Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 3 no 5

VL 

Visual Language 

contemporary fine art 

features 

Tony O’Connor 

Michelle McCune, DVM 

Sarah Schryver 

Jonelle T. McCoy 

Sandy Moser 

Rites of Spring, Davis & CO 

Gary T. Postlethwait 

VL 

May 2014 Volume 3 No. 5 

Bob Coonts 

BobCoonts.com 

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May 2014 Vol 3 No 5 

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Bob Coonts 

Contemporary Fine Art 

Colors, as used by the Fauvists, the challenge 

of composition and the excitement of 

discovery impact my work and style. Animals, 

plants, landscapes and people provide a 

wealth of subject matter. Combining a sense 

of warmth, graceful movements and detail 

give release to a style bordering on abstract 

but reflecting a true image. 

VL Cover Artist 

I am developing a style that is unique to me. I 

want something that is different. It is stylized, 

often whimsical, always colorful and hopefully 

strong in design and composition. I also work 

on figurative images and images that are 

strictly abstract or non-objective. 

In 1963 Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts degree 

with a concentration in graphic design 

and painting from Colorado State University 

in Ft. Collins, CO, where he also served as 

affiliate faculty from 1971 to 2003. To enrich 

his years of experience and previous education, 

Bob steeped himself in workshops, seminars 

and classes during the 1990’s. In 1994, 

following 31 successful years in graphic design 

and illustration, Bob launched his fine art 

career. He paints, sculps and dreams in his 

home studio north of Ft. Collins where he and 

his wife Sallie live near a lake with a view of 

the magnificent Rocky Mountains. 

BobCoonts.com 


Connie Dines 

Artful Exposures One Frame At A Time 

Bleeding Hearts 

Peach Iris 

Trollius 

www.artfulexposures.com 


contentVL 

Cover Artist Bob Coonts 3 

Excitement of Discovery with a touch of Fauvism 

Painter’s Keys - Robert Genn 11 

VL Artist Features - 20 

Becky Hicks, Bob Coonts 

Lesley Humphrey, Laurie Pace 

CFAI Colors on My Palette 40 

Patricia Griffin 

Read the up close and personal interviews from CFAI.co Find 

out more about the artist, their inspirations and how they approach 

their work. 

VL Studio Visit with Tony O’Connor 52 

I had studied Fine Art back in the late nineties, and graduated 

with an Honors Degree and a head full of confusion on what 

to do next with my life. I decided that working full time in a non 

art related job would be just the thing to sort my life out and 

there I stayed. 

ARTSPAN.com New Works Blue Fire MacMahon - 66 

Do not miss the new works posted every day on 

Artspan.com 

VL Artspan Studio Visit with Michelle Mccune 76 

Why do I paint The simplest answer is that I have to. In 2006, I attended 

a workshop with John Banovich. He asked us if anyone had ever stopped 

doing their art. A number of us raised our hands .... 


VL Studio Visit with Sarah Schryver 96 

A self-taught equine artist, Sarah Schryver was born and 

raised in the Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Sarah grew 

up without her own horse, but a western lifestyle was always 

a large part of Sarah’s household. 

VL Studio Visit with IEA Artists 108 

David Ewen, Catherin McMillan, Laura Figueroa, 

Barb Young. 

Barry Scharf 118 What to Paint. 

This is a question that has at one time or another been on the 

mind of every artist that is confronting a blank canvas. Some 

know exactly what they will do before they start others start and 

find the answer within the moving strokes of color and random 

forms that emerge within the action of events 

VL Studio Visit with Jonelle T. McCoy 128 

Art articulates the painter’s visual voice; mine is spoken 

predominately through God’s masterful creation, the 

horse. This gift to speak on canvas was born as a part of 

me, and in my maturity, I realize now I am meant to say it 

loud and clear so others can see it too. 

ARTSPAN Spotlight with Sandy Moser 142 

I feel that each individual has a responsibility to co-exist on 

this planet in a way that respects and protects wildlife and 

their surroundings. 


Rites of Spring—Davis & CO Gallery 156 

contentVL 

First Place UK Artist Valerie Travers, Painter 

Second Place Anthony A Gonzales, Painter 

Third Place Deran Wright, Sculptor 

CFAI Winter Juried Show 178 

First Place Tom Swearingen 

Second Place Jennifer Maier 

Third Place Annie O’Brien Gonzales 

CFAI.co Showdown Animal Art 182 

First Place Patricia Griffin 

Second Place Kristine Byars 

Third Place Debra Hurd 

VL Artspan Photographer Gary T. Postlethwait 194 

Each of photography’s many genres presents challenges. Of the many 

genres I have engaged, from street photography to metaphoric art, the 

most challenging and rewarding has been wildlife. 

Directory of Artists and Galleries 212 

In alphabetically order you can easy find all featured artists 

and advertising artists, along with featured galleries in our 

index directory. 


Artist of the Day 

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ― Edgar Degas 

Sign up today. 

Pat Meyer 

Pat’s work is now enjoyed, and collected, by many prominent art enthusiasts from around the 

country. She attributes much of her success to the professional artists that she has had the rare 

opportunity to study under. Pat has studied with Master Artists... Robert Johnson, Qiang Haung, 

Judy Crowe, Daniel Keys, Clayton Beck and John Budicin. http://www.patmeyer-artist.com 

artistofthedayvl.blogspot.com 

If you want to be featured as an Artist of the Day, contact Visual Language Magazine. 

VisualLanguageMagazine@gmail.com 


www.caroljosmidt.com 

carol@caroljosmidt.com 


VL 

visual language magazine 


Visual Language Magazine Staff 

Editorial 

Editor-in-Chief Laurie Pace 

Editor Lisa Kreymborg 

Contributing Editor Lisa Neison-Smith 

Consulting Editor Nancy Medina 

Feature Contributor Robert Genn Painter’s Keys 

CFAI Contributor Kimberly Conrad 

Feature Editor Art Reviews Hall Groat II 

Feature Contributor Barry Scharf 

VL Sponsor ARTSPAN Eric Sparre 

Advertising 

Contact: VisualLanguageMagazine@gmail.com 

Marketing and Development 

Executive Director Business/Management Stacey Hendren 

http://sandymoser.com 

All Artwork is Copyrighted by the Individual Artists. 

Visual Language Vol 3 No 5 

http://vlrees.com 

http://www.michellemccunedvm.com 


The Painter’s Keys 

Robert Genn 

Before I fell in love 

Robert Genn’s 

Studio Book 

While cleaning out one of our storage areas yesterday, we found a really old paintbox. It turned out to be one of 

my first: gray-painted, heavy and substantial, built by my dad for the road. Opening it up for the first time in 

many years, it brought back memories of some of those first hateful paintings I did on it. You see, I had already 

been painting before really falling in love with painting. 

This was the box I took to California when I was 19 and Fen Lansdowne and I visited there. Somewhere below 

Mt. Shasta I set up while Fen sketched birds and watched me from the car. After an hour of what could only 

be called struggle, I showed the thing to Fen and he pronounced it “a complete waste of time.” He was right, of 

course. The work had few redeeming virtues and has long since been deep-sixed. 

Fen and I were both aware I wasted time like that, perhaps fifty times over the years while we travelled and 

worked together. It’s safe to say I got very few glimmers of joy from that sort of paintbox activity. But somewhere 

along the way, a few not unpleasant things had started to happen, and I’m going to tell you what they 

were: 

The Painter’s Keys - Robert Genn 

I started to notice passages I liked that also had the distinct look of something I might call mine. I started 

feeling a sense of pride and ownership. This feeling drove me back to do more and more of it, even to the point 

of asking my buddy to wait in the car. Then I started to notice something else: I was bonding with the places I 

chose to paint. 

Later still, I began to sense a feeling of “event” with each plein air passage in each chosen spot. While I was 

conscious of the mighty hand that created all the grandeur and its incumbent difficulty, I was also conscious of 

the growing power of my own puny hand to do something about it. With this sense of partnership, my power 

began to grow even more. That’s when I really started to fall in love with doing the job. 

Best regards, 

Robert 

PS: Love takes up where knowledge leaves off. (St. Thomas Aquinas) 

Esoterica: That day, while Fen and I were driving away from Mt. Shasta, he mentioned that an event had taken 

place while I was working. A porcupine had wandered toward me, taken a look at my painting and given 

me a wide berth. I told Fen that porcupines might have a poor understanding of the potential of dedicated time 

to try and get the hang of something you don’t know how to do. “Also, porcupines can’t see worth a darn,” said 

Fen “but, then again, not many people can see what’s going on either.” Then Fen quoted Sherwood Anderson: 

“I am a lover and I have not yet found my thing to love.” Fen was quiet for a while. “I think you and I, Bob,” he 

finally said, “are finding our things.” 


