Portfolio | Artistic Excellence 2019: Meet the Finalists

Here are some of the 100 entries that made it to the final round of judging

This story was featured in the December 2019/January 2020 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2019/January 2020 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

CAMILLE ENGEL | TENNESSEE

Camille Engel, Daddy’s Home, oil, 48 x 36.

Camille Engel, Daddy’s Home, oil, 48 x 36.

What inspired this painting? DADDY’S HOME is the newest painting in my Trespasser series. I began this series one day in the early 2000s when I opened the French doors to my studio and birds began flying inside, landing on my easel, couch, and light fixtures. The series is based upon the question, “What if birds were to take over our living environments?” It depicts birds and other creatures appearing to come through trompe l’oeil “holes” in the canvas.
Where did you study art? I’m a self-taught oil painter. I work in the indirect painting technique of the Dutch masters, in which the final effects in a picture are built up gradually by placing several layers of paint, one over the other, the upper layers modifying but not altogether concealing the lower layers.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? Most recently, DADDY’S HOME won an award from the International Guild of Realism, and a piece called PATIENT OBSERVER won an award in the Art Renewal Center Salon. In addition, my paintings have been acquired by museums and corporate collections, such as the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Ellen Noel Art Museum.
What are your goals for the future? My goal is that each oil painting invites viewers to momentarily step into my world and experience the transcendent beauty all around us.
Where can collectors find your work? Sugarman-Peterson Gallery, Santa Fe, NM; Sheldon Fine Art, Naples, FL; and www.camille-engel.com.

CALVIN CARTER | TEXAS

Calvin Carter, Prairie Family, oil, 20 x 20.

Calvin Carter, Prairie Family, oil, 20 x 20.

What inspired this painting? I wanted to recreate the everyday life of a Southern Cheyenne family in the late 1800s with attention to detail and his-torical accuracy. But I wanted to show
the family without the whole family. So in the painting you see the mom, plus the baby in the soft cradleboard, but not a father figure. The shield on the tripod is there to represent the dad’s presence.
Where did you study art? I studied under Jerry Newman at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? My western art career has just recently gotten started, but one of the highlights was that the Pearce Museum in Corsicana, TX, purchased a piece last year for its permanent collection. Having three pieces accepted into the Bosque Art Classic show in Clifton, TX, for the past two years has been special to me as well.
What are your goals for the future? I plan on getting into more shows and galleries. I want my artwork to continue to grow and become a recognizable style all its own in the art world.
Where can collectors find your work? My work can be found at www.calvincarterart.com; Lost Creek Gallery, Calvert, TX; and Hakco Ltd. Art Gallery, Houston, TX.

OLIVER SIN | CALIFORNIA

Oliver Sin, Bob, charcoal, 17 x 14.

Oliver Sin, Bob, charcoal, 17 x 14.

What inspired this drawing? Portraiture just seems to be my favorite form of expression. I constantly practice it, not only as an art professor, but as a favorite hobby. BOB was drawn from life; then I worked imaginatively from a photograph. Wrinkles were the inspiration behind this piece. I find wrinkles to be one of the most beautiful signs of a model’s character. Wrinkles are our badges of honor through the passage of life; they tell our story.
Where did you study art? I graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a bachelor’s degree in illustration in 1996. I have been teaching at the academy since 2001. Since 2011, I have been lucky enough to come across a few distinguished contemporary artists as my mentors: Zhaoming Wu, Henry Yan, and Chien Chung-Wei. Their tireless guidance has urged me to put greater efforts into capturing fleeting hu-man expressions and creating precise compositions in portraits.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? My first instructional art book, Drawing the Head for Artists, was published by Rockport Publishers in August, and BOB won an Exceptional Merit award in the Portrait Society of America’s international portrait competition in April.
What are your goals for the future? To teach international portrait workshops and create more timeless, soulful portrait drawings.
Where can collectors find your work? www.instagram.com/oliversin.

GEORGE ANN JOHNSON | TEXAS

George Ann Johnson, Pride of the Prairie, scratchboard, 36 x 24.

George Ann Johnson, Pride of the Prairie, scratchboard, 36 x 24.

