sam Houston University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She is a Texas State Certified Art Consultant. She has studied with many noted artists in the USA, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.  She attended classes at the Art Students’ League of New York City and the National Academy of Art and Design.                                                                               

Gay teaches all media of art and all ages. In Texas, she currently holds workshops at Butler Longhorn Museum in League City, at Upper Bay Gallery in Clear Lake, and Wednesday classes in her studio in Santa Fe, and in Maine: in Winter Harbor for Schoodic Arts For All.  She has taught workshops for the Galveston Art League, Brazosport Art League, and Watercolor Art Society of Houston, TAACCL, and the National Society of Artists. She is in the process of scheduling Workshops for Rockport, Texas and the Corpus Christi Art Centers as well. Gay has won numerous Best of Show and 1^st Place Awards. She is a signature member of the National Watercolor society, the National Society of Artists, Watercolor Art Society of Houston, and the Texas Watercolor society.  

Gay recently traveled to California to receive the $1,000.00 Jack Richeson Merchandise Award for her painting, “Stutz DV 1932 Monte Carlo”; it is a painting of a car that is the only one in existence of that year and model (see photo above). This painting was in the National Watercolor Society’s International Show and is in their current traveling show and will be shown in art centers and museums across the Nation until December 31, 2014.  This year and last year, Gay took trips to California to attend two parties that honored her and other artists for being accepted into the San Diego Watercolor Society’s International Show. Earlier this summer she was accepted into the National Watercolor Society’s Membership Show and on June 7^th was awarded one of the three top awards of $1,000.00 cash; it was the Leonard Edmonson Award. The painting is titled “Hang Ten Woody” and was shown this summer at the NWS Gallery in San Pedro in the Laguna Beach Area of California. Her painting “Poor Man’s Yacht” (1/2 sheet of Arches at $2,500.00) was selected for the Adirondack American Watercolor National Exhibition and sold. She is the only artist from Texas or Maine in this show. 

When Gay was teaching art history at College of the Mainland she met Neil Welliver (he replaced Andrew Wyeth in the Art History books), when he lectured and had a show there. She corresponded with him; he had a big influence on her going to Maine. Gay’s goal is to capture her impression of the places and people of Maine; she likes to paint people doing their daily chores and scenes that are uniquely Maine. She also loves to paint cars and flowers and especially her children and grandchildren. 

Interview with November Spotlight Artist, Gay Paratore:

1) When and how did you first become seriously interested in art? In second grade one of my teachers declared me "the class artist" I had drawn my pet white rabbit. In 8th grade, I was only 11 as I started school early, I did a drawing for the school open house. My father had recently died and my mother did not have time to take me to any classes, but my art work prompted the other parents to call my mother an insist that I get lessons. The local art teacher was from Italy and had studied art there and then at the Chicago Art Institute. Her name was Marie Ragone and she was a portrait artist. I had one lesson in drawing, one in pastels, and one in watercolor, and then told I was ready for oils and gave me a list of supplies. I was also lucky enough to take a work shop from Frederic Taubes in ala prima oils at the age of 12. He wrote a column for American Artist Magazine for many years until his death. when I was 13 I took from Phoebe Flory the partner of Elliott O'Hara, the father of modern day watercolor. I did a portrait in that workshop. I was serious about art practically my whole life.

"Got Milk?" by Gay Paratore

2) What mediums/subject matter do you work in? I work in all media and crafts; the only thing that I haven't done is blow glass. This summer in Maine I did a 13" tall nude in granite in one day using an electric grinder. It was so much fun. I want to try to do a "head" next summer at the quarry on Schoodic Peninsula.

3) What do you express in your work? I try to find something of value to state in my work. In Maine, I am painting people working and doing their everyday jobs. I think a portrait should be more than just a face; it must capture a moment in time in the life of the subject.

4) What artists/professionals have been your biggest influence? Daniel E. Greene, Ron Schur, Harvey Dinnerstein, Albert Handel, Steven Quiller, Tom Lynch, Mario Cooper, Neil Welliver and the list goes on and on. I have taken at least 50 workshops over the years. I studied at the Art Students League of New York City and the National Academy of Art and Design. I have my B.A. and M.Ed. and Texas State Art Consultant Certification.

