News from Ann Kraft Walker

We are so proud of our very own Woodlands artist, Ann Kraft Walker! If you have not heard her name yet, you will! She has been very successful as of late, and is a living testament that hard work pays off! Congrats, Annie!

Richeson 75 Online Still Life/Floral - 3rd place- "The Dancing Chair"

"The Dancing Chair" by Ann Kraft Walker

Brian Neher's You Be The Judge - finalist - "The Visitor"  (voting for Grand Prize begins June 3rd)

NOAPS International Online Show - two paintings juried into the show - "In Remembrance" and "But Now I See"

AWA Online Competition - 3rd place - "A Velvet Gaze"

ARC Salon - Finalists - "Never Fails" and "The Visitor"

Salon International - three paintings  - Jury's Top 60, "In Remembrance" - Honorable Mention awarded by Max Ginsburg, and two paintings sold!

"In Remembrance" by Ann Kraft Walker

"Never Fails," by Ann Kraft Walker

April 2013 BoldBrush - finalist - "Psalm 149:3"

OPA National Juried Exhibition - "My Bird"  juried into the show.

NEW GALLERY REPRESENTATION: Ann is now represented by InSight Gallery, starting with the fall show. 

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/

News from Carol Devereaux

A big Texas shout-out to Dallas Portrait Society member, Carol Devereaux, who won a Purchase Award and Best of Show at the Richardson Civic Art Society's 47th Regional Juried Art Exhibition for her pastel portrait, "Expecting!"

To visit the RCAS website and see the list of winners, click this link: http://www.richardson-arts.org/archives/2013-RegionalShow/2013-RegionalShow.html

Congrats to Carol - it is very exciting to see a portrait win Best of Show!

"Expecting!" by Carol Devereaux

News from Rail Station Studios and Gallery in Plano

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's College of Visual and Performing Arts and the UMHB Department of Art are pleased to present DILLARD3 an exhibition featuring the artwork of three creative cousins who have a special connection with UMHB, Doug Dillard, Don Dillard, and Gene Dillard. An Opening Reception will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m.   The exhibit opens on May 16 and continues through June 26, 2013, at the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts Art Gallery. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts is located on the corner of 9th and Shine streets on the UMHB campus, Belton, Texas. Admission is free.  About Us Gene Dillard Gene is a native of Bartlett, Texas, and graduated from Bartlett High School. He attended Baylor University, received a Bachelors Degree in Art from the University of Texas at Austin and a Degree in Fine Art from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. In addition to a life-long pursuit of fine art and painting, he engaged in a long career with major advertising agencies. Gene's mother, Ellen Ford Dillard, attended UMHB in 1927. His two sisters, Margaret Dillard Burns Behrens and Janis Dillard McMullen, graduated with degrees in music in the 1960s. And his wife's sister, Sue Allen May, also attended UMHB in the 1960s.     "Louise" Oil on Canvas 30 x 40   Click here to see more samples Don Dillard Don is a native of Temple, Texas. He graduated from Temple High School as well as Temple College, prior to attending the Texas A&M College of Architecture. He met his future wife, Camille Munk, on a blind date at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor while working for a Temple architect. They married a year later and lived in College Station while he completed his studies. Camille received her degree from UMHB and has been an active alumni since her graduation. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees.         "Stagecoach Inn" Watercolor 11 x 14     Click here to see more samples Doug Dillard Doug is native of Temple, Texas. He graduated from Temple High School, Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He collected many honors as a pioneer in church public relations and communications but is best known for his "Brother Blotz" cartoons and 30 years as editorial cartoonist for The Baptist Standard. He returned to his Bell County roots in 2007 to marry JoAn Musick-Dillard 72 years after she turned down his first proposal when they were 5-year-old neighbors. JoAn, a long-time trustee and benefactor of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, was awarded honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in 1995.       "Bro. Blotz" Pen and Ink 11 x 8.5     Click here to see more samples For more information, contact Gene Dillard 214-403-9171 info@railstationstudios.com   www.railstationstudios.com   Note: Gene also exhibits at Griffith Fine Art Gallery in Salado.