Valerie Travers 

Working in Acrylic, Oil, Pastel, Mixed Media Landscapes, 

Seascapes, Abstracts, and Florals 

Glowing 

Kaleidoscope 

ValerieTravers.com

“Painting is a reflection of who I am and what I feel most deeply. The application of 

pigment to a blank surface never ceases to fascinate and intrigue me. It has also enabled 

healing to take place in many ways during recent years allowing me to move 

forward in life with a sense of peace and contentment.” 

Rushing In 

Winner Best of Show Rites of Spring 

Davis & CO Fine Art Gallery 

dandcartgallery.com

CAROL ENGLES 

carolenglesart.blogspot.com 

carolengles.artspan.com

Pat Meyer 

Flower Show 

PatMeyer-artist.com 

PatMeyerdailypainter.blogspot.com

ROSEANNE SNYDER 

Diversity in Texture and Composition 

roseannesnyder.blogspot.com


Oklahoma Equine Artist 

“Heart of the Matter” 

mccoysgaitedhorseartworks.blogspot.com 

mccoysartworks@gmail.com

Anthony A. González 

obra-de-gonzalez.com

Linda McCoy 

Linda McCoy 

Davis & CO Fine Art Gallery 

Linda McCoy Studio/Gallery 

Fine Art Instruction 

209 S West Street, Mason, Ohio 

www.lindamccoyart.blogspot.com 

www.davisandcompany.squarespace.com/artists/#/linda-mccoy 

clairebullfineart.com 

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/claire-bull.html

VL 


Top Artists to Watch and Collect 

Becky Hicks 

Bob Coonts 

Lesley Humphrey 

Laurie Pace 

Visual Language Featured Artists this month 

delve into the beauty of each of the four different 

painters and their unique approach to 

their work. 

Becky Hicks has a passion for her art and 

it reflects her passion for life. Bob Coonts 

travels through his compositions with Surrealism, 

Fauvism often using Methology. 

For Lesley Humphrey it is in the silent, 

authentic, beautiful recesses of our hearts 

and souls where a true masterpiece is born. 

Laurie Pace constantly pushes the edge 

pressing in her work for discovery and celebration; 

her compositions change with color 

and dimension setting the pace for a unique 

painting every time with a new journey. 

Lusitano Stallion, Amuleto VO and Lesley Humphrey 


VL Becky Hicks 

http://beckyhicksfineart.com/ 

Passionate about Art 

Becky Hicks grew up in Breckenridge, Texas. Having spent most of her childhood 

summers and holidays on her great grandmother’s ranch, it is no surprise that the 

western culture is at the forefront of her subjects to paint. She began drawing and 

painting at the age of five and began taking private art lessons when she was thirteen. 

Always encouraged by her family and friends, she knew early in life that she would one 

day realize her dream of becoming a full time artist. 

After studying art in college, Becky married and while raising her family found very 

little time to paint. Several years ago she left the corporate world and has successfully 

owned and operated a faux finishing and decorative painting business. Though 

she has enjoyed creating beautiful spaces for her clients, her passion is creating art. 

Becky enjoys the adventure of exploring new places, meeting new people, and looks 

for opportunities to learn and grow as an artist. 

Right PageTop: Cookies and Cream 24 x 12 

Right Page Bottom Left: Texas Pride 28 x 22 

Bottom Left: Just Bull Sit’n 18 x 24 

Bottom Right: Some Day 30 x 20 


Whether painting landscapes, cows, or cowboys, Becky strives to capture the essence of her subject 

with light and color, freezing that moment in time. She paints with a limited palette, pushing the edge 

between realism and impressionism. 


VL Bob Coonts 

http://bobcoonts.com 

Fauvism Today 

A Colorado native and long-time Fort Collins resident, Bob’s painting style reflects his Western 

Heritage yet is uniquely his own. He strives for an image that is unusual and innovative. His work 

is often stylized, often whimsical, always colorful and strong in design and composition. Animals, 

landscapes, people, history and mythology provide him with a wealth of subject matter. He also 

produces images that are purely abstract or non-objective in nature. 

Bob works with a color palette reminiscent of the Fauvist movement and often combines both realism 

and abstraction in one piece. Coonts’ work has been likened to abstract surrealism, realism 

with an abstract point of view or imagined realism. 



VL Bob Coonts 

http://bobcoonts.com 

He paints, sculpts and dreams in his home studio north of Fort Collins, Colorado, where he and 

his wife Sallie live near a lake with a view of the magnificent Rocky Mountains. 



VL Lesley Humphrey 

http://lesleyhumphrey.net 

The Silent, Authentic, Beautiful Places in our Hearts 

Art was always a part of my life, my father being a commercial artist and painter; my youth filled 

with artistic exploration and inspiration. After 10 years of studying and working in the legal profession, 

I began my journey with art professionally in 1989. Since then, my training has been 

directed largely by instinct, as I have traveled the world in search of art and artists that have 

contributed significantly to my development. I would like to credit here teachers Scott Burdick, 

Carolyn Anderson, William ‘Skip’ Lawrence, Julia Cameron, and my most beloved mentor to 

whom I shall be eternally grateful, Dick Turner, who taught me how to see in every way that 

counts. My art has been deeply influenced by Sir Alfred Munnings, the Russian Itinerants, 

Fechin, Kandinsky, and most recently Diebenkorn. 

Lesley offers a comprehensive, free painting curriculum, online at www.lesleyhumphrey.net. 

She is available for lectures/demonstrations, by appointment. 

Below: The equine works contain representative images: Perhaps a humble donkey who offers up his back for the 

delight of children. 

Right Page Top Right: The story about the great horse Snowman inspired a series dedicated to the ‘Spirit Of Overcoming’. 

Some of my paintings from this series will be present during the preview/debut of the upcoming movie about 

Snowman and available for sale at the Keeneland Sporting Art Auction 2014. 

Right Page Top Left: A beloved racehorse who’s victorious, indomitable spirit wove a tapestry 

of lives together. 

Right Page Bottom: Perhaps a fist-pumping jockey aboard his Kentucky Derby winner. 

Right: “Beside The Seaside” oil on panel 

by Lesley Humphrey 

Below: Lusitano Stallion, Amuleto VO and Lesley Humphrey 


“The Timeless Tapestry” by Lesley Humphrey 

”Escape Velocity” by Lesley Humphrey 

“My expressive works are never about ‘what 

I saw’; Rather, they are orchestrations that 

reflect the content of my Spirit: Gestures 

provide the fugue, lines the lyric, shapes the 

rhythm, and colors the notes. If my work resonates 

with you, we are in harmony! 

I believe that we can all learn how to paint, but 

it is in the silent, authentic, beautiful recesses 

of our hearts and souls where a true masterpiece 

is born. True artistic skill, the courage to 

interpret the images of that place, and bringing 

them into the world for you to experience 

is my goal. Helping you find your own artistic 

voice is my vocation” Lesley Humphrey 

“Victory” The Official Painting/Artwork of the 137th 

Kentucky Derby, 2011 by Lesley Humphrey 


VL Laurie Pace 

http://lauriepace.com 

The Spirit of the Paint 

Laurie’s journey in life has encompassed many careers from runway model to graphic 

artist, from musician to singer, from teacher to artist. She believes the greatest influence in 

her life is God, the ultimate creator and the spirit behind her work. 

Constantly pushing the edge pressing in her work for discovery and celebration, her compositions 

change with color and dimension setting the pace for a unique painting every 

time with a new journey. Viewing Laurie’s paintings is a rich experience that drips with 

color and emotion. Her passionate works are alive with movement, boldly created with 

a palette knife and wide brush. She loves working with oils, dramatically carving out the 

paint and transferring her energy to the canvas and ultimately on to the viewer. Her most 

highly collected work is that of her painted ponies. 

Laurie is a co-founder of four working groups of artists, CFAI.co, Artists of Texas, Daily 

Painters of Texas and the Five Graces. She is Editor-in-Chief/CEO of Visual Language 

Magazine and an associate member of WAOW and OPA, AWS, Daily Painters, and International 

Equine Artists. 