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration in your work? I look at every image that I see with an open eye and mind: other art work, magazines, people doing things, mainly my photos. I never leave the house without my camera, a Nikon Cool Pix; I photograph almost everything of interest that I see.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? Selling it; boy do I have inventory!!! I was fortunate to get a small watercolor in the Adirondack show and sold it for $2,500.00. But to really answer the question asked, I want to keep trying new things; I just got a big printing press from my Jack Richeson Award from the National Watercolor society, so I will be doing some portraits in printmaking.

7) Do you set goals for yourself? Yes, I love competition and that motivates me. Also, I am a procrastinator and the contest deadlines give me my motivation to get the work finished.

"Learning to be Gentle," by Gay Paratore

8) Are you happy in your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently? I wanted to be a medical technologist, but my mother told me that she was paying for my education and that she wanted to be a teacher and got sick with asthma and did not get to be one, so I had to be one. I decided if I had to teach, I would teach art. It worked out well for me as I love to teach and teaching makes you challenged to learn more to pass on to your students. Two of my greatest thrills is when one of my students wins an award or when one of them goes on to be an art teacher or a professional artist. One of my students just did a demo for the National Society of Artists and told everyone there that I was her inspiration. That filled my heart with joy. I have taught all levels and at two community colleges; I am a former art department head for Alvin community college.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself you'd like to share? I majored in science as well as art (my first job combined the two; I worked in Medical Illustration at the University of Texas Medical Branch for two summers while I was in college), as I thought that perhaps I could get certified in art education and medical technology, but I got married to my late husband right after I did my student teaching and had a great life with him and my four children. One grandchild is in college and told me this week that he is taking an art class as an elective; he is studying to be an engineer. One daughter, Angela Eels, is an artist in Austin, Texas and does portraits in acrylics. One son is in business, the other son is the architect who was in charge of the "re-do" of the Golden Nougat in Las Vegas, and my other daughter is a doctor in California. They all have artistic and music ability (that is from their Dad)

10) Best piece of advice for other artists? Don't get discouraged if you do not get in a show; ask the judge or someone who did get in, what you can do to make your painting better and try to do that. Take as many classes as you can afford. Try to paint everyday. Study old masters and your contemporaries. Keep an open mind to everything. Above all never give up. When I am feeling down or in pain physically or emotionally my art takes it all away and I am refreshed. And don't let any instructor paint your painting; that is wrong on many levels and you won't learn anything but dependency on that teacher. Make mistakes and learn from them. Go back and work on your old paintings and bring them to life. Most of all have fun with your art.

CONTACT:

Email: gparatore@verizon.net

Artist Spotlight: Edna Krueger

Edna Krueger of Odessa, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email your information to Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com

Artist Edna Krueger in front of her booth
display at the Permian Basin Fair

This month's Spotlight Artist, Edna Krueger, was chosen as the Featured Artist for the 2013 Permian Basin Fair in Odessa, TX. She has shared some photos from her booth, as well as some snapshots of her sketch journals, which she draws or paints in on a daily basis.

More of Edna's booth display

Edna created this display for the fair, which educates
the audience on how she develops her sketches and paintings.

Artist Biography:

Interview with Spotlight Artist for October/November, Edna Krueger:

1) When and how did you first became seriously interested in art?   I don't remember a time that I didn't see art as a serious subject to me. I would guess I became serious about perusing a career in art while in high school. It really stuck when I was a senior and looking at college the next fall.

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in?    I started out of high school doing drawings for business cards and later went into commercial art. I worked in all kinds of businesses dealing with anything from film stripping to pen and ink illustrations to full color art to be printed. This was before personal computers, making it a requirement to develop many skills in different media. At that time it was mainly in ink because of its easy reproducing aspect.

It was during my time out here in West Texas that I had an instructor that stressed learning as many medias as possible that I ran across pastels. I had never really worked much with the media and at first hated it for the grid feeling under my fingers. But during my last year in college I worked so much with it that I fell in love with the intense colors! There was no mess with mixing them nor were there hash chemicals although you have to mind the dust. Besides pastel though, I work in many medias which include: ink, graphite, oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencils, and charcoal. It's part of my instructor Pam Price's influence plus my background in commercial art.

