Two New Painters at SmithKlein Gallery

SmithKlein Gallery has brought in a few new artists. Take a look at some of the amazing works by these talented individuals:


Graceann Warn

Although Graceann Warn’s academic background is in urban design and classical archaeology, she decided to take a leap of faith in 1985 and become a full-time artist. She started out as an oil painter, but throughout the 1990s became best known for her assemblages. A few years ago, a 16-month-long commission to design sets for a major opera production, Orfeo ed Euridice, led to a shift in medium (as well as scale) in her studio work. Since that time, she has primarily been painting on wood panels using oils and encaustic.

Encaustic is a wax-based medium with natural dyes. Graceann’s present work reflects the structural logic of her architectural beginnings as well as her continued interest in archaeology and science.

Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is in the collections of Yale University; Museum of Art and Design, New York, NY,; US Embassies in Nairobi and Sarajevo; Pew Charitable Trusts and many others.

"Connect 4" Encaustic 41" x 31"

"Delhi" Encaustic 41" x 31"

"Destination" Encaustic 32" x 62"

"Interloper" Encaustic 41" x 31"

"Rain" Encaustic 41" x 31"

Garmish

After college graduation Michael had to serve 3 years in the Soviet army. During his 1st vacation, he came to his hometown and visited his art college. As he was walking out, he spotted a beautiful girl on the bus stop by the college, which showed him a cold shoulder when he tried to approach her. As he says, "for me, it was love at first sight." Michael took a taxicab to follow the bus and saw where she lived. When it got dark, instead of going back to the army like he was obligated to, Michael started painting the portrait of the girl on the wall of the building her window faced. When morning came, Inessa saw her beautiful self, painted on a wall of a 4 story brown brick building. Michael, however, was not standing by his creation because he was arrested by the military police.

The next time he had a vacation from the army and came back home, Inessa heart was opened for the romance.In a year they were married and to commemorate their first meeting, Michael climbed the electrical pole by the bus stop and hung a garland made of daisies that his bride wore for the wedding ceremony.

"Tender Age" 24" x 24" Oil

"On the Terrace" 36" x 15" Oil

"Morning Alone" 24" x 36" Oil

"Early Evening" 12" x 18" Oil

Both Michael and Inessa Garmash were born in Russia where they were schooled and studied art. An early starter, Michael Garmash began painting at the age of three. By age six Michael Garmash started his formal education at the Lugansk Youth Creative Center. Recognizing rare, natural talent, his teachers sent his works to a variety of exhibitions in the then Soviet Union. Ms. Garmash, born Inessa Kitaichik in 1972 Lipetsk, Russia, has excelled in the arts since early childhood. Inessa Garmash entered the Lugansk Fine Art School at age fifteen. At seventeen Inessa Garmash was accepted as that year's best undergraduate to the Lugansk State Fine Art School. 

Jessica Garrett at SmithKlein Gallery

"Summer Sunset"  Oil 30 x 50

 

Jessica Garrett was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1983 and has been interested in art since she was a child when she showed a promising talent for drawing at an early age. 

In 2005, she was awarded a scholarship from Scottsdale Artist’s School and took a workshop with R.A. Heichberger.  She continued to study under him, and by 2007, she was able to fulfill her dream of a career in fine art.

Jessica is always evolving as an artist. She has taken workshops from Chris Saper, Kevin Macpherson, and, most recently, Tim Deibler.

Jessica enjoys creating oil paintings that convey the feeling of the landscape through traditional representation. Her inspiration is drawn from many facets of nature.  It can be anything from the colors in a sunset, the brilliance of Autumn Aspen foliage against a clear blue sky, or the pattern of a stream running through fresh fallen snow.  From these Jessica develops color harmonies, value structures, compositions, and designs resulting in her unique style of painting.

Since 2009, she has participated in the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale, and in 2013, she began participating in Cowgirl Up.

Jessica painting in aspens.

Jessica painting on location.

Artist's statement: 
 

"I have always been drawn to painting the landscape.  There is a certain serenity and beauty that nature presents, and I enjoy trying to capture that.  

I like to paint lighting situations that push for nature’s more vibrant colors.  I think as an artist, color is the most powerful means of expression available.  I am greatly influenced by Emile Gruppe’s thoughts on color, and it is my goal to understand it as he did. 

Luckily, ever changing light produces limitless subtleties in color making the learning process never-ending."

"Fall Morning" Oil 30 x 35

Interview with Jessica Garrett

1.

Q) Are there any subjects that inspire you more than others, or are you open to painting anything?

A) I'm most drawn to landscapes.  I think nature is very relatable, and it’s something we have all stood in awe of.

