Winter Plans, 2011-2012

WIP Linda Harbison

It's too cold to go outside and carve stone, so I like to spend the winter months inside painting watercolors. I am always trying to improve. In the past I have used a lot of photographic sources for my paintings. This works great for freezing proportions and details in place so you can study them. It also prevents you from having to position yourself and your materials in some awkward or dangerous place like the ditch beside Route 23 or the parking lot behind AK Steel while you work on a painting. But nothing compares to working from real life. So this winter, while it's cold and nasty out, I plan to set up some nice, cozy still life scenes indoors and paint from them.

People’s Choice Award

All during November and December, art enthusiasts walked through The Renaissance Art Gallery admiring the international miniature art show of 55 artists and 161 works of art, from 17 states and 2 countries. Each person was given the chance to select his or her own personal favorite. At the end of the month, all the votes were counted.

“Morning has Broken” by James Andrews (Bellevue, OH) was the overall winner. James’ other works, “Tobacco Barns” and “Water Lily” also received many votes. Clearly, James was a favorite among Huntington’s art lovers.

There was a tie for second place. John Beach’s (Staines, Middlesex, England)

“First Born” and Karen Chamblin’s (Belmont, WV) “Bathing Sparrow” received the identical number of votes.

This popular international exhibit is held each year at The Renaissance Art Gallery

Art Classes and Gallery Hours Through The End Of 2011

Joop Lieverse's Photos

He will celebrate Xmas on his own way.

Another year is coming to an end. Both the Monday and Wednesday studio hours and art classes will be held this week, December 19 and December 21, but will be not be held the rest of 2011.

Art classes will be held starting January 7, 2012 and will resume their normal schedule, Mondays and Saturday s 10-12 adult painting, Wednesdays Studio hours 12-7:30 with classes at 1:00 adult art, 3:30 Junior Art and 6:00 Adult Evening drawing.

The Renaissance Art Gallery will be closed Christmas day, Saturday December 25, 2011; New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2011 and New Year’s Day, January 1, 2012.

We wish everyone a happy new year and hope to see you all in January, 2012.

Thank You

Thank You,

 

 

 

Thanks to all who participated in our 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. We have been privileged to show and admire the work of fifty-five talented artists during the last few weeks. Many of whom we have seen grow in their ability to present a mood or a strong emotional statement through their work, we thank you, and look forward to many more annual exhibits with you.

 

 

 

Thanks also to our juror, Robert P. Hutton, for his sensitivity, knowledge and appreciation, for all forms of artistic expression.

 

 

 

To the members of the gallery, who volunteer many hours in preparation for the opening, you are the best!

 

 

 

 

 

Lil and Bruce Bowersock: hanging work

 

• Laura Moul: host to juror

• Linda Helgason: refreshments

•  Susan Tschantz: publicity and publications

• Laurie Shanholtzer: posters

• Gary Lapelle: ID cards

 

 

 

Purchase Awards: Villers/ Villers/ Whitley, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Huntington ,WV

 

Ryan L. Carlton, Davis Chiropractic, Barboursville , WV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Renaissance Gallery members wish all of you a wonderful Holiday Season!

 

 

 

Yvonne Wilson Boone

Poquoson, VA

“Poolside Setting” watercolor/ink



The hazy in the background, bright flowers on the table, such an inviting scene. You want to pull out one of those wrought iron chairs and sit down.

Ted Daubresse

Sun City Center, FL

What a sense of humor! Ideas exploding from a light bulb, a TV showing an aquarium and is that a skewed view of the Vegas strip? Each of Ted’s pieces while showing great skill and talent, challenges us to make something of it. Question our outlook on life and the things that consume us.

Charlynn Hulse

Lebanon, IN

What a lovely portrait, “Work Horse”. Each detail tells us this is an active, fit animal that enjoys what he was breed for. A really first class watercolor.

Then Charlynn switches things on us and presents a traditional support or form with a non-traditional subject. Porcelain is very much a traditional support for miniatures, but this portrait of a Leopard is not. Nor is this he portrayed as a fierce rampaging beast but a serene king.

Nancy Garcia

Falls Church, VA



Miniature art is all about the details, in the added little bits that tell the story. All three of Nancy’s pieces have that little something extra that adds just enough to draw you in.

But of course I focused on the drawing. “Mule Deer”, done in graphite pencil is finely drawn. The background, while there, is more implied in lighter values and vague suggestions. You “read” the shading as grasses and trees. While the mule deer appears to be in a natural setting, nothing takes away from the star.