As for subject matter, I have always loved animals and people!! I drew horses as a child till my mother said please draw something else! So that's when I started drawing people. This fits me because I'm a people person and love getting to know folks and what and why they do things. I'm one of those that love to study people at an airport or other public places. That's why I carry a journal with me almost all the time.

Watercolor of a little girl, by Edna Krueger

The front page of the "People" section in
Edna's sketch journal

3) What do you express in your work? The main goal I have in mind when working on a piece is how to portray the soul of this scene or being. I want the observer of my art to feel that person's attitude or the feeling of a place--to convey the soul of what they are looking at. I'm also a history buff and want to be as accurate as possible in what the viewer sees (coming from a family that has a lot of history of our own, about 400 years worth).

4) What artists/professionals have been your  biggest influences?    There are so many! I look up to many of the instructors at the portrait conferences. I admire Daniel Greene along with his wife Wende Caporale whose book, "Painting Children's Portraits in Pastel," has helped me many times! I also admire Chris Saper and how she is able to pick up on various skin tones. I use her book, "Painting Beautiful Skin Tones," as a teaching tool and had learned so much from it. I love Judith Cardducci's work with pastel and how she uses color in a fun way, that little spark in her art is enjoyable! Also, for all the work she does to inspire others--that's a true teacher!  My art instructor in college at UTPB, Pam Price, was a very big influence on me and many other student artists. I love Van Gogh for his use of color and line, and for his ability to show everyday people doing ordinary things in such a glorious way. But I think the one I love most is Rembrandt. He was another kind of colorist in that his art really does glow! I love the use of shading he does in his paintings moving figures around in space and conveying depth. Wow, what an artist!!

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work?    I think I have a mind that doesn't ever turn off. There's always something that I want to draw or paint. A lot of inspiration comes from observing people and how they move and deal with life. Quite often, my journals help give me a starting point for exploration. Because of my love for people I am inspired by activities folks do. I have interest in music (it was a minor in college), which, along with theatre, also provides artistic thoughts. I'll take a small sketch pad or journal with me to a concert and try to capture the feeling of the movements of the musicians while they are playing their instruments or a dancer as they move around on stage. It may not look like a masterpiece but it trains the eye to pick up on conveying movement and emotion while building your skills.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? I'd like to become much more controlled and loose at the same time. That's something I see in all the great artists' work. John Singer Sargent was such an artist. To me a master knows how to convey something without over doing the work. She or he keep it fresh-feeling. That is truly hard to do. I don't know if I'll ever be famous or not, that's not the point. The journey and experience along the way make it all worth it.

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art?    Yes, but not as well as I should sometimes. Life gets in the way, but you have to keep your eyes fixed on where you want to go. I try to meet deadlines, but also save time to draw or paint just for me. I sit down and write out what I'm going for this week, next month, and farther on. Then I come back to the list every so often to keep on track.

"Tom Girl Beauty" - pastel - by Edna Krueger 

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently? I love doing art, it's all I ever wanted to do for a career except for maybe singing which is another area I studied. But art was always first on the list. The only thing I would've done differently is to have been more committed to getting my degree in art sooner in life, and I would have gone into teaching art at a young age. I didn't know till much later in life that I enjoyed teaching so much. I don't teach in the school system because it has become too difficult to do at this time in my life. Yet I love teaching in a small group or one on one. I do plan to start teaching small workshops in my area and this is another turning point that I look forward to.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share?  My other love is music! I was very blessed to be born with a singing voice and have enjoyed doing parts in musicals in live theatre here in West Texas. We have several live community theaters in the area and I've been blessed to be in many productions. One of the lovely things about theatre is making lifelong friends in the plays and musicals. There's something for everyone to do in a production so you get a creative fun group of people of various backgrounds. I am also a Christian. I have seen and experienced things that many of us would call miracles. My faith has played a large part in shaping who I have become. Am I perfect? Oh, help me NO!! But I have learned to put troubles in the hands of One Who is bigger than I.