The Unveiling of the Plano Downtown Face-to-Face Portrait Collection (Click to see story in Plano Profile Magazine)   Took place Saturday, May 11 at the ArtCentre of Plano The ArtCentre of Plano is located at 901 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074 The Historic Downtown Plano Association, with a goal to highlight and bring attention to the character and personality the exciting downtown Plano district, has sponsored this year long project. The Assistance Center of Collin County is the designated charity for the downtown association and will be the beneficiary of the sale of the portraits. The reception on May 11 included a presentation of the portraits by oil painter Gene Dillard and photographer Gaby Pruitt of Downtown Plano's Rail Station Studios, the creators of the portraits. Remarks were offered by Frank Turner, Deputy City Manager of Plano; Bonnie Shea, President of the Historical Downtown Plano Association; Chief Brain Crawford, Plano Fire Department Chief; and Tanya Sastoque, Executive Direct or of the Assistance Center of Colin County. Portraits of each of these individuals are also subjects in the exhibition. Gene Dillard Rail Station Studios                                1013  15th Place #101 Historic Downtown Plano  (See map below) 214-403-9171    Portraits by Gene Dillard and Gaby Puritt    Scroll down to view a selection of samples of "Downtown Face-to-Face" portraits   by Gene Dillard and Gaby Pruitt  Jeff Sparks, Ye Ole Butcher Shop 20" x 16" Photogaphy by Gaby Pruitt       Judy Jackson, Cobweb Antiques  20" x 16" Oil on Canvas      by Gene Dillardael uses a unique  DON MULLINS        Derrick and Angela   Angela's on the Crosswalk 20" x 16" Sepia Photograph by Gaby Pruitt          Frank Turner, Deputy City Manager of Plano  Oil on Canvas 20" x 16" by Gene Dillard   Tanya Sastoque, Executive Director Assistance Center of Collin County  Color Photography by Gaby Pruitt    Brian Crawford, Fire Chief Plano Fire Department  Oil on canvas  20 x 16  by Gene Dillard Rail Station Studio / Gallery   We hope you will visit our studio gallery at your convenience. Our hours are "by chance or by appointment." So, you may want to give us a call just to be sure we're open when you visit.   214-403-9171             www.railstationstudios.com   Visit Rail Station Studios any time and enjoy seeing our unique exhibits of figurative art, photography and landscapes. We will also be glad to share information helpful to you in considering commissioning a portrait to honor a family member, an associate or someone to whom you wish to pay tribute. We also will have a variety of exhibitions throughout the year for you to view. We'll keep you posted. We would appreciate your sharing our Facebook page with your friends to help spread the word about Rail Station Studios and Legacy Portrait Painters.

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/

Attention Artists: Upcoming Workshop Opportunity with Judith Carducci!

Judy Carducci Workshop - Combination of Portraiture/En Plein Air 
Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28, 2013

The Woodlands Art League is excited to offer this extraordinary artist for a week of professional art instruction. Dates: Monday June 24 -- Friday June 28, 2013 This workshop will be open to all levels of Pastel Artists and Oil Artists. We will have 3 days of Portraiture instruction with live models and 2 days of Plein Air instruction.


We are offering three options as listed below:

Option 1: Full five days of instruction
$600.00 (Includes model fees)

Option 2: Three days of portraiture instruction
$400.00 (Includes model fees)

Option 3: Two days of plein air instruction
$200.00

This workshop is limited to the first 12 artists. Please email Beth Krantz at workshops@woodlandsartleague.org to sign up for this workshop. Be sure to specify which option in which you plan to participate. For more information go to www.woodlandsartleague.org

We are requesting a deposit of $200.00 be made by April 24, 2013. A deposit of $100.00 if you are taking option 3 only. Once you have received email confirmation of your registration please mail your  deposit to:
Woodlands Art League
P.O. Box 7234
The Woodlands Texas 77387

Workshop needs to be paid in full by May 24, 2013

Listed in Who's Who in American Art, Judith Carducci has received international recognition as one of today's best portrait painters. Her work has been shown in such venues as The National Arts Club and the Salmagundi Club in New York City, the Cahoon Museum of American Art, and the Butler Institute of American Art. She has been featured in International Artist, Pastel Artist International, American Artist, The Pastel Journal, The Artist's Magazine, and the books, Best of Portrait Painting and Best of Pastel (North Light Books), "100 Ways to Paint People" (International Artist), and Portrait Highlights (American Artist). She is one of two Americans featured in the book Paint! Portrait and Figure by the Swiss publisher RotoVision, and her painting, "Xanadu," was selected as one of the "best of the best" by the former curator of the Smithsonian Institute's Renwick Gallery for the art book Beautiful Things (Guild). Her work is in collections in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Israel, Europe and South Africa. Her paintings have won Best of Show, Award of Excellence, First Place, Award of Merit, and purchase awards at international and national shows and competitions. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America (board & faculty), Pastel Society of America (signature member), Degas Pastel Society, American Artists Professional League, International Association of Pastel Societies, Cincinnati Art Club, Salmagundi Club, Akron Society of Artists and Hudson Society of Artists. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

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