WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS… by F.M. Kearney

 

 

My Early Morning Pass got me into the botanical garden hours before it officially opened to the public. The daylily garden, running adjacent to a narrow pathway, was at its peak. With no swarming throngs of curious onlookers to deal with, I practically had the whole place to myself. The winds were light and the skies were clear. I was prepared for a fruitful morning of uninterrupted flower photography at the New York Botanical Garden.

Everything was going perfectly, until a groundskeeper warned me that he was about to turn on the sprinklers.

 

Say what now!?

Within seconds, my tranquil “studio” was transformed into a virtual water-theme park. Huge plumes of water shot high in the air, all over the place. I quickly gathered my gear and retreated to a safe distance, then glumly watched all my plans for the morning literally get washed away. The sprinklers were placed several feet apart, leaving a few dry areas along the pathway. They were the portable, oscillating type – producing neat arcs of gently rotating columns of water. As I watched the water fall on the flowers, I started to notice a distinct pattern. If the water rotated too far in one direction, the flowers looked like they were in a torrential downpour. If it went too far in the other direction it missed the flowers entirely. But, for just a few seconds during the cycle, the water appeared as lightly falling rain. With a renewed sense of excitement and urgency, I grabbed my tripod and carefully stepped into one of the dry spots – setting up just inches outside of the water’s maximum reach. I zoomed into a cluster of blooms situated in front of a shadowed hedge. This provided the perfect backdrop to offset the backlit water and flowers.

At this point, all that was left to do was to simply wait for the precise moment in the cycle when the water was just right.

I was amazed at the myriad of creative compositions available in this new and unique environment. It was like photographing flowers again…for the first time. I was actually disappointed when the sprinklers were finally turned off. All that was fresh and new was now, once again, common and ordinary. I reluctantly shifted gears and returned to shooting the pictures I had originally intended. Quite frankly, it was somewhat of a letdown.

When unexpected things happen, it’s important to have enough flexibility to keep the creative juices flowing. Even more important, you need to be able to recognize them as potential opportunities, rather than annoying obstacles. After all, a lemon doesn’t always have to be sour.

F.M. Kearney is a fine art nature photographer, specializing in unique floral and landscape images. To see more of his work, please visit www.starlitecollection.com.

 

The Future That Wasn't by Jayme Catalano

 

Illustrator John W. Tomac is inspired by the future that wasn’t: specifically the mid-century, science fictional future where everyone would drive a flying car or personal rocket and own a robot. We know now that flying cars and rockets are incredibly fuel inefficient and robots are useless and overpriced. Tomac’s artwork is a whimsical reminder of our grandparents hopeful naivete.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano
Canary Public Relations
www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

 

Check Out What Tara Francoise is Creating

Artpiece: 

“Purplosion”
Gel Pens and Chalk
17”  x  24”

 

About the Artist:

Tara Francoise:
Tara Francosie Mosian is from Portland, Oregon but everyone there calls her Tara, so we will as well.  Tara is new to the art world but her drawings are full of vibrant colors, intriguing and full of life and dimension.    

 

The Artist’s Statement:

“All my art is done with gel pen and chalk on paper.  A very simple approach but the results are intriguing and original.   This is my recovery without my art I would be lost to a world of Darkness.  I want to share it with the world.”
 

To view more of Tara’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Seee What Pete Mair is Creating!

 

Artpiece: 

“Delft Fruit Bowl”
Acrylic
24” x 30”
 

About the Artist:

Pete Mair:

Pete was born in Neptune, New Jersey, which is very close to the ocean.  Living close to the water is something Pete missed very much, while living on Atlanta, Georgia.  It was in Atlanta where Pete began his professional career as an Artist.  He joined as artist group in Atlanta and was accepted into a few local galleries, where he began selling both his original paintings as well as his reproductions.  Pete is born to an artistic family.  His brother is also a painter.  Pete came to art late in life.  He felt that art belonged to his brother.  So Pete pursued music.  These days you’ll catch Pete playing his music as well as creating beautiful art.

Pete considers his art to be somewhere between realism and impressionism.  Pete works with watercolors, gouache, and acrylics.  Pete enjoys painting a wide range of subject matter.

To view more of Pete’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

Miami Art Week!

We’re going to Miami!  And we want you to join us. 

The first week of December 2013, the art world descends upon the sandy shores of South Beach, the bustling downtown of Miami, and the influential art and design district.  Thousands of collectors, dealers, curators, and artists will be feverishly soaking in the creativity of artists from around the world.

The five most influential art expos chose paradise to be the backdrop for galleries from around the world to display their best works of art.  Here you will see works by some of the world’s most prominent artists, as well as that of emerging artists who show a strong point of view.