"Queen Bee" - pastel - by Edna Krueger

The cover page of the "Travel" section of Edna's
sketch journal. 

10) Best piece of advice for other artists?   Draw or paint as often as possible. Keep a sketch pad or journal along with at least a pencil, eraser, sharpener in a small bag to put in your purse, car, or wherever you wish. Make sketching ideas or scenes in your journal a habit to not ever break. It will be amazing how far your skills will develop in a short time. 

Search out the ones you admire and learn from them if possible. If not able to get with them, look at their work, their books, and videos. Study the paintings of those you admire. Learn from them, gain insight then teach it to others. By teaching others you have to think about what you do, why you do it and how to do it and therefore reinforce what you know. Want to learn something? Try teaching it, that will in turn teach you as well.

Some of Edna's supplies for travel journaling

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
EDNA KRUEGER
Email: ednakrueger@att.net

Artist Spotlight: Michael Holter

Michael Holter of Plano, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email your information to Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com

"Through Three Lenses," Watercolor Self Portrait
by Michael Holter

Artist Biography:

Michael Holter is a Texas based artist working in both watercolor and oil. Michael's work has received numerous awards and recognition and can be found in private and corporate collections in the US and several foreign countries. His current work falls into two categories: watercolor figurative and oil landscapes (both plein air and studio). Michael has been painting most of his  life, and has been an art teacher, art director and businessman in the fine art and commercial creative arenas.

Michael is a member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, The Transparent Watercolor Society, Southwestern Watercolor Society, The Society of Watercolor Artists, The Outdoor Painters Society, and the Portrait Society of America.

Michael says, "I think of my work as impressionistic. I like to represent people or places and allow the painting to evolve from the structure of the recognizable. The challenge is to balance the care needed to make the representation interesting… and perhaps believable, with the freedom, looseness and painterly quality that makes painting so unique and expressive."

"I have been influenced by artists such as Charles Reid, Richard Schmid, Burt Silverman, Frank Webb, John Singer Sargeant, Ted Nuttall and many others. Even though I have an art degree, most of what I put into practice is self-taught through studying the work of these distinguished artists."

"My wife Cyndy, and I grew up in on the wide-open plains of North Dakota and got to Plano, TX by way of Minnesota (I can paint a snowy winter landscape with the best of ‘em) and then Virginia. We often travel and I am currently working on a series figurative paintings and a series influenced by a recent trip to Istanbul and the Mediterranean regions of Turkey."

"Hay, You?" - 14 x 22" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

Interview with Spotlight Artist for July, Michael Holter:

1) When and how did you first became seriously interested in art?  I have always had an interest and a natural aptitude for art and music, but it wasn’t until my early 20’s that I focused on pursuing a lifetime of creative work. 

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in? I have a Bachelors Degree in Art and a MA in Visual Communication. I have combined that formal education with careful work and study of contemporary artists and their work. I have taken a few workshops but am largely self-taught in many of the finer points of painting. I work in both watercolor and oils. Much of my early work was in watercolor and the watercolor portraits that I am currently doing have received lots of attention with awards, sales and recent signature status in the Society of Watercolor Artists and the Southwestern Watercolor Society.

"Rose" - 11x14" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

3) What do you express in your work? My work is representational and focuses on real people and places. I am very interested in light and the effect of light on the subject.

4) What artists/professionals have been your  biggest influences? Richard Schmid, Ted Nuttall, John Singer Sargeant, Charles Reid, Burt Silverman, and many, many more.

"Lucky" - 14 x 14" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

"A Walk in Istanbul" - 10 x 7" - watercolor
by Michael Holter

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work? Lately, I have been painting plein air oils and some watercolors to challenge myself to quickly capture what is in front of me. I also frequently join a life-painting group for their regular paint night with a model.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? I am working toward refining the work and refining the market for my work.

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art? Many of my goals come from commission deadlines and show entry deadlines. On a less rigid level my goal is to use some time every day to paint.

"Time Passing" - 16 x 14" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently? No regrets. I know that I am doing what God intended for me to do.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share? Art and music are a part of the creative aspects of my life. I currently play guitar on my church worship team and started guitar as a teenager. I played professionally for a short time in my 20’s.