Mirada Fine Art, Colorado The Rare Gallery, Wyoming The Dutch Art Gallery, Texas 

South Hill Gallery, Kentucky Davis & CO, Texas 


Spring Breaking the Ice 


STEPHANIE PAIGE 

La Jolla . Santa Fe . San Diego . Denver . Scottsdale . Napa Valey . Walnut Creek . Lagua Beach 

Resting Sky 48” x 48” Mixed Media made with Textured Marble Dust Plaster 

Visit Stephanie’s Representing Galleries 

NEXT SHOW is at Pippin Contemporary on June 20th, 2014 

Mirada Fine Art Gallery . Denver, CO. Ph.303-697-9006 

Calvin Charles Gallery . Scottsdale, AZ . Ph.480.421.1818 

Pippin Contemporary . Santa Fe . Ph.505-795-7476 

Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery . La Jolia, CA. Ph.858.551.2010 

Christopher Hill Gallery . Napa Valley, CA. Ph. 707.963.0272 

STEPHANIEPAIGESTUDIO.COM

Nevermore 18 x 24 

VL REES 

Contemporary Realism and Beyond 

www.vlrees.com 

www.TippingPaintGallery.com

L A U R A R E E D 

Abstract Collage Paintings 

Life Experiences 

laurareed.artspan.com 

Blue 36 x 24 inches

File #208 Swan-Lake’s-Princess-Odette 

American Sculptor of Dance 

Sterett-Gittings Kelsey 

KelseySculpture.Artspan.com

LEVINE 

RICHARD LEVINE 

Pastel Painter Landscapes Real and Imaginary 

TerryePhilley.com 

Red Roofs, Dubrovnik 

www.richardlevine.net 

Email: artisanrichard@gmail.com 

Davis&CO 

DandCgallery.com

Nancy Christy-Moore 

“Inspired art for the spirit within you” 

Circle of Friends 

nchristy.com

discover art . inspire collectors 

dandcgallery.com 

DAVIS&CO

engage discussion . celebrate life 

DAVIS&CO 

f i n e a r t g a l l e r y 

Established by David Davis and Melissa Davis Doron, 

the mission of Davis and Company, Contemporary Fine 

Art, is to inspire our collectors and guests with original 

works of art of the highest possible quality and to create 

an upscale, engaging gallery where artists of paramount 

caliber can exhibit and sell their works of art. 

dandcgallery.com 

f i n e a r t g a l l e r y

CFAI.co Colors On My Palette 


http://griffingallery.org 

http://www.cfai.co/#!colors-on-my-palette-interview/cy2z 

When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be ‘an artist’ 

In first grade I won an award for a crayon drawing of Smokey The Bear. He was standing in his overalls next to a burned 

out tree. My mother hung it in her sewing room for years. I can still visualize the image even though the construction 

paper it was created on has disintegrated. I knew then that I was capable of relaying my emotion through my work. 

Who has been the greatest influence from your past to mentor you to this career 

There are so very many supportive woman in my life. Each one of them has added a thread to the fabric of a strong 

career. 

Who is your mentor today, or another artist you admire and why 

Again, any woman who is out there attaining their goal and helping others along the way, I admire. Their strength and 

diligence encourages me to press on. Diane Whitehead, Julie Askew, Linda Guenste, These woman offer me support and 

inspiration daily. 

What is your favorite surface to paint on Describe it if you make it yourself. 

Linen. It is a fiber of a plant spun and woven into a resilient glorious cloth! 

What brand of paints do you use 

Charvin,Daniel Smith, Gamblin, Sennelier, oils 

Do you have a favorite color palette 

No. Each painting I allow my palette to reflect the energy from the experience. 

What is your favorite color in your closet 

Black, hands down. With that as a base the possibilities are endless. That being said black is a value, I am the color. 

What subject appears the most in your paintings and why 

Light and energy are the subjects that appears most in my work. They make up everything that I am drawn to. 

How often do you paint How many hours a week 

If I am not traveling I paint daily for 8 to 12 hrs a day. My daughter is 15 now and really doesn’t think I am cool to be 

with. So I paint 7 days a week. I have an addictive personality and painting is my biggest vice. 

Read more at http://www.cfai.co/#!colors-on-my-palette-interview/cy2z 


Hillary 

Golden Arches 

Read more at http://www.cfai.co/#!colors-on-my-palette-interview/cy2z 


Sandy Moser 

Specializing in Wildlife Art 

www.sandymoser.com 

Facebook Sandy Moser Art 

s.moser@ns.sympatico.ca

Sallie-Anne Swift 

Sallie-Anne Swift 

Contemporary Abstract Artist 

“Pushing Boundaries” 

sallieswiftart.com

Collectors Discover New Art Daily. 

International Voices - Speaking Through Art 

Professional Artists - Join the CFAI Family. 

Membership Includes: 

• Personal Coaching on Individual Art Marketing Strategies 

• Heavy Brand Marketing of CFAI.co Member Artists 

• Promotion of Artist’s Work on Multiple Social Media Sites 

• Promotion of Artist’s Events and Workshops 

• Professional Gallery Page on the CFAI.co Website 

• Over 100 Specialty Art Blogs to Choose From 

• Monthly Artists Showdowns Free for Members 

• Quarterly Juried Competitions at a Discounted Rate 

• Eligibility for Inclusion in the Annual Collectors Book 

http://www.cfai.co

Powell 

Suzy Pal Powell 

Lester 

Just Horse’n Around 

a little bit country 

suzypal.blogspot.com 

bluecanvas.com/suzypal

Sanda Manuila 

Allegorical Oil Paintings 

sandamanuila@artspan.com 

email: sandaman@att.net 

Je Reviens ( I Return in French), oil on canvas, 40x30 Oil on Canvas

Where did the Apple go Oil on canvas, 9x12 

The Omen, oil on canvas, 30x24 

sandamanuila.artspan.com

Morning Trail 

Shirley Anderson Art 

Painting Landscapes and Florals in Pastel 

Colorful.Sensitive.Bold 

shirleyandersonart.com 

sranderson0960@sbcglobal.net 

Field of Flowers

Natural Flow 

D A L T O N 

Judy Wilder Dalton 


Finding Art in Life and Life in Art 

judywilderdalton.com 

wilderartist.blogspot.com

Nancy Medina Art 

www.nancymedina.com 

Flower Painting Workshops 

Painting Brilliant Flowers

B LO S S O M I N G T R E E S 

Eric Bodtker 

ericbodtker.com 

Davis&CO 

dandcgallery.com

http://www.whitetreestudio.ie/

VL 

TONY O’CONNOR 

A Little Bit of Heaven Everyday 

http://www.whitetreestudio.ie/

VL 

Studio Visit 


Heavenly...White Tree Studio 

I’m now three years a full time artist. 

I had studied Fine Art back in the late nineties, 

and graduated with an Honors Degree and a 

head full of confusion on what to do next with 

my life. I decided that working full time in a non 

art related job would be just the thing to sort my 

life out and there I stayed. For the most of a decade, 

slowly going crazy, and almost developing 

a nervous twitch anytime I had to deal with a 

member of the public. 

I had dabbled with art during my time at the 

“day job” and always felt it a way to deal with 

the stress of a hard day. 

I hadn’t really dared to think of having a “life” 

as an artist, as I figured that now I was married, 

about to have children and buying houses 

(all grown up stuff), and I needed the security of 

having a paying job; but I wasn’t happy where 

I was. I knew I was happiest painting & creating. 

I set myself the goal of getting an exhibition 

in 2009... and set to work on my 1st solo 

show with gusto... finishing “work” at 5:30 pm, 

popping home to say hi to a very understanding 

wife, and heading back out in the evenings to 

a cold, dark studio (the attic above the warehouse 

where I worked) to continue to build my 

portfolio. 

The exhibition opened—I sold—galleries contacted 

me. Commissions started coming my 

way and I began to spend more and more time 

on art, and less and less time “caring” about my 

day job. I will be forever grateful to my old employers 

for putting up with me for so long, and I 

still remain very good friends with each person 

in there. In May 2011, I handed in my notice, 

and decided that I HAD to do this as a living, 

one way or another! 

I bagged myself a nice little studio in the city 

http://www.whitetreestudio.ie/ 

center, run by a group of fresh faced artists who 

had just graduated from college. Soon I gained 

the reputation as “the horse guy” and my production 

rate went through the roof. 10 hours of 

uninterrupted day, and evenings too, if I wanted 

to be in Heaven painting horses. 

Last year the chance came up for a bigger studio 

space, and I jumped at it. I now have a bigger 

studio space (twice the size I had when I 

started) and I can most likely brag that I have 

the best “office” space in the city, as I over look 

the main street of the city from two floors above 

it! 

My job is to be an Artist... if you can call it a 

job— it’s more of a calling I think. As the old saying 

goes, “It’s a beautiful thing when a career 

and passion come together.” 

I realize that I’ve been very lucky to have found 

my path in life, and that it hasn’t been too bumpy 

so far. I’m a big believer that we all should do 

what makes us happiest (unless that’s against 

the law ;-0) and if my story can inspire people to 

follow their hearts and dreams, and to make a 

go of it, then I’ll do my best to encourage them. 

The main thing I’ve learned is that FEAR should 

not be a factor when making decisions. Being 

scared of what might happen is worse that regretting 

it never happened. Fear can be good 

sometimes as it can light a fire under your ass, 

and keeps you motivated. If you can balance 

the two, without turning neurotic, then everything 

is going well!! 

I hope to bring my particular brand of “neuroticness” 

to the USA in June this year. I have been invited 

to tutor at an Equine Art Retreat in Oklahoma. 

