Portfolio | Artistic Excellence 2018: Meet the Finalists

This story was featured in the December 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2018 digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

Susan Nall | Texas

Susan Nall, Juicy, oil, 24 x 48.

Susan Nall, Juicy, oil, 24 x 48.

What inspired this artwork? I was painting late in the afternoon and had been eating Cuties (small oranges). The afternoon light was coming through the orange and its sections. I was immediately inspired by the light and wanted to paint this tiny fruit in a large format.

Where did you study art? I decided to paint when I was in my late 30s. I had a degree in business education, so I went back to Texas Tech University to do graduate work in drawing and design. I furthered my skills through different art schools, including the  Scottsdale Artists’ School.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I have been blessed with recognition, honors, and awards in pastel, watercolor, and oil. I have also been a finalist in the Artist’s Magazine competition three times.

What are your goals for the future? I paint what I like and plan to continue this. My goal is to paint light and nuances that bring emotion to a painting. I want to make a painting that stops a person in their tracks and makes them want to see the painting again and again to reconnect.

Where can collectors find your work? I will be in the Art on the Llano Estacado Art Exhibition and Sale at the Museum of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX, in April. I also have an online gallery, www.52ndstreetgallery.com.

Josh LaBenne | Wyoming

Josh LaBenne, Rougher and Tougher, oil, 36 x 48.

Josh LaBenne, Rougher and Tougher, oil, 36 x 48.

What inspired this artwork? This painting was inspired by an experience I had while fishing on the Snake River. This bull bison decided he owned the road, and I did not try to argue the matter! It took 15 to 20 minutes before he got bored and cleared off the road. My goal was to capture the power and presence of these animals.

Where did you study art? I studied art first by working with my father, who introduced me to art and taught me most of what I know about carving (I also create wildlife sculpture) and much more. Later I took classes and workshops at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and other schools.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? Getting to meet great people and some of my favorite artists through my career has been inspirational! Some unique opportunities come along now and then to closely study the wildlife subjects that I enjoy painting, and they have been a big highlight as well.

What are your goals for the future? I’d like to reach people with my art, and I hope to inspire a few the way I have been inspired by my favorite artists. I hope to continue to make a living doing what I love.

Where can collectors find your work? At my website, www.joshlabenne.com.

Mason Mansung Kang | South Korea

Mason Mansung Kang, Sunset at the Pier, oil, 14 x 18.

Mason Mansung Kang, Sunset at the Pier, oil, 14 x 18.

What inspired this artwork? I liked how the objects appeared in the dramatic and harmonious balance of light and shadows. My goal is to express not only the subjects but also the feelings and emotions I have at the site. Many people do not truly realize or recognize how the world we live in is so beautiful, even though it is always near us. I want to make them realize the true beauty of it and how we are so happy to be in it.

Where did you study art? I studied painting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and earned a Masters of Fine Art degree in 2016.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I retired from business in 2013 at the age of 60 and challenged myself with getting my master’s degree in 2014, as it was my dream since I was very young.

What are your goals for the future? My goal is to satisfy myself with my paintings. Ultimately I want to make viewers feel the same warmth and happiness with me in the face of the beautiful nature and surroundings of the world we are living in.

Where can collectors find your work? Two online galleries represent my paintings: Manhattan Arts International and Artsy Shark.

Ann Meyer | Wisconsin

Ann Meyer, Summer Clouds Before Sunset, Trenton, Wisconsin, acrylic ink, 13 x 20.

Ann Meyer, Summer Clouds Before Sunset, Trenton, Wisconsin, acrylic ink, 13 x 20.

What inspired this artwork? A storm had passed through, and the sunset was casting an orange glow on the top of immense clouds over farm fields. The pointillism technique I use with acrylic ink works well to capture dramatic atmospheric elements in a landscape, so I wanted to see how I could interpret all the color, value, and intensity variations in the clouds and landscape.

Where did you study art? Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, then briefly at UCLA, and some graduate work at Arizona State University before getting a scholarship to attend Rosary Graduate School of Art in Florence. But one of the greatest art teachers I had was my high school art teacher at University of San Diego High School.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? Having my artwork included in AcrylicWorks 6, to be published in 2019. My time as an artist in residence at Curtin Springs Station in Australia this past August was another highlight, and my husband and I have recently opened a small studio/gallery in Cedarburg, WI.

What are your goals for the future? To continue to develop my artwork and to see as many areas of the United States, and the world, as I can. I am especially drawn to places that combine the human experience with an agricultural, rural, or remote aesthetic.