10) Best piece of advice for other artists? Stick to it. Regularly go back to the principles and elements of design and evaluate your work. Try new things for your own edification.

"Trail Boss" - 12x12" - watercolor - by Michael Holter

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
MICHAEL HOLTER
Phone: 972-965-2078
Email: michael@michaelholter.com
Website: http://michaelholter.com/

Artist Spotlight: Leonora Volpe

Leonora Volpe of San Antonio, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email your information to Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com

Artist's Statement:

"Beauty in art is not just which is seen, it is the transcendent, spiritual exchange between the heart of the object and the heart of the seeker." (Quote by my dear artist friend, John Kopecky)

Artist Biography:

Artist Leonora Volpe

Leonora Volpe has loved and appreciated fine art since her childhood years. As a kindergarten student she was so excited to have her turn painting on the big easel. The big easel has the same place today in her life. The gratification is received when she delivers her Portraits. Leonora also has become fond of painting family heirlooms that have been passed down from generations, which are traditionally in all of her still life's.

Some of her favorite subjects are children and women, they seem to have so much in their eyes. They say your eyes are the windows to your soul. Leonora feels there is a need to paint them. She likes to personally meet with her subjects and interact with them, the same with her objects in her still life's. "Everything has a past that tells us something, it's like a mystery of where it has been, and who has touched it," Leonora says. The only things in her still life paintings that are new are fruit or flowers.

"Effervescence" - 20x16 - by Leonora Volp

Leonora has had some brush time with some well known artists but for the most part of learning, she is self taught. She has painted off and on for many years, but the past three years she decided to pursue it as a career. She is a licensed realtor and still devotes her time working with newlyweds, first time home buyers and anyone who needs her services. Her clients enjoy a gift of art at closing. She has painted many famous and not so famous people as well as horse portraits. Recently she was drawn to a homeless person who had a dog and she had to paint their love. A little girl at the McNay feeding the ducks, a woman praying, and a woman sitting in a field soaking in the warmth of life. Cowboys have been a fond subject as well, and what's a cowboy without a cowgirl.

"Something has to inspire me to paint it, but I love almost everything, I hope I can finish all the paintings in my head before I go home with the Lord, so I'm working hard, I know I'll still have an easel up there".

Interview with Spotlight Artist for June, Leonora Volpe:

"Colander and Red Onions" - 12x16 - by Leonora Volpe

1) When and how did you first became seriously interested in art? When I was in kindergarten the teacher gave everyone a turn on the easel. The first time I took up that brush I had a PASSION in me. I loved art in any form. I would draw on almost anything I would find. At 13 years old I was commissioned to do my first portrait.

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in? I am basically self taught and about four years ago I decided to really understand what I was doing and looked for someone to help me. It was then I discovered Ron Watkins portrait painter who gave me some lessons. I then painted with live models. My favorite medium is oils. I have worked with Kathryn Stats, Larry Prellop, William Kalwick, Janice Hindes, Kaye Franklin, Ron Watkins and have attended every demo of a well known artist in my area.

3) What do you express in your work? I like to find the person behind the face if its a portrait. I guess you would say their spirit, so I spend time with them, still lifes I like to find beauty in simple things that are part of everyday life. My favorite is painting family heirlooms. Landscapes I love sunsets. I like animals especially horses and pets as well. I guess I find deep meaning in allot of things but sometimes I am compelled to paint something. Especially CHILDREN, I love them.

4) What artists/professionals have been your  biggest influences? Cesar Santos has had a big influence on me as well as Richard Schmid and Daniel Keys. I love Bouguereau‘s work. I love the realism.

"Dorothy and Her Babies" - 18x24 - by Leonora Volpe

"Imagination" - 20x16 - by Leonora Volpe

"Lil' Rancher" - 8x10 - by Leonora Volpe

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work? Inspiration is something I have looking at people. I am fascinated with people. All so different and interesting. I love people with vivacious personalities. I guess that's why I love children. I also need to have a small day trip to get away from my regular surroundings.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? . Ten years from now I hope I can paint all I see in my heart and head. I hope to be noticed for my type of work. I think I am still developing my style. I had to put my art on hold to raise my five children. Now I am enjoying time with my grandchildren,I have 12 of them.