If you’d like to know more about this, please 

follow me on Facebook or pop onto my website 

for details. https://www.facebook.com/pages/ 

Tony-O-Connor-Equine-Art/275031255420 


Shining Stars 



VL 

Studio Visit 






VL 

Studio Visit 






VL 

Studio Visit 






VL Studio Visit 




VL 

Studio Visit 

Tony White 



The White Tree Studio 

TONY O’CONNOR 



VL artspan.com 

Blue Fire MacMahon 

Ancient One, Made of Memories 

11.25” H x 14” W Clay 

Journey Home 

12” H x 18” W Clay 


The Perfect Place to Find Art 

Owl Person Holding Herself Open to her Spirit Song 

7” H x 14” W Clay 

Owl Person Centered in the Dream of Love 

4” H x 2” W Clay 

Blue Fire MacMahon 

www.bluefiremacmahon.com

Mirada Fine Art 

‘Best Art Gallery’ 

-5280 Magazine, 2010 & 2012 

‘A Style-Maker’ 

-Luxe Magazine, 2010 

‘Best Colorado Gallery’ 

American Art Awards, 2012 & 2013 

‘Art Lover’s Escape’ 

-Denver Life Magazine 2010 

‘Best of Denver’ 

-Westword Newspaper, 2010 

miradafineart.com

5490 Parmalee Gulch Rd. 

Indian Hills, CO 80454 

(only minutes from Denver) 

www.miradafineart.com 

303-697-9006 

Featured Artiss: 

Andrew Baird, Pablo Milan, Lyndmila Agrich, 

miradafineart.com 

Jeanne Bessette, Svetlana Shalygina, Laurie Justus Pace 

Bruce Marion, Time Howe, Allen Wynn

“Lone Star” 16 x 20 Acrylic on Canvas 

Kay Reinke 

kayreinkeart.com

Oyster on the Half Shell 

Kristine Kainer 

kristinekainer.com

Lunell Gilley 

lunellgilley.com

Kay Crain Fine Art 

Colorful Impressions in Oil 

Three Girls: Windy Beach 

Ride A Painted Pony 

Carmel River Beach 

KayCrain.com

www.filomena 

Interse 

Commission 

30” x 84” 

Filomena de A

ndrade Booth 

booth.com 

ctions 

for Client 

x 1.5”

http://www.michellemccunedvm.com/

VL 

michelle mccune 

DVM 

http://www.michellemccunedvm.com/

VL Artspan Studio Visit Michelle McCune 

Why do I paint 

Why do I paint The simplest answer is that 

I have to. In 2006, I attended a workshop with 

John Banovich. He asked us if anyone had 

ever stopped doing their art. A number of us 

raised our hands. When he then asked what 

happened, it was amazing to me that we all had 

ended up on antidepressant medication and/ 

or therapy. This demonstrated that a true artist 

is not dependent on style, media, popularity, 

sales, etc. but rather that it is part of who the 

person is. That moment was enlightening to me 

and opened up a new perspective on being an 

artist. 

As a child, like many children, I enjoyed arts 

and crafts, playing outside and animals. I never 

saw myself excelling in any one thing, had trouble 

fitting in and lacked confidence. There were 

always kids who were more outgoing, better at 

sports or playing the violin or got higher grades. 

My older sister was a terrific artist whose work 

was hung around our house (she later went on 

to college as an art major) and I looked up to 

my her and wanted to be as good as she was. 

In 8th grade I was awarded “Best Artist” and 

was overwhelmed with pride that my teachers 

thought I was the best. This validation was empowering 

and I continued to study art in school. 

I took great pride in my work but felt it was a 

hobby not my future career. My love for science 

also continued to grow during this time and long 

story short I pursued veterinary medicine. 

During veterinary school, I received a grant to 

study free ranging wildlife in Namibia with the 

Cheetah Conservation Fund. Having never traveled 

outside the country, I mustered all the bravery 

I could and went to Africa. The experience 

was life changing. I learned so much about the 

need for conservation and education and what 

can be accomplished with passion and commitment. 

Dr. Laurie Marker was an incredible mentor 

and the time with her inspired my self promise 

to be a part of conservation efforts. Upon 

graduation I got married and entered small animal 

private practice – a career I still enjoy today. 

While an exciting career, I felt something was 

missing, that I should be doing something more, 

but what The answer would come a few years 

later. 

After the birth of my son in 2000, my sister 

convinced me to attend a weekly art class to get 

out of the house. I had little painting experience 

prior to that time but found an affinity for oils. I 

was inspired by photos I had taken during my 

time in Namibia and later on safari in Zimbabwe. 

After completing a couple paintings I began attending 

workshops with wildlife artists. My first 

workshop took me to Montana with Terry Isaac, 

Susan Labourri, and photo shoots with Triple D 

ranch. I began to subscribe to Wildlife Art Magazine 

to find inspiration. In the Jan/Feb 2006 issue, 

I discovered John Banovich whose philosophies 

seemed to be aimed directly at me. He 

said “There is no great nobility in creating an 

incredible painting. My question is, Now what 

are you going to do with that incredible painting 

that will result in something of REAL value If 

I am going to be remembered for anything, it 

is just as a person who caused people to think 

and realize how important wildlife is.” I joined 

John for a workshop that fall in Canada and 

found the answer I had been looking for. Art 

would be my connection to conservation efforts. 

My knowledge of animal behavior and anatomy 

and reverence for each animal as an individual 

explained why animals were my muse. Over the 

years I attended workshops with Terry and John 

(even traveling to Kenya on an artist’s safari – 

talk about memorable!) a couple more times 

as well as John and Suzi Seerey-Lester, Jan 

Martin McGuire, and Guy Combes. I learned so 

much about techniques and found camaraderie 

with the other artists and felt at home. I continue 

to attend workshops whenever possible. 

http://www.michellemccunedvm.com/ 




VL 

Artspan Studio Visit Michelle McCune 

Royal Repose 



It became important to share the experiences 

I had while traveling to Namibia, Zimbabwe, 

Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, and within the 

USA. I only paint from my own photo references 

as there is so much emotion given to a painting 

with each brush stroke – palpable emotion from 

the experiences themselves coming out in the 

paint. My style will continue develop and evolve 

and I am still finding what works and what isn’t 

right for me. I prefer to lay out my palette and 

make set premixes prior to working. Then I can 

focus on the subject instead of questionning 

what colors to mix constantly. I have borrowed 

the palette of my friend and mentor Guy Combes 

which uses only 9 colors. I choose a subject from 

my photo references and determine the proper 

dimensions for the strongest compositional design. 

I use a grid system to draw it out to ensure 

proper proportions. I then tone the canvas 

and work dark to light, back to front. My style is 

representational with the most detail in my focal 

area. I often ask for critiques from friends and 

fellow artists. It is easy to get so involved in a 

painting that I miss obvious flaws so input from 

others as well as using tricks including a mirror 

or turing the painting upside down. Compared 

to other wildlife artists, I feel my style is more 

feminine. I prefer the quieter moments in nature, 

relationships between animals and more 

realistic or regular animals (real women not runway 

models!). I don’t always choose the biggest 

tusks or horns because it is not always needed 

when real life is so full of beauty, grandeur, and 

breath taking moments. 

Regal II 



The Seclu 

Mount Tam 

16 x 20”, 

VL 

Artspan Studio Visit 

Michelle McCune 

A Walk in the Park 



ded Lake— 

alpais from Bon Tempe 

Oil on Canvas 



VL 


Mama’s Got This 

Wildlife painting has provided me with an outlet 

for my passions and a vehicle to educate and 

support conservation. It has also given me a family 

of fellow artists who share similar passions, goals 

and understanding. Artists see the world differently 

and their work allows them to show others 

the world through their eyes. In the words of Jan 

Martin McGuire, “What number brushes you use, 

what paints – this has nothing to do with art. True 

art comes from inside you, and the best art comes 

from the heart.” I put a part of myself into every 

painting and hope my work will inspire others to 

talk about nature and land and working together to 

support conservation and sustainability long after 

I am gone. I chose the name “Vanishing Visions 

Studio” as each piece represents a stolen moment 

of time that was gone a moment later and if we 

do not join together and work for sustainability and 

preservation, visions such as these might one day 

vanish forever. 

Right Page: Just A Nibble 



Lands End, Summer Fog, 9 x 12”, Oil on Canvas 



VL 


Meeting of the Minds 



Spotlight King 



VL Artspan Studio Visit Michelle McCune 

MBOGO 

Watcher 





Helen Buck 

Acrylics and Mixed Media 

Taking a Break Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 24 

www.helenbuckstudio.com 

twitter.com/daylight5

Grazing Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 24 

Black Beauty Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 24

melizabethchapman.artspan.com

CHAPMAN 

Elizabeth Chapman 

Contemporary Abstract Artist 

melizabethchapman.artspan.com

Colorfully Expressing the Spirit of the Horse 

Zengo 

Val & Emma 

zengo.artspan.com

Maralyn Wilson 

maralynwilson.com

VL 

VL 

sarah schryver 

http://www.performancehorseportraits.com/ 





A self-taught equine artist, Sarah Schryver was 

born and raised in the Interior of British Columbia, 

Canada. Sarah grew up without her own 

horse, but a western lifestyle was always a large 

part of Sarah’s household. Being a boot maker’s 

daughter, she learned to make her first pair of 

cowboy boots at the age of twelve. Having an 

artistic influence and a fascination for horses, 

Sarah was continually drawing and trying to improve 

her work. 