Where can collectors find your work? Fieldstone Gallery, Cedarburg, WI, and at www.annmeyer.com.

Francisco Rodriguez | Arizona

Francisco Rodriguez, Braids, oil, 48 x 36.

Francisco Rodriguez, Braids, oil, 48 x 36.

What inspired this artwork? My daughter modeled for me. Her youth, beauty, and character embody the qualities I wanted to express in this painting. I enjoyed rendering the different elements in an economical way, aiming to use the right hue, value, and chroma in every stroke.

Where did you study art? I received my degree in Media Arts and Studio Art from the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. During the following years, I pursued a career as a commercial artist until the desire for creative freedom fueled the transition to fine art.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I have had the opportunity to exhibit my work across the country in solo and group exhibitions including at Jane Hamilton Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM; La Luz de Jesus Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; The Fine Art Dealers Association Los Angeles Art Show, Los Angeles, CA; Aqua Art Miami, Miami Beach, FL; NOVA Art Fair, Chicago, IL; Victoria Boyce Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ; and the Palm Springs International Arts Fair, Palm Springs, CA.

What are your goals for the future? My goals are to continue painting Southwestern themes, competing, exhibiting, and selling my artwork.

Where can collectors find your work? My new work can be viewed and purchased directly through my website, www.swesternart.com.

Victoria Herrera | New Jersey

Victoria Herrera, Symbolism of a Seashell, oil, 36 x 30.

Victoria Herrera, Symbolism of a Seashell, oil, 36 x 30.

What inspired this artwork? My inspiration for this piece was spiritual; it is also a celebration of our feminine self. In Buddhism the shell’s call is meant to awaken one from ignorance and is a sign of victory over suffering. In Chinese Buddhism the conch shell signifies a prosperous journey, and in Islam it represents hearing the divine word. The formation inside the conch is symbolic of infinity. Shells have many grooved lines that lead from the outer rim to a meeting point at the base. The shell itself represents the many different spiritual pathways that lead to the universal center of all life-forms, the spirit or soul.

Where did you study art? I studied fine arts at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia and later with renowned artists such as Nelson Shanks and Jacob Collins.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? There have been many highlights, but what I value most is the great artists I have met throughout the years and the wonderful friendships that I have with many of them.

What are your goals for the future? My goals are to continue learning, evolving, and growing. I am currently working on merging the figure with botanical elements. I also would like to teach more.

Where can collectors find your work? Bonner David Galleries, Scottsdale, AZ; Galeria Imagen, Panama City, Panama; www.victoriaherrerafineart.com.

Robin Williamson | Texas

Robin Williamson, Liesha, oil, 30 x 24.

Robin Williamson, Liesha, oil, 30 x 24.

What inspired this artwork? This painting was a commission, but I was definitely inspired by the beauty of my subject. I took about 250 pictures of her for reference, and there was not a bad one in the bunch! She was a lovely young lady, and this particular pose was one I took while she was just taking a break.

Where did you study art? I began my studies in 2006 with the late Johnnie Liliedahl. I have taken many workshops since then and have studied at Studio Incamminati, Scottsdale Artists’ School, The Ryder Studio, and The Coppini Academy of Art. I have studied with figurative artists including Anthony Ryder, Casey Baugh, Stephen Early, Max Ginsberg, and Jordan Sokol.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? Earlier this year I was able to collaborate with dancers from the Houston Ballet. The first painting from this series won an award from International Artist Magazine. Prior to that, I was a finalist in the Art Renewal Center’s 13th International Salon, and I placed eighth in the commissioned portrait category of the Portrait Society of America’s annual competition.

What are your goals for the future? I would like to do a solo exhibition of my ballet paintings in partnership with the Houston Ballet. I enjoy teaching and love the idea of opening a small atelier.

Where can collectors find your work? At my website, www.robinwilliamsonfineart.com.

Jenna Hestekin | Wisconsin

Jenna Hestekin, Bald Eagle, scratchboard, 10 x 8.

Jenna Hestekin, Bald Eagle, scratchboard, 10 x 8.

What inspired this artwork? The bald eagle that inspired this portrait was living in a wildlife park in Wisconsin. He had lost an eye and was spending his life safely in captivity. I was moved by the vulnerability of his old injury yet inspired by the power and strength he still commanded when viewed from the side I drew. I wanted to portray him in all his majesty, giving him the dignity of a powerful stance.