"W.T. Mayfield Rancher" - 36x24
by Leonora Volpe

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art? I set goals for sure. My goal is to always paint that next painting the best. Better than the last one. I want to be a Master Signature member of OPA and be recognized as a excellent portrait painter in the Portrait Society.

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently? At this point in my life I am going forward and not moving from my desire as an artist. I am in my retirement years and want to do what I enjoy and share my work with other people. I am a realtor part time and watch one of my grandchildren during the day. So I paint all night till I cant keep my eyes open. Family is very important to me. So I look into my grand daughters eyes and watch her smile and that's my inspiration.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share? The fun thing is I think I'm 25 years old. I plan on painting a lot of paintings in the next year. I was juried into the salon international in 2012 and sold my piece before I brought it in. 

10) Best piece of advice for other artists? My best piece of advice is to be true to yourself. Learn the basics of value and color. The big one is, if you can’t see it you can’t paint it. An artists eye is well trained to see differently than just a casual look. Only watch people paint that you want to learn from.

"Scarlet Summer" - 12x9 - by Leonora Volpe

RECENT NEWS:
- Accepted into the "Rites of Spring" Juried Show at the Dutch Art Gallery, April 2013
- Accepted into the 1st Annual OPA Salon Show in Petosky, MI for "Reflections in Red": http://www.oilpaintersofamerica.com/events/exhibitions/2013/salon-petoskey/acceptance.

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
LEONORA VOLPE
Phone: 210-313-3673
Email: Theartist777@yahoo.com
Website: http://leonorasartwork.com/

Artist Spotlight: Lenore Prud'Homme

Lenore Prud'Homme of Houston, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email your information to Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com

Artist Biography:

Artist Lenore Prud'Homme

Lenore Prud'Homme is of French and Italian heritage, born in Louisiana, but grew up in Odessa, Texas and claims Texas as her home. She graduated from Permian High School and received a full scholarship in art to the University of Texas in Austin, where she earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in sculpture and drawing. Lenore was the first student at The University of Texas to cast in bronze.  After college, the  well known  sculptor , Charles Umlauf  became her mentor, and in the summer of 1969 she was given one of Mr. Umlauf’s commissions for a bust of the Director of the American Red Cross.

Years of modeling and drawing the human form developed her passion for figurative work and portraits.

Lenore was hired by the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio as a medical illustrator from 1969 – 1973. Four years there exposed her to the inner workings of the human form as well as graphic and scientific illustrations.

After a 33 year marriage,  2 children and numerous philantrophic endeavors as a pioneer in The Woodlands, Texas in the early 80’s, Lenore found an old abandoned farmstead in Round Top, Texas and set about creating  her 3 dimensional canvas called the Outpost @ Cedar Creek Inn. Here she fulfilled a hidden talent for restoration , design and hospitality.

Her efforts have been acknowledged in numerous publications and she has won several awards in the hospitality industry.  Her inn was selected by the number 1 travel book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die. The inn has recently been purchased by Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic Couture, and Lenore has set up a studio in Houston, Texas to begin her commissioned portrait work and figurative painting.

She has come full circle and is more passionate than ever about her figure and portrait work.

Interview with Spotlight Artist for May, Lenore Prud'Homme:

1) When and how did you first became seriously interested in art? I started my love of art very early as a child doing paint by number kits of all things, on my bedroom floor. When I had an opportunity to take art classes in school, I was hooked and rather quickly gained a reputation.

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in? I was fortunate to have had a full scholarship in art to The University of Texas in Austin. I wanted to get my degree in painting , but , alas, the department was too avant garde for me and I ended up majoring in sculpture and drawing, hence my love of the figure and portraits. I find myself, this late in life, having the time, now to devote to honing painting skills. My love is oil medium.

3) What do you express in your work? As my work evolves, I am constantly attempting to incorporate the elements that I admire in other artists' works and from study in selective workshops. I am beginning to realize that my portrait style is becoming fresh with a breath of air.