Renaissance Gallery Art: Lillianne Bowersock

Renaissance Gallery Art: Lillianne Bowersock: Ona, West Virginia Lillianne is known for her large florals and stately old homes. Cats In the Window “The Red Umbrella” is a total ...

Lillianne Bowersock

Ona, West Virginia


Lillianne is known for her large florals and stately old homes.
Cats In the Window

“The Red Umbrella” is a total departure from what is expected of her. Even though it is a painting of a couple huddled under and umbrella walking in the rain, it has a light, airy feel. Lillianne’s use of negative space denotes a new maturity in her work.

With a few basic shapes and implied lines she draws us into the scene. The waves lap at the walkers’ feet, and the viewer gets a sense of the scene.

Debbie Shirley

Boxford, MA

Debbie is an accomplished miniaturist. The detail shown in “Bountiful” certainly shows mastery of her medium. The fruit of the still life fills the small canvas, making it appear larger, and more dominating.

I find the contrasts in “Lumberman’s Lantern” far more compelling and interesting. We see a contrast in texture between the worn wood and the rusting lantern. This is only accentuated by the strong horizontal lines, which bring the eye back to the vertical elements in this composition. Even the color contrasts work to make this an interesting painting and move our eye through the painting. The warm reds of the rust draw the eye, and then contrast with the cool grays of the weathered siding.

Bathing Sparrow

Bathing Sparrow

For some reason my attention has been drawn to this little speck of life by Karen Chamblin --, Bathing Sparrow. I believe it's the momentary abandonment of self -- a complete surrender to a brief interlude, which gives me a wonderful feeling of life's source.

 

A young woman from NC, a writer, and her mother were in the gallery at the time, and she gave me the word I needed to describe the moment. Thank you, Michele.

~Fern Christian, Director The Renaissance Art Gallery

Behzad Fallahi

Esfahan, Iran



Perhaps the most unusual works in this year’s miniature show are the works of Behzah Fallahi. He works with watercolor in the Persian tradition. One can imagine these delicate paintings adorning an ancient Persian manuscript, perhaps tales of Arabian knights?

John Beach

Staines, Middlesex, England



Charming.

That one word is perhaps the best to use when describing the work of John Beach. His highly illustrative works remind me of the best of English illustrations. They bring back memories of classic children’s book, treasured as much for their pictures as for their stories.

These pieces tell their own stories. Stories of squirrels and baby birds. Stories of a fox and owl. Just what are they up to? Each animal a character with things to say. You look at these wonderful paintings and have to speculate on the stories to be told.

Judy Ferguson

Huntington, WV

Judy entered three pieces in a series, entitled “America I, II, and III”. “America III particularly caught my eye. The use of complementary colors and opposing vertical/horizontal lines makes this a particularly interesting composition.

Judith E Bayes and Pears

Judith E Bayes

Treasure Island, FL

What is it about a pear that intrigues artists? We all seem to be drawn to them. They are the fundamental shape in so many still life paintings. Here they are the total of the still life. “Scarlet Harvest” is the contrast between the soft red-ripe luscious texture of the fruit and the hard grain of the floor. The underlying harmony of the colors, both rich warm colors and the striking differences in texture make this small painting worth a second look.

Mary Effie Ford

Mary Effie Ford, Ironton, OH

Mary Effie Ford is an artist in a class by herself. Her work is so poetic and tender, it is almost a song! She combines very subtle hues in a composition that leaves a world of interpretation to the viewer. She handles atmosphere as if she invented it! If you could meet her, you would get to know her personality and it is as tender as her work! You must see this miniature show before all these little jewels are either delivered to their new owners or sent home to the artists who created them. What great Christmas gifts and they start at very reasonable prices!

~LILLIANNE BOWERSOCK

Mary Effie Ford paints small paintings with feeling. She captures the impression of places with emotion.

~Pati Payne

Don Watts

Don Watts of Huntington, WV

Don Watts is an artist that is so versatile that he could have been any one of a hundred different painters. He handles design work in his paintings so that the patterns mesmerize the viewer! His use of bold and brilliant color in one piece might be offset by subtle and muted tones in another. He loves geometric shapes, but is also a master at organic shapes. He also possesses two characteristics that many artists fail at miserably.....persistence and dedication to his art.

~Lillianne Bowersock

"A painting should take you to a place you cannot go on an ordinary day".

Debi Davis

Take-off 

in graphite

by

Debi M. Davis

Raleigh, NC

To so may people, artists included, pencil drawings are just for preliminary art. Not a finished art medium. Debi Davis of Raleigh, NC proves them wrong. For such a small work, the depth she has gotten with this very small miniature is a real accomplishment. The water almost seems to shimmer on the paper. The feathers seem to move as these birds prepare to take off. Although little more than the birds and water are shown, the feeling is of a much bigger venue.