Where did you study art? I am self-taught. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and have spent endless amounts of time studying art books from libraries and from my own collection. Simply the habit of making art has taught me many lessons along the way. I continually study through practice and hard work.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I was honored to have one of my pen-and-ink drawings featured in Strokes of Genius 8 (published by North Light Books in 2016). The opportunity to share my work in Southwest Art is definitely a highlight, as well!

What are your goals for the future? Sustainable income would be great! I have a particular interest in commissions for pet and wildlife portraits.

Where can collectors find your work? My sales are made through local art shows, word of mouth, and my website, www.thecozyred.com.

Andy Evansen | Minnesota

Andy Evansen, The Lumber Yard, watercolor, 11 x 15.

Andy Evansen, The Lumber Yard, watercolor, 11 x 15.

What inspired this artwork? Although they’re not typically pretty subjects, I enjoy painting industrial scenes. They are full of activity and interesting shapes. In this case, the challenge of painting that huge pile of cut wood was enough to get me excited. There was also a beautiful overall design, with the viewer’s eye being taken back through the yard into the distance.

Where did you study art? I went through the commercial illustration program at the University of Minnesota, which led to my career as a medical illustrator. I later took workshops with Alvaro Castagnet, Skip Lawrence, and Eric Weigardt. And I’ve spent countless hours studying the watercolors of the great British landscape artists, which has informed my style more than anything.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? Winning a bronze medal for my first painting accepted into the American Watercolor Society, and gaining signature membership. I was also elected a signature member of the Plein Air Painters of America, one of only a handful of watercolor artists to achieve that. I was invited to the American Masters show at the Salmagundi Club in New York and the Coors Western Art Exhibit this January.

What are your goals for the future? I hope that when I’m gone, people will look back and say that I was one of the best artists painting during my time.

Where can collectors find your work? Howell Gallery, Oklahoma City, OK; WildHorse Gallery, Steamboat Springs, CO; www.evansenartstudio.com.

George Ann Johnson | Texas

George Ann Johnson, Cold Night, scratchboard, 24 x 36.

George Ann Johnson, Cold Night, scratchboard, 24 x 36.

What inspired this artwork? This piece was inspired by my childhood, which was spent growing up in Oklahoma. Those of us who grew up on the western plains understand what a cold night in January feels like. This piece, which is simplistic in its presentation, tells the story of those feelings of cold, dark, and isolation. At moments like these we all call out, like the buffalo calf, for the warmth of summer.

Where did you study art? I studied art at the Danforth Museum of Art located outside of Boston, MA. I have also supplemented these studies by attending numerous workshops with acclaimed artists.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I really appreciate how people respond to my work, and so winning people’s choice awards is always very rewarding. This year I received two people’s choice awards: one at the International Society of Scratchboard Artists exhibition and one at the American Plains Artists exhibition. These are two incredible exhibitions of phenomenal artwork, and to have my work recognized by the public is both humbling and stimulating.

What are your goals for the future? I want to continue my exploration of texture and color through the medium of scratchboard.

Where can collectors find your work? I am represented by Two Old Crows Gallery, Pagosa Springs, CO.

Pauline Roche | California

Pauline Roche, The Coffee House, oil, 18 x 24.

Pauline Roche, The Coffee House, oil, 18 x 24.

What inspired this artwork? I arrived at this cafe after a long journey recently in desperate need of some coffee! Once seated, I had a terrific view of the big bar, with a mural-sized image on the wall of an old, crowded coffee house from the past. I enjoyed keeping the colors to a minimum and developing the painting mostly with beautiful grays.

Where did you study art? My early art training was in the studios of practicing artists in Melbourne, Australia. After moving to the United States, I studied portraiture at the School of the Museum of Fine Art, Boston, and went to Italy to attend the Florence Academy of Art. I have also attended a variety of plein-air workshops.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? Being named a signature member of Oil Painters of America. Feature articles in Southwest Art and The Artist’s Magazine. Receiving the Gold Medal of Honor at an Audubon Artists annual exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in New York.

What are your goals for the future? At the moment I am preparing for my solo show in May at Newbury Fine Arts in Boston. My goals for the future include more extensive travel and plein-air work and challenging myself to paint larger and more ambitious pieces.

Where can collectors find your work? Newbury Fine Arts, Boston, MA, and Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA.

Sandy Blostein | New Jersey

Sandy Blostein, Dune Shadows, pastel, 9 x 12.

Sandy Blostein, Dune Shadows, pastel, 9 x 12.