4) What artists/professionals have been your  biggest influences? My greatest admiration is for Sargent and his ilk, who is everyone's paradigm it seems. I am in awe of the works of Schmid.

Gracelyn, by Lenore Prud'Homme

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work? My inspiration , now that I have time to devote to my art, is drawing, drawing and more drawing. Workshops are my interest currently, to learn as much as I can from differing executioners. The model and figure are forever an inspiration.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? Hopefully, 10 years from now, my diligent effort will bring forth a portrait that is second nature to execute to where I can continue to explore possibilites. I hope to have commissions lined up, especially of children.

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art? My goals are to continue to draw and gain a reputation as a fine artist.

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently?  I am realizing that professional artists are some of the happiest people I encounter. Those who are on the journey seem frustrated and must keep searching. I am in the early stage of art as a career, even this late in life, but I finally have the time to give it the attention it demands to reach my goals.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share? I weave my art into my daily life in many ways: decorating, designing anything, cooking, sewing and dressing.

10) Best piece of advice for other artists?  Draw, draw, draw, work, work, work.

Mary Lou, by Lenore Prud'Homme

Madelyn, by Lenore Prud'Homme

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
LENORE PRUD'HOMME
Phone: 713-899-9401
Email: lenoreprudhomme@gmail.com
Website: http://prudhommefineart.com/

Artist Spotlight: D.K. Richardson

D.K. Richardson of Austin, TX, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com to submit your information.

Artist D.K. Richardson

Exciting News from D.K. Richardson:

D.K.'s pastel painting “Evening Prayer” won Best of Show for in the 2013 Austin Pastel Society’s Annual Member’s Only Exhibition. It also just placed as a finalist in the 2013 ARC Salon.

Upcoming Demo: 
D.K. Richardson will be doing a portrait demo for our next Meet-and-Greet on May 18, 2013 in Houston! Stay tuned for more details!

Upcoming Workshops:

    Pastel Portraits

    April 5^th and 6^th, 2013

      Jerry’s Artarama, Austin, TX

     $190  (Plus $30 for supplies)

"Evening Prayer" by D.K. Richardson

    Oil Portraits                     

    June 13^th  – 15^th, 2013

    Breckinridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, TX 

    $220  (Bring your own supplies – list will be 
    provided.)

Contact Debra at: 830-928-3393 or 
debra.richardson@dkrichardson-artist.com

Interview with Spotlight Artist for March, D.K. Richardson: 

1) When and how did you first became seriously interested in art? I was fortunate to have a school teacher tell my mom that I was able to draw and color beyond the level of my peers. Growing up, when asked what I wanted to be, my reply was always, “I am going to be a famous artist.” I’m not sure what made me say “famous”. I’m still working on that part! Art has always been the main focus of my attention.

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in? I was a Fine Art major at Abilene Christian University and credit much of my early knowledge to Dr. Brent Green. I work primarily in pastel and oil.

"Ella" by D.K. Richardson

3) What do you express in your work?  My focus is on capturing the essence of a person’s spirit – that “something” beyond what we see and touch that makes each of us unique.

4) What artists/professionals have been your biggest influences? As a child I studied with an artist, Mazie Sororus, who was native to and trained in Paris, France. Dr. Brent Green was the next major influence who helped mold my artistic vision in college. In the last few years, Daniel Greene has been the biggest influence. Others I watch and admire are Anthony Rider, David Gray, and Jacob Collins.

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work? I am never without inspiration. Often an emotion or something I see triggers ideas. I am mostly concerned that I will never be able to paint all the ideas I have and that will come to me.

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now? I hope to have more international exposure for my work. In the next ten years I want to be teaching more workshops to encourage and help build confidence in other artists. The only thing that holds     any of us back from being what we want and dream of is fear.

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art? I set goals, but they are more in the form of thoughts and role playing. I don’t always write them down.

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently?  Nothing is more exciting to me than being an artist. The only regret I have is that I was not more confident in my earlier years. I wish I had been braver!

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share?  I studied filmmaking in NYC for four years. That time thinking about “painting with a camera”; movement; emotion, helped me develop how I think about my subjects and made my compositions    stronger.