What inspired this artwork? I have always been impressed with the North American bison and the time when they were free to roam across the prairies and forests. If you read the historic writings that document the thundering noise of herds stampeding across the plains, how can one not be humbled by God’s creations?
Where did you study art? My fine-art career began with my studies at the Danforth Art Museum in Massachusetts. This was complemented by numerous workshops and many hours working in my studio to achieve my perception of defining art.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? I have won many People’s Choice awards, and that is always rewarding. Trained artists who become judges are not necessarily free thinkers. As such, when I connect with the public, it is redemption that artistic detail is appreciated.
What are your goals for the future? My goals have always remained true: working to produce the spiritual connection of man with nature through art. I focus on textures and allowing the soul of my subject to be expressed through my art. My goal is not to provide viewers with a “gallery” ex-perience, but to have them experience never-ending exploration and enjoyment.
Where can collectors find your work? The Fredericksburg Good Art Company, Fredericksburg, TX; Two Old Crows Gallery, Pagosa Springs, CO; and www.gajart.com.

DEBRA SINDT | COLORADO

Debra Sindt, Baby’s First Snow, oil, 12 x 16.

Debra Sindt, Baby’s First Snow, oil, 12 x 16.

What inspired this painting? On a frigid February day, more than 20 degrees below zero, I was on a photo shoot thinking, “I’m crazy for being out in this kind of weather.” My labor was not in vain though, because I was able to photograph this cougar cub peeking out from the surrounding rocks, intently watching the gently falling snow. The look in its eyes was precious. It was one of those special moments that captured my heart, and I instantly knew it had to be a painting.
Where did you study art? I have had the privilege of working with and being inspired by some of the best wildlife and landscape artists in the world, including Jan Martin McGuire, John and Suzie Seerey-Lester, John Banovich, Jay Moore, and Daniel Smith.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? I was a two-time winner of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Featured Artist of the Year award. Also, I was offered representation at Manitou Galleries in Santa Fe, NM.
What are your goals for the future? I want to continue pushing myself to capture the heart and soul of wildlife in unexpected, heart-stopping ways. I want to capture those moments that leave us breathless and in awe of the magnificent wildlife around us.
Where can collectors find your work? Manitou Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and www.debrasindt.com.

ANN JAMES MASSEY | FRANCE

Ann James Massey, The Connoisseur, oil, 16 x 20.

Ann James Massey, The Connoisseur, oil, 16 x 20.

What inspired this painting? For years, I had in mind to paint or draw the Médici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. I considered numerous ideas and models who posed for me. Finally I asked my better half, Henri Bérenger, to pose as an artist. It took me a few more days to decide that the second figure must be a child. Many times, I’ve been drawing in the gardens and turned my head to discover a youngster silently and solemnly contemplating my efforts.
Where did you study art? My formal training included classes at the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Art Academy, Ramon Froman School of Art, Paris American Academy, and Schuler School of Fine Art, plus a few workshops. Additionally, I have done intensive self-study of anatomy and of masterpieces in the museums of the world.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? After learning the old masters technique, I entered my first small painting in my local art association’s exhibition and won Best of Show. Also, I was one of the 34 artists initially designated as Living Masters by the Art Renewal Center in 2003.
What are your goals for the future? One of my favorite quotes is, “may the best of the past be the worst of the future.” My goal is that my best work is in front of me.
Where can collectors find your work? www.annjamesmassey.com.

PATSY LINDAMOOD | TEXAS

Patsy Lindamood, Jaguar With a Twist, pastel, 18 x 24.

Patsy Lindamood, Jaguar With a Twist, pastel, 18 x 24.

What inspired this painting? I’m a math geek, and the mathematical foundations of the patterns of fur, feathers, fins, scales, and so on present me with challenging puzzles. In this piece, the puzzle was to accurately depict the way the jaguar’s fur patterns change as they wrap around his strong musculature, as well as in and out of the strong sunlight beaming down on him.
Where did you study art? I am self-taught, having taken up art well into my adulthood. Early on, I did tons of research on colored pencil and pastel techniques. Additionally, I have taken advantage of many opportunities to study with artists whose work I admire.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? Having my work recognized many times in multiple art competitions; achieving the designations of Signature Artist with the Pastel Society of America, Master Pastelist with the International Association of Pastel Societies, and Signa-ture Member with the Society of Animal Artists; and being included in several exhibitions with the International Guild of Realism as a Signature Member.
What are your goals for the future? To build a body of collectors for my cutting and rodeo works, as well as to grow my commission work in people and pet portraiture. And I have a few more key annual exhibitions that I aspire to be accepted into.
Where can collectors find your work? www.lindamoodart.com. I have a large solo exhibition at the Breckenridge Fine Arts Center in Breckenridge, TX, opening on January 17.