At fifteen, Sarah began riding for a professional 

horse trainer, maintaining older show horses, 

riding colts, assisting at shows and later even 

competing herself. Having ridden two year old 

colts to seasoned show horses Sarah has been 

greatly exposed to the behavior and movement 

of horses and the lifestyle that surrounds them. 

“My lifetime of interest and fascination for horses 

has always been the inspiration for my art. In 

my work, I strive to portray their powerful movement, 

captivating stance and touching emotions. 

My primary focus is to capture a moment in time 

that connects people, on a primal level, to the 

equine essence. 

My drawings are created in charcoal, which is 

rich in contrast and has its own unique layering. 

I use various shades of charcoal to create the 

textures of reflective metal, pliable leather and 

soft, silky hair. Using shadows of light to highlight 

these textures, I aim to create depth and 

realism in my art.” 

Sarah remains connected to the equine world 

and much of its heritage, and is devoted to portraying 

the equine essence through her charcoal 

art and preserving the western culture through 

boot making. 







Braids and Bands 

Business Boots 

Left Page: Into the Light 





Far Away Thoughts 






Cowhorse Clothing 

Next Move 


104 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com 

Rope and Rubber



Drew Keilback 

DREW KEILBACK 

Harrison Galleries Vancouver 

Parker Ridge (Jasper) Oil on Canvas 40 x 60 

drewsart.com

Marti Leroux 

Art that Heals by Marti 

martiartstudio.com 


VL 

VL 

International Equine Artists 


VL International Equine Artists 

David McEwen . France 

http://david-mcewen.artistwebsites.com 

DAVID MCEWEN lives and works in Southern 

France, where he and his wife run painting vacations 

and workshops coupled with Bed & 

Breakfast. 

His paintings, which have won a number of international 

prizes and gold medals, are representational 

and his favorite subjects are portraits of 

horses and people, although his maritime paintings 

are much sought after. He started painting 

at the age of 13 and is a fully qualified teacher. 

Students travel from all over the world to study 

with him and stay in his home, enjoying the 

wonderful scenery and French life in the ancient 

small town of Lodeve, thirty minutes from the 

Mediterranean sea. He has a large studio where 

his students paint and draw when they are not 

out on location. 

David’s paintings are hanging in private and 

business collections in many countries around 

the world as they follow his exhibitions throughout 

Europe and the US; his workload is growing 

daily. 

David McEwen’s work can be seen on http://david-mcewen.artistwebsites.com 

and 

www.paintfrance.com 


Photo by kind permission of The Chronicle of the 

Horse taken by Molly Sorge


Catherin McMillan . Australia 

http://www.internationalequineartists.com/artist-directory-m.html 

Catherin McMillan is an Australian artist whose 

love of both animals and artwork has been part 

of her life for as long as she can remember. 

“My artwork has always reflected my love of animals. 

Drawing or painting animals is what my 

husband calls my passion. I feel very blessed to 

have a wonderful following for my artwork both 

here in Australia and internationally. 

A number of years ago I was commissioned to 

draw a little poodle that had passed away. Since 

then I have pursued my love of both animal and 

human portraiture with a passion. When I’m 

commissioned for a new portrait I feel like a kid 

in a candy shop waiting for the photos to arrive. 

No matter whom the subject for my artwork be it 

a family pet or a beautiful dressage horse they 

all have a personality of their own. This is what I 

aim to capture in my work to bring my subjects to 

life in the artwork before me, in the most realistic 

manner I can. Sometimes I’m amazed when I 

have finished a work that I’ve actually created it. 

I’m sure the animals themselves have a helping 

hand in their images. 

Realism in my artwork is very important wether 

it be created in soft pastel or more intricate watercolour.. 

I want my subjects to look like they 

following you with their eyes... The eyes are after 

all are the window to the soul... If the eyes 

aren’t correct the rest of the portrait will never 

be right...” 

Catherin is available for private commissions 

worldwide. 

Email: catherin@animalarthouse.com 

Website: www.animalarthouse.com 



Laura Figueroa . Mexico 

http://www.internationalequineartists.com/laurafigueroa.html 

My entire life has revolved around horses. I consider 

them to be my companions and my teachers. 

I’ve loved them since I have memory and 

consider myself very fortunate to have been 

able to ride them since I was 5 years old. 

I started sculpting 18 years ago, combining my 

experience as a rider with my artistic work. In 

1999, I held my first exhibition, and since then, 

I have participated in many exhibits in Mexico, 

Italy, England and France. 

My sculptures have a unique style, which has 

won them the recognition and appreciation of 

those who know them. 

I believe that my sculptures are friendly, comforting, 

and flowing. They invite people to caress 

their curves. My work is a tribute to the happiness 

that horses have brought into my life. 



Barb Young . USA 

http://www.internationalequineartists.com/barbyoung.html 

“A lifelong horseman, I started taking pictures of 

the horses in my sport horse breeding program 

for sales and stallion ads. Soon I became enamored 

with the visual art of the horses’ magnificent 

and glorious spirits, and have spent the 

past 15 years studying photography as a skill, 

and equine photography as a passion. 

Initially I focused on pretty and accurate portraits 

and action shots of horses at liberty and 

under saddle, to hone my photographic skills. 

More recently I have started branching out into 

a more artistic style. Nothing satisfies me more 

that capturing the essence and beauty of the 

horse, whether it is the capture itself, or the development 

of that capture into a work of art. I 

am most grateful to have won several prestigious 

awards with both my fine art and equine 

photography. 

With horses all around me, my equine photography 

style is continually evolving. I am blessed 

with virtually unlimited photographic opportunity: 

the horses, horse people and majestic landscapes 

of western Colorado; a pursuit that is 

eminently satisfying.“ 

Ponies at Sunrise 

Top of the World 

Gallop in the Sage 

Stampede! 


Sunrise at Rainbow Farm 

Majestad

VL 

Barry Scharf 

What Should I Paint 

This is a question that has at one time or another 

been on the mind of every artist that is 

confronting a blank canvas. Some know exactly 

what they will do before they start others start 

and find the answer within the moving strokes 

of color and random forms that emerge within 

the action of events. Albeit if ones work is going 

to be meaningful and relevant to the world 

of art this is a question that must be confronted 

at some point in the career of an artist. How we 

answer this question is going to determine our 

success and acceptance to collectors, museums 

and critics alike. 

Will we be relevant to what is going on in our life 

or not After all horses are fun to paint even if 

we only see them on TV or in books. Now please 

all you horse lovers don’t be mad at me, I am 

just using horses to make a point. Flowers could 

work just as well here. I guess why we paint 

plays a big role in what we paint, is it to decorate, 

to advance a school of thought, or to touch 

an unconscious feeling 

The great painter Ben Shaun called this dilemma 

“The Shape of Content” in his book by the same 

name. This content I believe, is determined by 

the life experience that we as artists find ourselves 

living. Often artists choose topics for work 

by interpreting events, describing objects, capturing 

places or expressing feelings and emotions 

shaped by experiences. 

More often then not there is not in the early stages 

of ones career enough focus on the subject 

of what type of artist a person is or wants to be. 

We develop as we go, through trial and error we 

progress. A painting sells so we call it successful. 

Does this govern what the next painting will look 

like Do we follow this trend of successful sales 

or do we follow our life experiences to evolve 

work in the direction of the need to express the 

next event that shapes us Do we take the same 

thought a step further in order to fully explore all 

the possible scenarios of a series of works on a 

single theme or do we call it a day with one successful 

piece and move on to something else 

Do we paint horses over and over because we 

love horses or do we move on to cows and birds 

or is it going to always be enough just to paint 

what we know best 

Whirlwind 24 x 36 Laurie Pace 2014 


Above: Church by Barry Scharf 

Top Right: Prisoner by Barry Scharf 

Bottom Right: Thinking by Barry Scharf 

Meaning is an individual decision. Is a painting 

merely a canvas page in a diary that acts as the 

documentation of an existence Is painting an exercise 

in mental gymnastics designed to shock or 

awe the viewer with skillful marks Does it need 

to be realistic so that others can relate to it, or is 

it abstract designed to provoke emotions or stimulate 

thought What is the motivation for making 

this work in the first place Does anyone care 

Is anyone watching to see what is next Does it 

matter to you what they think of your work or do 

you do it because you are inspired 

In the beginning many young artists are sure of 

the answers to many of these questions. They 

feel that they fully understand what they are doing. 