What inspired this artwork? Living at the Jersey Shore, I have access to many beaches and marshes. I was inspired to paint this scene while visiting Island Beach State Park one day in late summer. The sun was blazing and casting long shadows from the various beach flora. The textures and colors of the beach shrubs were so beautiful, I knew I had to capture it all quickly. I took a few reference photos and did a watercolor study until the light shifted.

Where did you study art? Parsons School of Design. I also studied textile design at the New School in New York City. I continue to study and learn by going to museums everywhere I travel and by taking workshops.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? In addition to my pastel work, I am also a decorative artist; a treasured moment was receiving an invitation to the White House Christmas Gala where my work was on display. I also have a passion for jewelry design. I was a grand-prize winner in a design competition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Smithsonian’s acquisition of the Hope Diamond.

What are your goals for the future? To further develop my skills and continue to enhance my artistic voice. I would also like to expand my gallery representation.

Where can collectors find your work? Picture Perfect Gallery, Toms River, NJ. You can find my Facebook page by searching “Fresh Impressions by Sandy Blostein.”

Yuehua He | New York

Yuehua He, Girl Wearing Yellow Kimono, oil, 48 x 30.

Yuehua He, Girl Wearing Yellow Kimono, oil, 48 x 30.

What inspired this artwork? I love Japanese culture very much, and the color contrast of the kimono inspired me to paint this picture.

Where did you study art? I first started painting when I was a child. I later graduated from the Central Academy of Art and Design (now known as the Academy of Arts and Design) in Beijing, China. I then worked as a fine-art designer for over 10 years before becoming a fine-art painter.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? There have been many highlights. I have been awarded the Butler Institute of American Art Award for my painting BLESSED LUDOVICA ALBERTONI. I have also been fortunate to win an award for the advancement of American art from the Allied Artists of America for my painting entitled TRAVEL. One of my paintings, DAUGHTER, was selected for an exhibition at the Art Renewal Center in 2011. As an advisor to the America China Oil Painting Artists League (ACOPAL), I helped to organize the exhibition Contemporary American Realism with the Beijing World Art Museum in 2012.

What are your goals for the future? One of my future goals is to master the illusion of color.

Where can collectors find your work? My artwork is available through my website, www.yuehuahe.com, or at www.facebook.com/yuehua.he.

Gail Perry | California

Gail Perry, Maybe Next Time, watercolor, 24 x 12.

Gail Perry, Maybe Next Time, watercolor, 24 x 12.

What inspired this artwork? This painting is about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. I love portraying the sport of rodeo. I had an opportunity to design a commemorative book for one of the top rodeos in the country, which allowed me to view the cowboy spirit behind the scenes and out of the arena. I love to capture those moments that reflect passion, pride, wisdom, and heartache. I consider myself a storyteller, and my desire is to have the viewer immerse themselves in the scene and feel the environment I set my characters in.

Where did you study art? I studied fashion illustration and graphic design at the Art Center College of Design. I have also studied with numerous artists, most recently Alvaro Castagnet.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? As a graphic designer I received numerous ADDY awards and was always proud when I created a positive impact for a company. I’m also proud of my teaching and mentoring; I taught for 15 years at Fresno State University. Lastly, a portrait I created of my father hangs in one of the largest children’s hospitals in the western U.S.

What are your goals for the future? My goals are to continue challenging myself with my fine art and find a presence in the Southwest, Hawaiian, and New Orleans art markets.

Where can collectors find your work? A large percentage of my work is by commission. My website is www.gailperryartist.com.

Mo Zhan | California

Mo Zhan, Yellow Cymbidium Orchid, oil, 24 x 24.

Mo Zhan, Yellow Cymbidium Orchid, oil, 24 x 24.

What inspired this artwork? I grew up in a family where flowers have always been a critical part in all celebrations, from weddings to New Year’s Eve celebrations and from graduations to birthdays. My childhood memories of sincere happiness were always associated with flowers. I created my flower series to share the beauty, love, and happiness that only these wonderful plants can spread. I like to place my flowers under sunlight or lamplight to give them more liveliness and energy. I love to play around with different lighting when setting up the flowers. And I like to use vivid colors to represent the beauty of the petals.

Where did you study art? I earned my bachelor of fine arts degree at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA, this year.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I won second place in the still-life category this year in the Academy of Art University’s spring show. I have also been part of the group exhibition titled Paintcrush at the Mission Cultural Center in San Francisco.

What are your goals for the future? I am a San Francisco-based emerging artist. My goal is to establish a successful career selling my original paintings and to help more global emerging artists to get more exposure in the United States.