PETER BUCKS | ILLINOIS

Peter Bucks, Iron Ox, oil, 18 x 24.

Peter Bucks, Iron Ox, oil, 18 x 24.

What inspired this painting? I was in Florida for an art show, and I decided to walk through the harbors. This particular shrimp boat stuck out like a sore thumb—its heavy iron hull, the rust dripping over the turquoise color. My first thought was how it reminded me of the fishing boat in the movie Jaws! The light was just right, a bit overcast with the sun starting to lower. I sat down to do a sketch as well as take a few notes and photos for a future painting.
Where did you study art? I studied at Ray College of Design in Chicago during the early 1990s. While there I was trained by several great artists, in particular an artist named Bruno Surdo. Bruno’s own training came from Richard Lack, who had studied with R.H. Ives Gammell.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? To name a couple of current highlights, I just had a painting juried into the 106th annual Allied Artists of America show at the Salmagundi Club in New York City and another painting in the 2019 National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society national exhibition.
What are your goals for the future? I want to become more publicly recognizable in the fine-art world, and eventually I would like to pass my training on to others who want to learn how to paint as I did.
Where can collectors find your work? www.peterbucks.com.

TOBI CLEMENT | NEW MEXICO

Tobi Clement, He Cannot Resist, pastel, 22 x 18.

Tobi Clement, He Cannot Resist, pastel, 22 x 18.

What inspired this painting? My love of a very special national wildlife refuge called the Bosque del Apache. It’s a place of refuge for many winter migratory birds, especially geese and cranes. As an artistic storyteller, I must develop an intimate connection to the living rhythm of a place over time, observing and experiencing the patterns of light, colors, and sounds that make it so special.
Where did you study art? I began painting 10 years ago. What began as a hobby developed into a full-blown passion. I took workshops from many pastel greats, gleaning bits from each, and then focused on finding my own way of expression through pastels.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? Southwest Art included me in its May 2018 issue as an Artist to Watch. This led to representation at a Santa Fe gallery and a two-page editorial in The Santa Fean. This past year I was featured in a French pastel magazine, and I have been invited to the fourth annual International Pastel Exhibition.
What are your goals for the future? My vision is for painting to be my next career. It allows me to give voice to my love and respect for the importance of the landscape and wildife on our planet.
Where can collectors find your work? Canyon Road Contemporary Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, and www.tobiclementartist.com.

PAUL MURRAY | NEW MEXICO

Paul Murray, Service, oil, 56 x 40.

Paul Murray, Service, oil, 56 x 40.

What inspired this painting? My paintings feel more like questions than statements. SERVICE has an irresistable patina, starting with: Why is it here in downtown Mora, NM, and how did it get here? Is it a worthy icon of the 90 percent of life we pay so little attention to? Learning how to see things like this old gas tank, and make sense of it, are still the most difficult parts, to me, of being a useful artist.
Where did you study art? I spent three years at Eastern New Mexico University studying graphic design. I transferred to the University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in fine art. The digital revolution of the late 1980s was very seductive; nevertheless, I left graphic design in the mid-1990s to be a fine artist.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? In 2001 I won the Prix de Pastel award in the International Association of Pastel Societies’ juried exhibition. In 2006 I won Best of Show in Pastel Journal’s annual Pastel 100 competition. It was also transformative to be included in several Arts in the Parks exhibitions, and to be an artist-in-residence at Grand Canyon National Park.
What are your goals for the future? I just have to keep getting better. I want the last painting I do to be my best one!
Where can collectors find your work? Weems Galleries and Framing, Albuquerque, NM.

DIANE EDWARDS | COLORADO

Diane Edwards, North Dakota Badlands, oil, 12 x 12.

Diane Edwards, North Dakota Badlands, oil, 12 x 12.