2.

Q) Do you work on location, look at a photograph or create what you imagine in your mind?

A) I do all three. Usually what I do on location, I keep as a study, and then I produce my studio piece with a combination of my plein-air studies and photographs.  I also take a little artistic license to move and change things.  Often, at the final stages of a painting, I'm working from my head, and making adjustments by how it feels.

3.

Q) Do you see any trends currently unfolding in your art - developing techniques, new styles, different subject matter, interesting colors, etc.?

A) I think I am understanding color in a whole new way.

4.

Q) 4) Are you a full-time artist? What is your studio space like?

A) Yes! I am a full-time artist.

In my studio, I have a nice large counter-weighted easel that my Dad surprised me with before I ever even sold my first painting. I have the walls of the studio lined with shelves, because I like to work on lots of paintings at once. And I ALWAYS have music playing.

5.

Q) Is there anything you would like to highlight about your work in general? Do you feel like you have a message that you are trying to convey through your art?

A) I would like color to be the first thing someone notices about my work. I think the main thing I hope to convey is the beauty I see in the subject, which for me is generally very connected to the colors.

6.

Q) What inspired you to become an artist? How old were you when you started creating art?

A) I'm not really sure when I started drawing. I was maybe three. Art was something I can always remember being obsessed with. My family has always been very supportive, which encouraged me to explore my own talents, and my parents are both creative people.

7.

Q) How did you develop as an artist? Did you take classes or read about painting to improve your technique over the years?

A) First, I read a ton of books. Then, I took workshops and studied with professional artists. After that, I read a ton more books. Right now, I still take a workshop once a year, and I always have a book going.

8.

Q) Where do you see your art going in the future? What about art in general? 

A) I think art in general is just going to keep getting better.  Traditional artists like myself build on what the artists before us learned. Art materials are always getting better, and technology continues to makes learning more and more accessible.

9.

Q) What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about going into art?

A) Paint from life, and learn from the best.

10.

Q) What keeps you inspired as an artist?

A) Plein air painting is always inspiring. Looking at work by artists I admire, watching another artist demo, reading a new art book, and listening to great music are all ways in which I feel inspired.

"Autumn Storms" Oil 18 x 36

"Buffalo Pass" Oil  9 x 12

"Burning Rays" Oil 18 x 24

"Dawn" Oil 12 x 16

"Evening Glow" 8 x 12

"Warm Glow" Oil 24 x 36

"Green to Gold"  Oil 12 x 8

"Morning Rain" Oil 8 x 12

Jessica Garrett

SmithKlein Gallery presents new works by oil painter 

Jessica Garrett.

Bio:
 

Jessica has been interested in art since she was a child and showed a promising talent for drawing at an early age.  When she was a teenager she began to paint occasionally but never imagined an art career could come to fruition.

However in 2005 she was awarded a scholarship from Scottsdale Artist’s School and took a workshop with R.A. Heichberger. She continued to study under him and by 2007 she was able to fulfill her dream of a career in fine art.

Jessica’s inspiration is drawn from many facets of nature.  It can be anything from the colors in a sunset, the brilliance of Autumn Aspen foliage against a clear blue sky, or the pattern of a stream running through fresh fallen snow.  From these Jessica develops color harmonies, value structures, compositions, and designs resulting in her unique style of painting.

 New Works:

"Autumn Clearing" 8 x 12

"Autumn Storms" 18 x 36

"Buffalo Pass" 9 x 12

"Burning Rays" 18 x 24

"Coming Rain" 8 x 16

"Dawn" 12 x 16

"Evening Glow" 8 x 12

"Fall Morning" 30 x 45

"Green to Gold" 12 x 8

"Last Light" 9 x 12

"Morning Rain" 8 x 12

"Pink Clouds" 9 x 12

"Rainy Afternoon" 10 x 15

"Sweeping Light" 8 x 6

Gerard Mortier

French-born artist Gerard Mortier will have his new works on display at SmithKlein Gallery throughout the month of May, 2014. Below is some information about the artist:
 

The true Opal Coast as seen in the mind of Gerard Mortier, the great interpreter of light and how it plays on the canvas.

For almost thirty years Mortier's work has been seen and appreciated in New Zealand, Spain, Europe and Colorado.

The relationship between Gerard Mortier and the Opal Coast can be seen in his paintings. Rather than making fleeting moments of his general childhood memories, Gerard Mortier chooses to share his memories of the sea and rocks at Audreselles with the public. Little by little and over the years, his self-taught techniques improved, and he became more precise. By 1970, his first works became known. Right away, the works were successful, not only locally in northern France but beyond.