However, as I have seen over many years of 

teaching students, with time, they often grow into 

a new perspective as things change, lessons are 

learned and maturity emerges with other possibilities 

and directions, there is a view from a new 

horizon ahead and just over the next hill. 

Through explorations in quick pencil sketching I 

often develop a deeper vision of what my work 

should look like. I define details that were otherwise 

vague and half formed. I clear out unneeded 

elements of clutter and decoration. I try to distill 

down lines, shapes and colors to only the essentials 

of that expression in order not to mislead my 

viewer with meaningless elements. 


VL 

Barry Scharf 

Figure 2 by Barry Scharf 


Figure by Barry Scharf 

I have been painting for what seems like a very long time. 

Personally I have changed my content many times. My 

reasons for these changes are many, but often they were 

not governed by sales or the lack of sales. Instead I became 

interested in different things my tastes changed. I 

evolved as a person. I fell in love. I fell out of love and 

in love again. I traveled. I visited the old world of Europe 

and saw things I had never seen before except for 

pictures in books. I tasted foods from other cultures. I 

confronted my fears… a Grizzly bear in the wild and am 

alive to tell about it when I could have easily been killed. 

I have been reborn into what is meaningful through my 

life experiences. As a result I have changed my mind and 

content many times. 

This is true for each artist that lives fully in the experience 

of their life sooner or later they will change and so will the 

content of their work. It can’t be helped if one is to stay 

conscious and honest about the content of their expression 

then change is inevitable. Doing it gracefully is the 

trick. Finding new content is the challenge. 


ASHKENASI 

Michal Ashkenasi 

Landscape Blue 

michalsart.com

Abstract Figurative and Minimalistic Paintings 

The Red Tree 

Surviving 

michalsart.com

Blue Reflections 36 x 36 X 2 Oil on Canvas 

Laurie Justus Pace 

LauriePace.com 

Mirada Fine Art. Denver 

Rare Gallery. Jackson Hole 

Davis & CO, Spring 

Robert Kelly Gallery, Park City

Western Art Watercolors 

by Elizabeth Zimmerman 

Limited Edition Giclée 

Fine art Prints Available 

Commissions Accepted 

Please Contact Elizabeth 

on her website for 

commission rates. 

“TIME TO PLAY WITH THE BIG BOYS” 

“RIDING THE LINE - ROD AND LUCKY” 

“AS THE MOON, SHE WATCHES” 

elizabethzimmerman.com 

www.elizabethzimmerman.com

Aspen Iron Works 

“Belly Up Boys” Reclaimed Horseshoes & Other Mixed Media 

Milton Wagner, Master Craftsman 

To book a show or commission a piece, please visit 

AspenIronworks.com

“Uneasy Truce” Reclaimed Horseshoes & Iron 

“Little Dogey” Reclaimed Horseshoes and Iron

VL 

http://www.jonelle-t-mccoy.artistwebsites.com

Jonelle T McCoy 

McCoy’s Gaited Horse Artworks 

http://www.mccoysgaitedhorseartworks.blogspot.com

VL 

Gallery Visit 


Expressing myself through Horses. 

Art articulates the painter’s visual voice; mine 

is spoken predominately through God’s masterful 

creation, the horse. This gift to speak on canvas 

was born as a part of me, and in my maturity, I 

realize now I am meant to say it loud and clear 

so others can see it too. I realized just how precious 

this ability could be later in life, for me, saying 

life begins at 50 rings quite true. I’d always 

been expressing myself artistically starting as a 

child. Animals, particularly the horse, were my 

favorite subjects. I drew, painted, made greeting 

cards, cut out and created paper animal shapes 

in 2D and 3D, I made my own patterns along with 

using the ready bought designs and sewed my 

own zoo of stuffed animals, many of which were 

rather complex. I was a quiet, humble child, easily 

suppressed and manipulated; it was through 

art I could speak my repressed emotions. In my 

youth and early adult life, I spent more time trying 

to navigate through the social war field as I 

saw it, the paintings and drawings I created were 

an undisciplined pastime. I drifted unanchored for 

years without a solid goal, then landed a job as 

an apprentice scenic artist in my late 20’s. I was 

completely out of my realm, I learned the craft as 

I went by trial and error, watching and emulating 

my peers, most of who were protective of their positions, 

they wanted apprentices to support them, 

but were not always forthcoming with technique. 

I am forever grateful to those who guided me 

to help me grow and learn. A few years later in 

1991 I found myself relocating from Upstate NY 

where I was born and raised to Oklahoma, it was 

here that I met my future husband, we married in 

2001 when I was 41. No longer was I the single 

horse crazy artist lady, I now had an animal and 

horse loving partner. He is very supportive of my 

artwork and is my most honest critic. I’ve worked 

several different jobs as a professional scenic 

here in Oklahoma, but eventually stayed with one, 

the OKC event company Eventures Inc., where I 

am the artist on call and have been for about 20 

years. 

Sadly my husband got hurt on the job just 5 

months after we married sending us into a spiraling 

downward journey financially, emotionally, 

physically; I turned into an emotional wreck, my 

ever present struggle with depression elevated 

dramatically. I was still working as a scenic, but 

my occasional personal art outlet froze, my inspiration 

was gone. I longed to paint, but I was afraid. 

Afraid I’d fail, I’d waste materials, waste time, always 

imagining failure. I didn’t want yet another 

area of my life to become a source of stress. 

How wrong I was to think that way! In late 2009 

I had done some flower wall murals at the event 

co office, and the praise by all who saw the artwork 

suddenly broke the dam- I was flooded with 

confidence and the urge to create once again for 

me, my muse was back! I got out my paints, my 

brushes and canvas, and then got to work. I felt 

a torrent of creativity, the dam was broken. The 

desire, a FIRE inside of me was pouring out! The 

horses I painted spoke of all those repressed feelings. 

I’m a super charged emotional person that 

keeps a closed lid on them, the horses I painted 

in bright colors with emotion and motion gave me 

a voice, a catharsis for my pain, my fears and they 

also spoke of joy, triumph and love. After a year of 

flexing my creative muscle, I had an idea sparked 

from a childhood art class crayon exercise for 

finding what lay underneath, and I experimented. 

It was then my signature line style was birthed, 

and I continue to refine, expand, build, grow and 

express myself with it. I primarily work with acrylics 

due to their versatility. With the recent release 

of more acrylic based products, the spray paints, 

the fluid flow, extended dry time open and now the 

high flow colors makes my chosen medium ever 

more enticing to stretch my technique. Partly because 

of my scenic training requiring speed and 

efficiency, partly because I have a short attention 

span, and mostly because of my free flowing line 

style using masking, I like the acrylics because I 

can create quickly, find satisfaction before my enthusiasm 

for the painting wanes, and remove the 

masking before the paint cures. 

http://www.jonelle-t-mccoy.artistwebsites.com 


Painting has helped me to survive the daily demands 

of a caregiver, to feel my place in this world, 

to give others a break from the tough reality that surrounds 

us. I like the free form my technique gives to 

my horses, it’s unrestricted, and they flow. It’s a feeling 

I best relate to, inside I’m a free spirit. The colors and 

poses used are as varied as the range of emotions 

felt, and I try to connect to the viewer emotionally, intuitively. 

This is how I create, intuitively, what will be, 

will be, they oftentimes seem to create themselves. 

Painting has given me back my sanity; the paintings 

expand who I am, they are a part of me that now have 

a life of their own. I paint with a focus, an intense inner 

passion, with desire to expand, to understand myself 

and the world around me better. It must be working, 

I feel whole and happier now more than ever before, 

I have found peace and a way to conquer adversity. 

Thank you God for the blessings you’ve bestowed me, 

for my talent, my life and for those who are precious 

to me. And thank you for the horse, the most beautiful 

creature I know of, a truly beautiful being. Through my 

paintings, our blended spirit will live on. 

http://www.mccoysgaitedhorseartworks.blogspot.com 


VL 

Gallery Visit 


24 Carrot 20 x 16 



The Fire Within 16 x 16 



VL 

Gallery Visit 


Suits Me to Swim 20 x 24 

Tension 18 x2 4 



Coffee with Creme 20 x 24 



Sheri Cook 

happyhorsestudio.com

Janet Broussard 

Chukkers and Chaps, Texas Polo 24” x 18” Oil on Canvas 

janetbroussard.com 


Kyle Wood 

kwoodfineart.com 

kylewoodfineart.blogspot.com 


kylewoodfineart.blogspot.com

kwoodfineart.com 


Winter Aspens 24x24x1.5 Acrylic on Canvas 

Kimberly Conrad 

“Pouring Color Into Your Life” 

KimberlyConradFineArt.com 

The Arrival VI 48 x 36 x 1.5 

Acrylic on Canvas 





VL 

Sandy Moser 

ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight 

When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist 

I think that being an artist was always part of my dreams. I started drawing and painting as a teenager 

and always loved to create. I choose to go to Nova Scotia Teachers College instead of art 

college, so it wasn’t until I retired that I had the time to concentrate on painting. Being an artist and 

creating art now is huge part of my life. Besides painting, I do photography, make jewelry, and do 

rug hooking. 

Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date 

I have always admired Robert Bateman as an artist. He is an icon in Canada. But I would have to 

say that taking art lessons from wildlife artist Ron Decker has been the greatest influence for me. 

He not only is a great artist, but he has really taught me the basis for creating wildlife art. 

Who is another living artist you admire and why 

There are so many great wildlife artists that I admire and study their works. Some of them are John 

Seerey –Lester, Guy Coheleach, John Banovich, Terry Isaac, Carl Brenders and Derek Wicks. But, 

I would have to say that the late Bob Kuhn is my favorite artist which is rather amusing because 

he painted his works with minimal detail. My paintings are so realistic and I strive to work towards 

simplicity. 

What is your favorite surface to create work on or to work with Describe it if you make it 

yourself. 

I use canvas for my acrylic paintings and I gesso it several times and sand it between coats. This 

gives me a smooth surface to create detail. I also paint with pastels, and I use swede matboard for 

this medium. This allows me to use various layers to create detail. 

What are your favorite materials to use 

I use Liquitex paints. They allow me to apply paint with a palette knife or I dilute the paints to create 

thin glazes. 

Do you have a favorite color palette 

I love to work with bright colors such as red, burgundy and teal. However, when working with wildlife 

art, I don’t get to work with this bright palette. For the wildlife art I use a limited palette of colors which 

are Titanium white, Mars Black, Cadmium Red Medium and Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium 

Orange, Dioxazine Purple, Quinacridone Magenta, Payne’s Gray, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Raw 

Sienna, Hooker’s Green, Sap Green, Ultramarine Blue, and Phthalocyanine Blue. 

How often do you work on your artwork How many hours a week 

I try to paint everyday but sometimes this doesn’t happen. I have been diagnosed with Chronic 

Daily Headaches so that dictates how much time I can spend painting. A good day would be to 

paint around 3 – 4 hours. 

http://www.sandymoserart.com/ 


Eye’m Wide Awake Acrylic 20 x 16

Where’s Brother Charley 



VL 

Sandy Moser 


What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for 

I’d like to be remembered as an educator. I spent 20 years teaching in the public school system 

and I also teach a painting group. 

There are many culprits that can crush creativity, such as distractions, self-doubt and fear 

of failure. What tends to stand in the way of your creativity 

I would say that at this time in my life I am filled with creative ideas. There are so many images 

that I would like to paint. I also find designing and creating sea glass jewelry has given me a new 

medium to create. 

What are your inspirations for your work 

I immerse myself in nature and from that experience I create my art. I hike, canoe, kayak and 

beachcomb and travel to animal parks. I live on the ocean so there are many birds and animals 

that live in my area. We have deer and raccoons that visit our backyard and many species of birds 

come to our bird feeders. 

What is your favorite way to get your creative juices flowing 

I take a lot of photographs of birds and animals and scenery, so I will often look at these images 

on my computer. Also, getting out in nature helps me become creative. 

Which work of yours is your favorite 

I always say that the one that I’m painting on is my favorite. They are like my children, you can’t 

choose which one is your favorite. 

In Momma’s Embrace 



Yellow Rose of Texas 



VL Sandy Moser 




Friends of Taylor Head 



VL 

Sandy Moser 


Thanks Momma 

Loon Dance 



I Love You Momma Acrylic- 24 x 36 

Getting Cozy 



VL 

Sandy Moser 


Muted Brilliance 

Tuckered Out 



Getting to know you Q&A 

What is your favorite color in your closet purple, and teal 

What book are you reading this week A book by Sandra Brown 

Do you have a favorite television show I enjoy nature shows and American Idol. 

What is your favorite food seafood 

What color sheets are on your bed right now Blue 

What are you most proud of in your life Raising my children 

Who would you love to interview I would have loved to interview Nelson Mandela. 

Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting What is it I create sea glass 

jewelry and I love hiking, canoeing and kayaking. 

Who would you love to paint I don’t paint portraits. 

If you were an animal what would you be and why A tiger. They are beautiful. 

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, what 

would they be A phone, survival kit and a boat. 

Share something with us that few people know about you. I love sushi. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live I love Canada, but it 

would be nice to live in a warmer climate in the winter. 

I have been painting endangered species for several years, as well as animals that are 

indigenous to Canada. I want the viewer to be able to appreciate the beauty of these 

creatures in my paintings, and perhaps they will understand how important it is that each 

of us must do our part to try to preserve the environment for their habitat. I feel that each 

individual has a responsibility to co-exist on this planet in a way that respects and protects 

wildlife and their surroundings. 



Mary Jo Zorad 


ZoradArt.com

ZoradArt.com

DAILY PAINTERS ABSTRACT GALLERY 

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com 

Precise Mapped Disbursement 48 x 36 x 1.5 Acrylic by Arrachme

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com 

A B S T R A C T G A L L E R Y 

Barbara Van Rooyan Blue Canyon II 

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com

VL 

Davis&CO 

http://www.dandcgallery.com 


The Rites of Spring 

http://www.dandcgallery.com/ 


VL 

Gallery Visit 

Davis&CO 

Gallery Show Pieces 

The Rites of Spring 

Davis and Company Fine Art Gallery welcomed 

the second annual juried show, The Rites of 

Spring. It is sponsored each year by The Artists 

of Texas, Visual Language Magazine and Davis 

& Company Fine Art Gallery. 

Over 300 entries made the show a fine competition 

of photography, sculpture and paintings. 

Opening day for Rites of Spring was April 4th 

with a gallery celebration of the arts welcoming 

many artists from around the world. The show 

will be on display through the first week of May. 

Davis and Company Fine Art is a new gallery to 

the Spring area north of Houston, Texas. Family 

owned by David Davis of GSD Companies and 

his sister artist Melissa Doron, the gallery brings 

to the area sculpture, photoraphy, glass and 

paintings from around the world. 

100 paintings were selected for the Rites of 

Spring online show. The judges chose the top 

25 paintings and top two photographs and sculptures 

for the final gallery presentation at Davis 

and Company. 

Best of Show/First Place was awarded to UK 

Artist Valerie Travers with her piece, ‘Kaleidoscope”. 

Second place was awarded to Anthony 

A.Gonzales from Spring Branch, Texas with his 

painting “Bright Sunny Day”; and Third Place 

was award to Deran Wright with his Sculpture 

“The Waiting Game”. 

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Barbara 

Haviland of Groves, Texas with her painting 

“White Day Lilies”; Kyle Wood with his piece, 

“Southern Hospitalities”; Sanda Manuila with 

her composition “Portrait of a Poor Artist”; and to 

Clayton Gardinier for his photography “ Guadalupe 

River, Gruene, Texas”. 