What inspired this painting? My inspiration for this painting was the badlands of North Dakota. I was born and raised just a few miles from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the western part of the state, which is full of badlands terrain. The beauty of the park lies in its colors: Layers of orange scoria, black lignite, white and gray fossils, and clay are topped with brilliant green grass or white snow. Growing up, I spent many hours exploring the buttes, gullies, and washes and collecting fossils and petrified wood.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? Being chosen as a finalist in the Sennelier International Pastel competition juried by Wolf Kahn; becoming a Master Signature Pastelist in the Pastel Society of Colorado; and being chosen to write a book about my art for Penfield Books, titled Painting Landscapes of Colorado and the West.
What are your goals for the future? My husband Dale and I love to travel, and I continue to take painting classes, studying with varied instructors to expand my knowledge in every possible way, from historical influences to materials to art processes. I also restore paintings, and I collect art books about painting throughout the world. Our whole family loves art, and all 11 of us are visiting the Denver Art Museum to study the beautiful works of Claude Monet in its important special exhibition.

TRACEY CHAYKIN | CALIFORNIA

Tracey Chaykin, Dillion, colored pencil, 10 x 8.

Tracey Chaykin, Dillion, colored pencil, 10 x 8.

What inspired this painting? As a member of the Artists and Biologists For Nature organization, I was working on a project to support and pro-mote awareness of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Arkansas. Dillion is one of 120-plus wild cats and approximately 25 bears that the refuge takes care of and provides a permanent home for since they cannot go back to the wild. In Dillion’s case, he was bred to be a family house pet, which—of course—did not work out.
Where did you study art? I have no formal training in art, I am self-taught.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? During my short career, selling my artworks and sending them to their new forever homes is at the top of the list of highlights. It is the ultimate compliment when the art you produce is loved by someone else as much as you love it! In addition, I’ve received recognition in various competitions and exhibitions, and I’ve been asked to generate tutorials based on my methods of working with colored pencils.
What are your goals for the future? To continue producing artwork that everyone enjoys and to become a workshop instructor so that I can share my knowledge with others.
Where can collectors find your work? www.traceychaykin.com.

LORENZO CASSA | ARIZONA

Lorenzo Cassa, Summer Breeze, oil, 18 x 24.

Lorenzo Cassa, Summer Breeze, oil, 18 x 24.

What inspired this painting? There is an old photograph taken in 1886 in which Geronimo and other Chiricahua Apache prisoners are sitting along the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks before reboarding the train. They were on a solemn journey where fear, sickness, sorrow, and death awaited many. I wanted to initiate a painting in peaceful contrast to that image without ever depicting the desecration that has enveloped Native America.
Where did you study art? I got my formal training at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? There are many, but one of the most awesome was having a couple of my pieces hang in an exhibition at the Phippen Museum in Prescott, AZ, alongside the masterpieces of renowned western artists like George Phippen, Ray Swanson, Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, Olaf Weighorst, and Howard Terpning.
What are your goals for the future? I haven’t really been selling my work lately since I also work in construction. I’m a heavy-equipment operator by trade, but I’m phasing out of that workforce to concentrate on painting and anticipate advertising my artwork to build a clientele.
Where can collectors find your work? www.lorenzocassa.com.

BOBBI MILLER | WYOMING

Bobbi Miller, That Winter Day #6, mixed media, 9 x 12.

Bobbi Miller, That Winter Day #6, mixed media, 9 x 12.

What inspired this painting? The harsh, hazardous weather conditions that I experienced on a winter trip; the views from the car window were of an austere environment and also of interesting shapes with both muted and bright colors. The combination of oil paint, cold-wax medium, and graphite marks allowed me to successfully convey my perceptions of nature’s textures on a flat surface.
Where did you study art? After college, I studied at the Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts in Austria. There I became more aware that fine art was my calling, but I went on to study and then teach special education. Later, after leaving the teaching world, I took fine-art classes while getting a graphic-design degree. Books, museum visits, lectures, and art friendships round out my journey.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? I have relished initiating an art-critique group in North Carolina and co-founding a plein-air group, the Teton Plein Air Painters, in Wyoming. My career is really a combined interest in art-making, education, family, and friendship, which all funnel into one word—camaraderie.
What are your goals for the future? I plan to accelerate my own art-making via a focus on exhibits and sales, while continuing to embrace my love of plein-air venues.
Where can collectors find your work? An exhibit of my current work is on view at Turner Fine Art in Jackson, WY, from December 2 through January 10.