Gerard's paints and equipment.

Gerard works on his next project

Looking at his work is to experience an aesthetic moment.

Seascapes are what Gerard typically painted in the past.

However, for Gerard Mortier, going forward is a must. It was not in his plans to copy the seascapes of northern France again and again. He felt the need to grow and go beyond. While he admits to having adopted some of the impressionists' styles, he began to move away from impressionism and embrace a more abstract approach. Nevertheless, he never forgets the importance that light as well as contrast play in his paintings. These will remain his main asset as an artist.

More work by Gerard Mortier.

A landscape by Gerard Mortier.

Besides, Gerard Mortier is not limiting himself to a unique source of inspiration. Taking less familiar paths, he becomes fascinated by Paris, Lisbon and other areas. He readily admits wanting to leave behind some old habits, so he can plunge into a different poetic milieu.

In the end, it will be a pleasure for admirers of Gerard Mortier to find scenes of the Bologne area still in his works. It will feel like a breath of fresh air full of maritime smells. The painter promises to always come up with some surprises, surprises we are certain will match the quality of all his past work.

The artist at work.

Bruce Cascia 2014

SmithKlein Gallery presents new works by Bruce Cascia during the month of April 2014.

And Away We Go! Oil painting by Bruce Cascia.

We were interested to know a little bit more about the artist, so here is an interview with Bruce and a few of his latest oil paintings:


(Q:) Are there any subjects that inspire you more than others or are you open to painting anything?

Bruce: I like painting nostalgic imagery. Actually, the more challenging something is, the more intrigued with it I am.

(Q) Do you paint on location or by photograph?

Bruce: Most of the time I paint from a photograph. I've done watercolors on location. They lend themselves to quick completion, so I'm done before the light changes

(Q:) Do you see any trends unfolding in your art - developing techniques, use of color, particular abstractions, etc.?

Bruce: I like painting metallic objects, reflections and brightly colored compositions. 

(Q:) Do you paint full time? What is your studio space like?

Bruce: I try to paint every day, but when sales are down I have to compensate my income with web design and art direction.

Bruce's studio.

(Q:) Is there anything you would like to highlight about your work in general? Do you feel like you have a message that you are trying to convey through your art?

Bruce: I've been painting Chicago Hot Dog Stands for a while. Since a lot of them have been torn down, I'm trying to preserve them on canvas.

(Q:) What inspired you to become an artist? How old were you when you started painting?

Bruce: I always liked drawing. As a kid, I thought if I could draw a dollar bill and change the denomination I could be rich! I practiced for weeks, and then my dad told me I could go to jail for counterfeiting. In the end, I used my talents to create school bulletin boards.

(Q:) How did you develop as an artist? Did you take classes or read about painting to improve your technique over the years?

Bruce: I'm pretty much self taught. At 12 yrs old, I took my first oil painting class at the local Y. I also painted from art history books checked out from the library to learn different techniques.


(Q:) What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about going into art?

Bruce: Paint what you like and be the best at it.

Going Nowhere. Oil painting by Bruce Cascia

Chicken and Waffles. Oil Painting by Bruce Cascia.

Lela Kay "Show in Red"

Lela Kay
Show in Red
February 1-28, 2014


Red has so many shades and nuances that I find it to always be new,
fresh and engaging. The color red is a metaphor for life: it is vibrant,
strong, passionate, bold, and intense, makes a statement and stands
out. When I paint in red I am truly absorbed in my work. As an artist, I
love all colors, but painting in red is really my signature color.

As an artist, my work is constantly evolving. This is by intention and by
choice. I can’t imagine painting the same ideas over and over again; my
art would become stale a boring. Painting is a journey in progress for
me, a chance to explore, take risks, challenge myself and grow. Art
emulates my life, my journey, my goal to always adapt and learn from
the past and move towards something new and exciting.

This red series of paintings represents a new direction in my abstract art.
I am digging deeper within myself, sorting through all the confusion,
reinventing the old me and discovering new layers of relevance and
meaning in my life. I push and probe to open up untouched passages,
hiding others, deciding what inner truths to reveal and what to keep
mysterious and veiled. Each painting is an autobiography of where I am
at that present moment and reflects feelings, thoughts and emotions.
For that reason, no two paintings I create are alike or can be alike.

Since moving into a new studio, my art has taken on a new direction.
The space is larger, with expansive windows, and the openness allows
me to be freer in expressing my ideas with larger, bolder gestures. I am
less inhibited and more open. Painting and creating has been a life long
passion and necessity. I am always painting and creating something
new, always thinking about the next painting.