Where can collectors find your work? My website: www.mozhanart.com.

Calvin Carter | Texas

Calvin Carter, Buffalo Headdress—Cheyenne, oil, 14 x 11.

Calvin Carter, Buffalo Headdress—Cheyenne, oil, 14 x 11.

What inspired this artwork? A few western art friends and I got together one weekend to paint, and they convinced me to try my hand at western art. I told them that I have always loved Native American culture and history. This painting of a Cheyenne man in a buffalo headdress was one of my first attempts, and I fell in love with the idea of painting this genre full time.

Where did you study art? I studied under the late Jerry Newman at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.

What have been some of the highlights of your career? I had three pieces accepted into the 33rd annual Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, TX, this past May—it was the very first western art show that I entered. I also entered the federal duck stamp contest for the first time in 2013 and placed fourth. And I created four stamp prints for the state of Texas from 2013 to 2016.

What are your goals for the future? I am actively seeking representation from galleries so I can expand my reputation to a national scale, and I want to eventually show my artwork at even more prestigious venues.

Where can collectors find your work? Collector’s Covey, Dallas, TX; Hacko Sporting Art Gallery, Houston, TX; www.calvincarterart.com.

Vicki Penney-Rohner | Hawaii

Vicki Penney-Rohner, Cattleya Orchid, pastel, 19 x 26.

Vicki Penney-Rohner, Cattleya Orchid, pastel, 19 x 26.

What inspired this artwork? I was inspired by the transparency of the petals when backlit and thought this would be a good test of my ability to render realism.

Where did you study art? My mother took me to summer art programs in grade school, and I was hooked. I have now studied with artists all over the world, Harley Brown being one of my favorites, and I continue to take classes every year from anyone, anywhere, who has something I want to learn!

What have been some of the highlights of your career? In my first juried contest, the president of the Honolulu Academy of Art bought my piece. Harley Brown once awarded me first place and an honorable mention in the St. Louis Art Guild show. The Newington-Cropsey Foundation selected two of my pastels for an invitational exhibit. And the Hawaii State Foundation for Culture and the Arts purchased one of my pieces for its permanent collection.

What are your goals for the future? To keep showing people another view of the beautiful world around them! I also want to continue to teach. And I have started working in oils, working abstractly with acrylics on large canvases, and creating flowing, abstract forms in porcelain.

Where can collectors find your work? Volcano Art Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI; Kona Oceanfront Gallery, Kailua-Kona, HI; Fairmont Orchid Resort, Kohala, HI; www.artbyvicki.com.

Congratulations To Our Other Finalists

John Abisch
Michael Aitken
Lee Alban
Blair Atherholt
Suzanne Aulds
Angela Bandurka
Tony Baselici
Ashwini Bharathula
Matthew Bird
Ann Bishop McGregor
Diana Boanas
Yvonne Bonacci
Jeremy Bradshaw
Hebe Brooks
Naomi Brown
Claudia Browne
Laara Cassells
Rosanne Cerbo
Sok Yin Juliana Chan
Karen Chittom
Sherry Clark
Robin Damore
Diane Davich-Craig
Theresa A. Docherty
Kitty Dodd
Claire Duncan
Abigail Dunnivan
Kathy Ellem
Andrea Everhart
Rusty Frentner
Lisa Fricker
Jeff George
Irene Georgopoulou
Bob Gherardi
Shawn Gould
Teri Grigsby
Hans Guerin
Micaiah Hardison
Derek Harrison
Bernie Hubert
John Jaster
Miki K.T. Chart
Linda Karagozian
Debra Keirce
Kitty Kelly
Rita Kirkman
Katie Koenig
Diane LaMere
William Leigh
Janel Maher
Karla Mann
Meghan McCall
Patrick Meehan
Diane Morgan
Ricky Mujica
Eileen Nistler
Brian O’Neill
Carla Paine
Amanda Peltier
Derek Penix
Leonid Plekhanov
Sharon Pomales Tousey
Dan Pyle
Annette Randall
Sri Rao
Patrick Redmon
Michael Ridge
Irena Roman
Alisa Shea
Maxine Sheaffer
Daniela Strauss
Dashuai Sun
Deborah Tilby
Wilf Tilley
Mary VanLandingham
Steven Walker
Carrie Waller
Lorraine Watry
Pam Wenger
Kathie Wheeler
Kimberly Wurster

 

This story was featured in the December 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2018 digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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