LYNN D. PRATT | VERMONT

Lynn D. Pratt, Farmer’s Pride, watercolor, 13 x 19.

Lynn D. Pratt, Farmer’s Pride, watercolor, 13 x 19.

What inspired this painting? I went to my husband’s family’s farm with our kids and all the cousins, and they had a newborn calf. It had just been born that morning, and he was so small and curious and wanted us to feed him. I knew I had to paint him!
Where did you study art? I have a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. I was an architect for many years before starting watercolor painting as a hobby and completely falling in love with it.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? One of the highlights has been starting my online school. I post new tutorials weekly and have a wonderful community of people that I love to see create and grow as artists. I’ll also never forget the third year I got into the American Watercolor Society show: I earned Signature status, won an award, got accepted into the traveling show, and sold my painting, all in the same year.
What are your goals for the future? I would like to keep pushing the boundaries of paper size and see how big I can go with my work. I also love teaching watercolor workshops, and as my children get older, I plan to travel much more.
Where can collectors find your work? www.lynndpratt.com.

DAN KNEPPER | OHIO

Dan Knepper, Glitter, oil, 24 x 36.

Dan Knepper, Glitter, oil, 24 x 36.

What inspired this painting? This is a quiet corner of a creek I often visit for reference material. I was out looking for that sparkle on the water, camera in hand.
Where did you study art? I went to Bowling Green University to study glassblowing. Later, as an art teacher, I started hosting workshops for local artists and met some amazing professional painters through that. I’ve taken workshops with some greats like Mary Whyte and Peter Fiore. The majority of my education in oils has come from artist friend Steven Walker.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? Having lunch with Mary Whyte and talking about her career and mine after touring her show at the Butler Museum of Art. Getting into some of the top galleries in the country. Being a finalist for several national and international competitions. Being in some of the top art magazines. One of the greatest honors was being in the Airstream Invitational show with some of my artistic heroes.
What are your goals for the future? I’m excited to be working on a museum show of my Montana paintings right now, and I’m working toward getting into the big western shows.
Where can collectors find your work? Howard/Mandville Gallery, Woodinville, WA; Going to the Sun Gallery, Whitefish, MT; Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder, CO; Hayley Gallery, New Albany, OH; Art at the Mill, Millwood, VA; Carteret Contemporary, Morehead City, NC; and www.danknepperart.com.

THALIA STRATTON | CALIFORNIA

Thalia Stratton, Spring Bouquet, oil, 24 x 18.

Thalia Stratton, Spring Bouquet, oil, 24 x 18.

What inspired this artwork? I was exhibiting my work at a country club in Marin, CA, and the women’s group there had set up beautiful table set-tings for an afternoon luncheon. I couldn’t resist shooting photos of the tables. The room was large and elegant, and light was streaming through the stained glass windows onto the beautiful wooden floors and tables. The blue and white china, the glassware, and the silver flatware placed on the crisp white tablecloths were gorgeous, and the flower arrangements were stunning!
Where did you study art? I have an undergraduate degree in fashion illustration and a graduate degree in fine art from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
What have been some of the highlights of your career? I have won numerous awards and have exhibited all over the country. I also traveled to Cuba and loved it. I came back with numerous paintings that sold.
What are your goals for the future? I will be exhibiting my work in my family’s homeland of Athens, Greece, sometime in the next year, not to mention setting up my own workshop school for adults and children.
Where can collectors find your work? New Masters Gallery, Carmel, CA; Lee Youngman Gallery, Calistoga, CA; Howard/Mandville Gallery, Woodinville, WA; and Dean Day Gallery, Houston, TX.

This story was featured in the December 2019/January 2020 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2019/January 2020 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

MORE RESOURCES FOR ART COLLECTORS & ENTHUSIASTS
• Subscribe to Southwest Art magazine
• Learn how to paint & how to draw with downloads, books, videos & more from North Light Shop
• Sign up for your Southwest Art email newsletter & download a FREE ebook