This drawing holds it own against the more color full paintings.

Three-dimensional Miniatures

Whimsy seems to dominate the sculptural entries this year. And we are all delighted!

Guy Purcell of Ashland, KY calls one of his Bass woodcarvings, “Deep Thought”. Such concentration!

Barbara Gray of Glenwood, WV presented us with wood-burning plaques that combine three-dimensional work with drawings of outdoor life.

Husband Earl Gray gave us a two-faced statue, appropriately named, “2-sided animal, along with a fine piece of West Virginia Sandstone, reminiscent of the monstrous heads of Easter Island, “Jimmy D”

Again this year potter Brennan Cleary of Ironton, OH graced our show with her whimsical tiny jars, “Venus”, “Vincent” and “Jack”.

Karen Chamblin

Belmont, WV

We all know the rules about composition, and are aware of how bright colors draw the eye. I remember one artist being told by her gallery to “put something red in it” to boost her sales. While this might be a good marketing strategy, few artists follow the dictates of marketing when planning their artwork.



But we do know the rules of composition, and generally, we don’t center our focus. Karen shows she not only understand these rules, and knows how to use them, but also when to ignore them. All three paintings entered into this year’s miniature shows she does understand composition, the use of color and has more than mastered the still life. But to me, and many others visiting the Renaissance Art Gallery, her oil painting “Bathing Sparrow” shows true understanding of just what a miniature is all about. Miniatures should draw you in. Over and over I have seen people lean forward to take in the subtle details of this fine painting. It is almost a monochromatic painting, depending on both the use of value and texture to show us just how the little sparrow looks while bathing. We are drawn into this painting, despite, or even because of the lack of detail anywhere but on the bird. We “see” the story. Experience the quality of wet feathers in a shallow pool.

Both “Golden Roses” and “Cantaloupe & Rose” are fine paintings, but the really outstanding piece in this collection is “Bathing Sparrow”.

Dolores Andrew

“Looks like a place I would like to live”

was a comment made by one person of Dolores Andrew’s watercolors. Both “Apothecary Morning” and “Old Bank Barn” have that almost idealized country look. However, “Sketch Class” will have a definite pull on any artist. This outline drawing could be of any drawing class, like the ones we all have attended.

Dolores is from Baltimore, MD.

Sylvia Jackson

Consistency and competence is what distinguishes the work of Sylvia Jackson of Catlettsburg, KY. I have admired her work for years. But this year I had the chance to meet and talk with her when she brought her work into The Renaissance Art Gallery.

Each of her lovely watercolors could stand alone, but together they create an unforgettable presence at the gallery. “Cardinal on the Fence” “Winter Cardinals” and “Cardinals II” hang together as complimentary works. While each is complete in itself, together each adds to the impact of the others.

Favorite Painting Miniatures 2011

“Gotchya” – Acrylic
Wayne Chunat, Malvern, OH





 

I love the colors and drama in this detailed painting. The painting tells a story and makes me wonder what happens next.

~Pati Payne

Note: I voted on this painting for the People’s Choice Award.

Bobbie Stout

Most improved Artist




Bobbie Stout was a student of both Bowersocks. Through the years, and we are so excited and pleased about her improvement as an artist. Lillianne especially likes “At Peace” and Bruce “Country Road, WV”. Bobbie exhibits exactly the dedication and perseverance necessary to succeed at any endeavor.



~ Lillianne Bowersock

"A painting should take you to a place you cannot go on an ordinary day!"

Barbara Delligatti- Miniaturist

Little Jewel

When my husband, Bruce and I hung the miniature show I decided that one of my favorites was “Surreal Snow” by Barbara Delligatti of Ona, WV. Her use of masking fluid for snow flakes and the beautiful jewel tones hues of the forest makes this little jewel of real treasure. Barb is an example of an artist who paints everyday and is never afraid to try a new media and new ideas. She is a wonderful artist.

Barbara Delligatti- Ona, WV








~Lilliannne Bowersock

"A painting should take you to a place you cannot go on an ordinary day!"

Lenore Long Lancaster-Miniature Entrant

Lenore Long Lancaster,

Lenore is from Ridgeley, WV



Lenore is working in colored pencil, a medium I have come to adore. It takes work, though to build up layers into something worthy of the name art. Lenore has mastered this. “Evening Tie Up” is reminiscent of really good watercolors of coastal waters, but “Ride Home” is a well-drawn country scene that everyone will recognize on an emotional level.