Last year there were 21,000 collectors, curators, artists, connoisseurs, and designers during opening night; and 80,000 attended over a six-day period.  Besides thousands of people viewing your work, many of the attendees are in a position to purchase your work.

What are the benefits of participating in the show?  Following are a few examples:

•  A collateral statement will be sent to you for your records.
•  We will frame your walled pieces.
•  Professionally written and printed biography cards will be provided.
•  Unlimited images on the virtual gallery corner will be set up.
•  You will be included in our online gallery for one year, without charge.
•  Your work will be on display for the entire December event in Miami.
•  A radio Interview of you will be aired on the “An Artist Speaks” show or the “What is Art?”  show.
•  A sample of your art will be Included in our 2013 Anthology Book.
•  Using social media, print mailings, email campaigns, and other methods, your art will be marketed.
•  Most importantly, we do all the work--- the travel, shipping, framing, set up, marketing, selling, and break down.  We do everything!

 This is an exclusive and important chance to expose your work to people who have the ability to put your career on the fast track. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity!

 
We have spaces to suit any budget and to meet most space requirements.  For complete details about this, please visit www.ContemporaryArtGalleryOnline.com.

To be included in the show, please visit www.ContemporayArtGalleryOnline.com and click on the Miami Art Expo Tab.  Complete the form and submit your best 10 images.  The show’s curator will  present a cohesive collection that ensures the best appearance of artists’ works

We hope that you will join us.

 

 

 

Artpiece: 

“Frozen Pond”
Acrylic

About the Artist:

Sean Koziel:

Sean Koziel is an artist from Illinois.   Sean enjoys working with acrylics and oils.   Sean mostly paints landscapes, but has completed many abstract and Neo-Geo art.  Sean likes to take photos of places of where he has traveled.  Once back in his studio, Sean then tries to capture the atmosphere of the moment in his paintings.  Sean graduated from Illinois State University in 1998, with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art.  Sadly after college he stopped painting.  In 2008, Sean was drawn back to his canvases.  Sean hopes that his paintings convey a mood, capture a moment, or build an environment for which the viewer can relate.  All us here at Contemporary Art Gallery Online, are very pleased Sean found us.  We believe his work is majestic, mellow, and skillful.  We encourage everyone to view his work and of course purchase a piece today!  Enjoy

 

To view more of Sean’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Art In a Box by Jayme Catalano

Art In a Box

The Compound Gallery in San Francisco has an answer to the ubiquitous wine and produce subscription services: art subscription! Just like a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), subscribers answer a few questions about their likes/dislikes and how often they’d like to receive their $50 deliveries. Instead of organic produce, however, they receive artwork in a variety of mediums by Bay Area artists. Featured artists have included ceramicists, print makers, painters, etc.

Image is of a recent subscriber box containing work by Jeanne Lorenz.

Visit Art in a Box to sign up. Click here for more work by Jeanne Lorenz.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano

Canary Public Relations

www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

 

See What Sharon Belle Hawkshawe is Creating!

Artpiece: 

“Death and a Search for Peace”
Acrylic
14”  x  18”

 

About the Artist:

Sharon Belle Hawkshawe:

Sharon has been painting all of her life, specializing in the use of acrylic and oil paints. 

Sharon’s topics cover the most basic of human experience through the use of abstract and impressionistic landscape work.

Sharon is also a published author, (publishing under her num de plum Sharon Belle), of several magazine articles as well as coauthor of a book of poetry, entitled Songs of the Soul.  Her artwork is also featured throughout, including the front cover. 

Sharon’s second book is due to release in 2013, entitled A Soul Speaks.

To view more of Sharon’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

See What Michael Tolleson is Creating

Artpiece: 

“Winter Blues”

Acrylic

24”  x  36” 

 

About the Artist:

Michael Tolleson:

Michael’s art travels between two paths; one more realistic and the other more abstract and soul based. He usually begins by observing and reviewing a photo of a place, person, building, sky or a landscape. The photo acts as a tool to isolate whatever interests him, and in the process, the ordinary will reveal something extraordinary about its place in Michael’s world. These images provide the “bones” of his work.   Michael absorbs the feeling of the image and what develops on the canvas is the feeling on adrenaline! The moment, the feeling and the colors are punched up.  Michael’s paintings capture the essence of that moment; a feeling; a future.

To view more of Michael’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.



See What Mark McDonnell is Creating!

Artpiece: 

“Art Glass Table”
Walnut Wood, Glass, and Acrylic
34”  x  16”  x  29”
 

About the Artist:

Mark McDonnell:

Mark McDonnell is a Master Carpenter and has been designing for 30+ years.  Mark has become known for his custom work and installations.  Happily married for 27 years; he and his wife Laura have five wonderful children.  Mark creates his magnificent work in his studio, which he has named Black Snake Furniture.  Mark named his studio after the mated pair of black snakes that quietly share his shop with him.

