Spotlight | American Impressionist Society

Scottsdale, AZ
Trailside Galleries, October 1-29

Sheryl Knight, Evening Cypress, oil, 16 x 20.

This story was featured in the October 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story

Cypress trees against a pink sky, a vintage general store, and two cowboys tying horses to a fencepost—these are a few of the scenes that greet visitors to the American Impressionist Society’s National Juried Exhibition at Trailside Galleries in Scottsdale, AZ, this month. The opening reception and awards presentation takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. About 200 paintings are on display. Here we introduce you to a few of the artists participating in the show.

Arizona artist CJ Lukacsik’s deep love of nature inspires her landscape works, and her figurative paintings sometimes originate from excursions to far-flung destinations. For Nevada painter Diane Eugster, the magic of art is in finding something beautiful in unexpected places. Carolyn Lindsey finds inspiration for her landscape works in scenes of adobe buildings, grasslands, and mesas close to home in New Mexico. Washington artist Pat Clayton aspires to a Russian style of impressionism reminiscent of painter Sergei Bongart in works that capture the natural and manmade wonders of the West.

Coloradan Susiehyer is another artist who finds inspiration in the West, depicting Rocky Mountain terrain that features snow-capped peaks, colorful wildflowers, and aspen trees. Lindsey Bittner Graham, also from Colorado, casts her eye on a different aspect of the West—modern-day cowboys and the western way of life. The latest works by Nebraska artist Debra Joy Groesser feature a range of subject matter, including rocky coastal scenes, Wisconsin vineyards, and children playing on the beach. A passion for plein-air painting sends Larry Cannon to locales not far from his home in California, on a mission to capture vineyards, golden hills, and the Pacific coastline. Another Californian, Sheryl Knight, is also interested in portraying the color, mood, and light of the Golden State as well as scenes from abroad. Texas artist Julie Davis declares the outdoors her studio of choice. Davis is captivated by open spaces, trees, and rural settings.

Charlotte M. Dickinson, Taos Mission, oil, 20 x 24.

It’s the French impressionists who inspire Florida-based Charlotte M. Dickinson. The cofounder of the American Impressionist Society is fond of conveying her appreciation of the natural world to viewers. Missouri artist Susan Lynn enjoys focusing on the American West, particularly Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. Spring marshes, winter forests, and autumn wetlands are among the landscapes depicted in Ohio artist Doreen St. John’s body of work. Kathie Wheeler creates portraits as well as scenes from her daily life in Wisconsin—hardscrabble farms, serene lakes, and Little League games. Whether Pennsylvanian Michele Byrne is capturing mountain streams in the West or the streets of New York City at rush hour, her paintings are known for evoking energy and movement.

Coloradan Drew Sarka’s intent is to convey an abstract sensibility in his work. Sarka’s paintings explore the effects of light and shadow in landscapes, figures, and still lifes. Californian Lei Q. Min also relishes painting in many genres but is known for her evocative figurative works. Another Californian, Rodolfo Rivademar, often focuses on scenic landscapes in the Golden State—Big Sur, Point Lobos, and Palos Verdes among them. Californian Mikyoung Osburn’s loose, impressionistic works reflect her passion for all things beautiful, from a pile of dead wood to gently rolling hills. —Bonnie Gangelhoff

contact information
402.592.3399
www.americanimpressionistsociety.org

Featured in the October 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art October 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!