You can tell she really loves working in this medium. And she is passionate about art.

~Comments by Susan Tschantz, Renaissance Artist

Patti Del Checcolo-Traditional and Experimental

Patti del Checcolo hails from South Point, Ohio and has submitted a double entry into this years show. However, each set shows a different take on art. She does an excellent job with the traditional floral still life. Her work shows a vibrant use of color and value, Her brush strokes are sure and well defined. A real pleasure to see and display.

Then there is the other side of Patti, the whimsical side. Now I am not overly fond of chicken paintings. They are traditional and they are popular, but I can’t say I have ever been moved by them. Patti, however, shows a unique perspective on poultry art. Here her personal style of vibrant colors meets a more impressionistic take on the farmyard beasties. “Whos Hen” is a delightfully impressionist view of chickens with bright colors and strong brushstrokes. Taking it one step further is “Who’s Hen”, a total abstraction almost of feather’s flying. Really, these are two paintings that are worth seeing.

Comments on Art in the 11th Miniature Show

There has been a lot of talk about the artwork this year entered into the 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. Just like people the art is eclectic. Opinions vary as do tastes, but that is what makes a great show.

The work of
Behzad Fallahi

Some people like the more exotic art.

"I enjoyed seeing the paintings by Behzad Fallahi from Esfahan, Iran. They are so beautiful and show the different culture and painting style of that country.

It is a fantastic art show and I am so proud of Renaissance for having it."

~Pati Payne

Others enjoyed getting deeper in the imagery.

"One that stood out for me was Levade by Janet Laird-Lagassee. At first glance, this looked as if it might have been a painting of an equestrian monument with a turbulent sky in the background. Closer examination indicated that it was a still life of a small equestrian statue with glass containers (wine glasses?) in the background. The dramatic sky and rearing pose of the horse got my attention, then the glasses made me realize that there was something else going on."

~Linda Harbison

Levade
by Janet Laird-Lagassee





55 Artists On Display

All in one room! That is 165 pieces of fine art!




How?



Miniatures!



Miniatures Make It Possible To Assemble A Real Art Collection In One Small Space.

3 works by
Pati Payne

In a decade long tradition, The Renaissance Art Gallery has hung it’s 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition. Actually, it is now an International Exhibition with artwork coming in from other countries. That is how big this little show has grown! We still bring in the best of the Tri-State, with many local artists bringing their work in, but now it hangs side by side with the best from across the country.



What An Opportunity For You!



The miniature as an art form is one that many people want to hold in their hands like a jewel or something precious. It is a much more intimate format than the large monumental pieces often seen at museums. These small pieces simply beg to be looked at from all angles, to be marveled over and admired. No other format seems to be so personal. These are indeed, concentrated images that please all who see them.





3 works by
Karen Chamblin



The current miniature show at The Renaissance Gallery in Huntington continues to amaze anyone who views it. Miniatures would make a wonderful holiday gift and very detailed paintings are very small (some less than 2 inches by 1 ½ inches). An original miniature from the show could become a collectible artwork. Over 17 states and 2 countries are represented. With 150 pieces of art remaining, the diversity of subjects and styles is amazing too.

Juror's Comments - First, Second and Excellence

The last three awards were probably the hardest. How do you decide, amoung an excellent field just who is best? What pieces are the most outstanding? This was the hard choice that Robert Hutton faced. Mr. Hutton took this seriously, as he reviewed each work hanging on our walls. But finally a decision had to be made.

Second Place: 

Went to  Judith E. Bayes of Treasure Island, Fl for “Reflective Moment” . Mr Hutton's comments are: This watery sunset evokes a nostalgic mood of quiet and loneliness.









First Place

 is awarded to Nita Sue Kent of Huntington, WV for“A Really Good Beer” 

with the comments:  Raw, somber and ritualistic-strong emotional feel.










and last but certainly not least, our
Award of Excellence,

that which Mr. Hutton, in his opinion most represented both the spirit of the miniature and the highest standards in art goes to:

Janet Laird-Lagassee of Auburn, ME for:

“Wood Pile” by : This is a microcosm of restrained hierarchical order—the essence of variety and unity.

Janet's work is truly outstanding. Each piece entered could have been selected for this award.

We want to congratulate these artist and hope everyone take the opportunity to come in and see these works for themselves.

The 11th Annual National Miniature Exhibition will be on display through December 12, 2011 at The Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 8th Street, Suite 20, Huntington, WV.