To view more of Mark’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

I Just Like Painting by Jayme Catalano

"Untitled"

 

I Just Like Painting

Unlike many artists, Ed Handelman finds it difficult to discuss his work. “I’ve always found it hard to make statements about my art. It implies that there is some kind of philosophy behind my work; I just like painting.” A number of his paintings are also untitled. Based in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, his work is currently on exhibition at Nieto Fine Art.

For more information about the artist, visit his website or Nieto Fine Art.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano

Canary Public Relations

www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.



See What Lynette Slape is Creating!

 

Artpiece: 

“Secret”

Oil

24”  x  36”

 

About the Artist:

Lynette Slape:

Lynette is an art student, working on her bachelor’s degree in art and creative writing.  Her acrylic portraits are bold, zesty and a little moody.

Lynette’s Personal Statement:

“My paintings are my words.” 

 

To view more of Lynette’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

See What Katie is Creating!

Artpiece: 
“Wonderful Peace”
Oil
18”  x  24”

 

About the Artist:

Katie Puenner-Gray:

 Katie  began painting at Luther North High.   Katie attended Columbia College in Chicago, where she earned a BFA in Art & Design.  During Katie’s freshman year of college, she worked as an apprentice artist at Gallery 37.   Katie then progressed to the Art Students League, in New York.

Since then, Katie has been featured in one person and group shows throughout Chicago and New York. In addition, Katie has designed and painted dozens of murals for New York schools, events, homes, and historical sites like the Stanton Island Ferry Station for a NYC Best Chefs reception. Katie has also collaborated with fellow artists to create a “Peace” mural for Lasalle Bank seen by thousands daily on the Kennedy Expressway.

 

To view more of Katie’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

See What John Longbow is Creating

 

Artpiece: 

“Treason”
Manipulated Photograph
24”  x  36”

 

About the Artist:

John Longbow:

John Longbow, who resides in New Mexico, is a professional musician, Luthier “Guitar builder” and Image Manipulator.  John has a BA in Music, with a Minor in Industrial Manufacturing.  John began manipulating photographs while on the road playing with the band.  While in Mexico, John was taught to look at images beyond their traditional physical presence.

John’s Personal Statement:

Through pictures, symbols and totems; I see the spirit of the image.  I then manipulate the image to speak what I see.  I hope these images stop you… and make you think differently.

 To view more of John’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Meet the Makers: Portraits of Local Food Artisans

We enjoyed attending the Arts Council Napa Valley Meet the Makers 2nd Annual Reception and Fundraiser at the beautiful Mumm Winery. Despite the frigid weather, we indulged in bubbly, Buttercream bites, and beans. We were delighted to meet Israel Valencia who graciously shared his unique take on portraiture. Here’s his fun portrait of Rancho Gordo founder Steve Sando.

Article Submitted by:

-Jayme Catalano
Canary Public Relations
www.canarypublicrelations.com

Canary Public Relations is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, branding and public relations for small businesses.  They specialize in working with fine artists, designers, and creative professionals of all types.

See What Alvaro Ordoñez is Creating!

Artpiece: 

“Carnival”
Mixed Media
59.5”  x  29.5”

 

About the Artist:

Alvaro Ordoñez:
Alvaro García Ordoñez the son of a carpenter and a teacher was born in the town of La Peña, Cundinamarca province, Colombia. 

He studied at the Art School in the National University of Colombia in Bogotá. After graduating he earned a scholarship that took him to Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and France.

Alvaro is a notable  Colombian sculptor and painter. 

Alvaro currently lives in the United States with a residence as Aliens of Extraordinary Ability and where he is making an ample cultural and societal contribution through his art.

To view more of Alvaro’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.

 

Check Out the Great Work by Edwardo Setien

 

Artpiece: 

“Spirits in Love”

Applied painted Oils on Canvas, using Fingers and Hands

30”  x  24”

 

About the Artist:

Edwardo  Setien:

Edwardo currently lives in Miami Beach, Florida.  He has been a professional artist for over twenty years and has had more than 100 exhibitions.  He has received numerous art awards and accolades.  Edwardo is a high selling artist, having sold over 200 pieces of artwork.  Edwardo’s most recent themes include the interpretation of the human DNA cells, and chains destruction due to illnesses like cancer.

 

Edwardo’s Personal Statement:

Edwardo says painting is freeing.  He can with communicate more of his feelings and in a shorter period of time, especially if the inspiration is strong.  Edwardo still writes poetry.  However; his passion is painting.

 

To view more of Edwardo’s work and the work of all our fine artists, visit us at www.contemporaryartgalleryonline.com.   Also check out our monthly art competitions.