10) Best piece of advice for other artists? Stop being afraid! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

"Sittin' on the Fence" by D.K. Richardson

CONTACT THE ARTIST:
D.K. RICHARDSON
Cell: 830-928-3393
Email: debra.richardson@dkrichardson-artist.com
Website: www.dkrichardson-artist.com

Artist Spotlight: Ellen Rhodes Moore

Ellen Rhodes Moore of Dallas, Texas, is this month's Spotlight Artist. If you would like to be in the spotlight, please email Anna at annarosebain@gmail.com to submit your information. 

Artist Ellen Rhodes Moore

Interview with Spotlight Artist for January, Ellen Rhodes Moore:

1. How did you first became interested in art? I have been drawing and making art since I could hold a pencil. I used to get into my mother’s stationery, unlimited white paper...Yay! This was when I was very little and I got into lots of trouble for this! I majored in studio art in college but couldn't find a job doing art so I got into advertising.

2. Training? Mediums? Subject matter? I have a B.A. in art but that really hasn't helped me. I've taken classes with different artists my entire life and probably will continue to do this, to constantly try to improve my work. My first love is drawing; then I progressed to pastel and lastly to oils, which I find the most challenging and complex.

I love the human figure the most but will draw or paint anything that inspires me. I do representational work although that was TOTALLY not appreciated when I was in college.

3. What do you express in your art? I am an optimist and like to have pretty paintings
around me. I love colorful paintings just as I love color in my home. I used to worry
that my subject matter might seem trite, but now I think that my art is a reflection of
who I am. I am an earnest, sincere, loving person so I am fine with trite subject
matter......parents and children, ladies in gardens, all fine by me.

4. Artists who influence you: Mary Cassatt, Degas, J.S. Sargent, Manet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Malcolme Leipke, Rob Liberace, Rose Frantzen, and Burt Silverman....and the list continues.

 5. How do you gain inspiration? Looking at other artist’s work or magazines can inspire me. But really anything can be inspirational- a music video or a photograph in the paper can launch an idea.

6. Where would you like to be ten years from now? I’d like to be more disciplined about making time for my art. I’d love to share my work with others in a show or whatever, but my real challenge has been organizing my time to make time for my work.

7. Do you set goals for yourself? I need to set smaller goals because I do set goals every year but haven’t met them. Other than broad goals like selling my art to someone other than friends or family. I would like to be represented by someone but I'm not sure a gallery is really the right match. That might be too stressful.

8. Are you happy with your career choice as an artist? Would you have done anything differently? That is a hard question to answer. I wish I had gone to Art Center College of Design in
California for college, which is where I wanted to go but my parents wouldn't send me -- that or Parsons School of Design in New York. For my art, I would have loved that. But I love my life and wouldn't have the family or children I have today if I had taken a different path. So, in that sense, I have no regrets.

My choice as an artist? There was no choice. Loving art and seeing the world through artistic eyes is like breathing for me so there was never a choice.

My greatest good fortune has been that my husband supports my art and has supported me financially so I can make the art I love, even though it has not been financially rewarding.....it has been spiritually rewarding.

9. Any fun facts you'd like to share? The project that has been the most rewarding to me has been my recent “Fallen Soldiers Project”. I paint the portraits of fallen soldiers in the Iraq-Afghanistan war and give this painting to the family. I have met wonderful people and this has been a win-win situation for me. I get to paint portraits that are loved and appreciated and I get to thank God for my talent by paying it forward. And I get to honor the sacrifice a family has made for our country. Plus no one ever complains that “there is something wrong with the mouth”, as John Singer Sargent would say.

10. Do you have any advice for other artists? Find other artists to talk to about your struggles, goals and desires. We share common frustrations. If you keep a list of your goals, you may see over time that you have met some of them. I think it is human nature that we keep raising the bar on ourselves. Regarding my own art, I wish I had listened less to authority figures about what I “should do” and listened to my own voice more. Try not to compare yourself to others but compare yourself to your own work. Look for improvement in your own work over time to feel more satisfaction and less dissatisfaction.

Contact Information:
Ellen Rhodes Moore
Dallas, TX
http://www.ellenmooreart.com/