Best of Show/First Place: Valerie Travers 

Kaleidoscope 40 x 30 inches Acrylic on Canvas 

http://dandcgallery.com 




VL Gallery Visit 

Davis&CO 

Winning Pieces 

Second Place: Anthony A Gonzalez Bright Sunny Day 28 x 22 Oil on Linen 



Third Place: Deran Wright The Waiting Game 



VL 

Gallery Visit 

Davis&CO 

Honorable Mention 

Barbara Haviland White Day Lilies 36 x 24 inches Oil on Canvas 

Kyle Wood Southern Hospitality 16 x 20 Oil on 

Canvas 



Sanda Manuila Portrait of a Poor Artist 16 x 12 Oil 

on Canvas 

Clayton Gardinier 

Guadelupe River Gruene Texas 

16 X 20 Color Photo 



VL 

Gallery Visit 

Davis&CO Gallery Show Pieces 

Nancy Medina Abundance Delphiniums and 

Daisies 20 X 20 Oil on Canvas 

Debra Latham Essence Of Beauty 

16 x 12 Oil on Linen Panel 

Randall Cogburn Sea Bound 24 x 24 

Oil on Canvas 

Jody Anderson Shawna 16 x 20 

Oil on Linen 

Helen Buck Taking a Break 

Russ MacKensen 

Copper Pomegranates & Oranges 24 x 12 Oil Pastel 



Cheryl J Smith Deja Vu 9 x 12 Oil on Canvas 

David Forks Monuments of Time 16 x 20 Oil 

Dawn Waters Baker Whispering Wood 5 x 7 Oil 

Gesso Board 

Kay Crain Three Girls Windy Beach 9 x 12 Oil on 

Canvas 

Doug Hiser Sea Horse Fantasy 

12 x 16 Ink 

Drew Keilback Schools Out 18 x 36 Oil on Board 



VL Gallery Visit 

Davis&CO 

Gallery Show Pieces 

Karen Chatham Wisdom Of Wild 

12 x 12 Oil On Canvas 

Debbie Cannatella What I Like About Chicago 

20 x 26 Transparent Watercolor 

Suzy Powell Woodie 18 x 24 Torn Paper Collage 

on Stretched Canvas 

Suzie Baker Swan in the Wings 20 x 16 

Sherry Hogan Dingle Ranch 18 x 24 Acrylic Panel 


Eric Bodtker Blossoming Trees 

16 x 12 Oil on Canvas 

Ann Hoffpauir 

A Pause That Refreshes 

18 x 36 Oil on Canvas 

Betty James Best Friends Oil 24 x 30 

Denise Bossarte Boat Lines 

16 x 20 Photography 

Maralyn Wilson Pretty Priscilla 

23 Tall x 14 Wide x 9 Deep 

Fired Clay with Encaustic Finish 


VL 

Artists of Texas 

Rites of Spring Online Show 

artistsoftexas.org 

Anthony A Gonzalez Annie O’Brien Gonzales Kay Reinke Becky Hicks 

Becky Hicks Betty Thomas C Hancock Diane Breman 

Janet Brousard 

Ed Crumley 

Judy Wilder Dalton 

Jonelle T McCoy 


David Yapp 

Kristine Kainer

David Forks Linda Dellandre Linda Dellandre 

Anthony A Gonzalez Grace Hessman Hilda Rueda 

Kristine Kainer Annie O’Brien Gonzales Jane G Cross 

Kyle Wood Jody Anderson Laura Reed 


VL 


Rites of Spring Online Show 


Leslie Sealey 

Linda McCoy 

Linda Wacaster 

Ann Hoffpauir 

Lunell Gilley 

Mary Frankel 

Michal Ashenasi 

Maralyn Wilson 

Sheri Jones 

Sherry Hogan 

Suzie Baker 

Betty James 

Russ MacKensen 


Linda Wacaster Beth Lenderman Vernita Bridges Hoyt 

Mary Frankel Randall Cogburn Michelle Lohr 

Richard Levine 

Suzy Powell 

Betty Hoaglund 

Caroline Ratliff 


VL 


Rites of Spring Online Show artistsoftexas.org 

Drew Kielback 

Doug Hizer 

Dyan Newton 

Elaine Monnig 

Terrye Philley 

Kay Crain 

Kay Wyne 

Pat Meyer Parastoo Ganjei Nancy Paris 


Ellie Taylor Elise Boysaw Wanda Caro 

Kristine Byars 

Valerie Travers 

Nancy Medina 

Jacquie McMullen 

Suzie Baker 

Allison Fox 

George Lee 

Shirley Quaid 


Logan B

AUER 

BAUER 

LOGAN BAUER 

loganbauer.com

SUSAN TOBEY WHITE 

Blueberries 36x36 Acrylic 

High Street Studio & Gallery 

149 High Street 

Belfast, ME 04915 

207-338-8990

Street Dance 4’x5’ Acrylic 

Painting Workshops — Coast of Maine and Beyond 

susantobeywhite.com

CFAI.co Juried Show Winter 

CFAI.co Winter 2013 Juried Show 

“Still Life” 

First Place 

Tom Swearingen 

Jacks and Ball 

http://tomswearingen.com 

http://www.cfai.co/#!show-winners/cyep 


Second Place 

Jennifer Maier 

Canning Season 

http://artistjenny.wordpress.com 



CFAI.co Juried Show Winter 

CFAI.co Winter 2013 Juried Show 

“Still Life” 

Third Place 

Annie O’Brien Gonzales 

Spring Bounty 

http://annieobriengonzales.com 



Honorable Mentions 

Carol Schiff - Artichokes of Roma 

Nancee Jean Busse - Red Flowers 

Nancy Medina - Tea for Two Peonies 

Judy Crowe - China and Primroses 



CFAI.co Artist Showdown 


February 2014 - Animal Art 

http://www.cfai.co/#!showdown-winners/cb0j 

First Place 


Cheeky Gina 

http://griffingallery.org 



Moon Showers Nocturnal 72 x 24 x 1.5 




Second Place 

Kristine Byars 

Bentley 

http://kristinebyars.com 



First Place 

Debra Hurd 

3 Longhorns 

http://debrahurd.com 


DianeWhitehead.com

Diane 

Whitehead 

“Animals are my muse. The scratch 

of the paw, pounce of a hoof, gesture 

of the head, alert ear, quiet stride, 

powerful shape, ancient wisdom. 

All come to play with the shapes I see 

as I paint. “ 

DianeWhitehead.com 

DianeWhitehead.com

Lary Lemons 

theartgallerysaintjo.com

theartgallerysaintjo.com

CFAI.co April Artist Showdown 

“Do you have what it takes” 

Diane Morgan 

“Realism” 

www.cfai.co/#!artist-showdown/chic

CFAI.co 

Spring 2014 Juried Competition 

“Figurative” 

Deanna Jaugstetter 

$500 in total cash prizes 

Plus much more! 

www.cfai.co/#!juried-shows/c19ne

Lisa McKinney 

Vintage Ad Lion Coffee Mixed Media on Canvas

Vintage Ad Dog Biscuits Mixed Media on Canvas 

Lisa-McKinney.com 

lisamckinneyfineart.blogspot.com

VL 

Photographer Spotlight 


Sunshine in a Cup 

http://www.garytpostlethwait.com 


Great Horned Own Twins 

Left from top: Monet’s Ptarmigan 

Snow Geese 

Raven Patriarch



VL Photographer Spotlight 


Each of photography’s many genres presents challenges. Of the 

many genres I have engaged, from street photography to metaphoric 

art, the most challenging and rewarding has been wildlife. 

I have enjoyed for as long as I can remember learning the habits, 

habitat, behavior and life cycle of the other creatures with whom 

we share this planet. Having an appreciation and admiration of the 

beauty, strength, intelligence, adaptability, social structure, and 

other characteristics of the many life forms in the animal kingdom, 

I, later welcomed, and to this day still welcome, the self-imposed 

challenge of photographing many of those species in their wild and 

undisturbed environment. Having years of acquired knowledge of 

my subjects has aided in overcoming the challenge of capturing 

their light without interfering with their normal behavior. An equal, 

if not greater, benefit of this endeavor is spending days or weeks 

enjoying the health benefits to the body and soul by visiting some 

of the few remaining pristine areas of the natural world. 

Awards: 

Best of Show: Rarefied Light 2007, 2013. Juror’s Choice APC 2013. Best of Show: Alaska 

Wild 2007, 2011. Merit Award Black & White magazine “for collectors of fine photography” 

2012. Purchase by Anchorage Museum for permanent collection of contemporary photography 

2010. Several Best of Category and Peoples’ Choice awards, and others. 



Sneaker Canada Goose

Great Gray Owl 





Common Loon 



Bull Moose Coming Through 





Mom and Me Bald Eagles 



Caribou 

Grizzly 





Lady Ptarmigan 



Arctic Tern Dinner Date 

Trumpeter Swan 



Richard Rivera 

www.vinod 

www.vinodipinte.com 

Vino Dipinte Art Gallery 

602 Orient St San Angelo, TX 76903

Alejandro Castanon 

ipinte.com 

www.vinodipinte.com

VL OilPaintingDVD.com 

Step by Step Demonstrations 

OilPaintingDVD.com 

hallgroat.com

Hall Groat II 

OilPaintingDVD.com 


artists 

of texas 



NO WHERE BUT TEXAS 

artistsoftexas.blogspot.com 

dailypaintersoftexas.blogspot.com 


Debbie Grayson Lincoln 

Texas Contemporary Western Illustrator 

NoworNever-Debbie.blogspot.com 

DebbieLincoln.com

Felicia Marshall 

feliciamarshall.blogspot.com

Directory: Artists and Galleries 

Anderson, Shirley 48 

Artists of Texas 208-209 

Ashkenasi, Michal 122-123 

Bauer, Logan 174-175 

Bodtker, Eric 51 

Booth, Filomena De Andreade 74-75 

Buck, Helen 90-91 

CFAI.co Interview Patricia Griffin 40-41 

Chapman, Elizabeth 92-93 

Christy-Moore, Nancy 37 

Conrad, Kimberly 140-141 

Coonts, Bob 24-27 

Crain, Kay 73 

Daily Painters Abstract Gallery 154-155 

Dalton, Judy Wilder 49 

David Darrow Back Cover 

Davis & CO 38-39 

Debbie Lincoln 210 

Delapp, John R Photography 194-203 

Dines, Connie 4 

Engles, Carol 14 

Felicia Marshall 211 

Figueroa, Laura 114-115 

Gilley, Lunell 72 

Gonzalez, Anthony A 18 

Groat, Hall II 206-207 

Hicks, Becky 22-23 

Humphrey, Lesley 28-29 

Janet Brousard 137 

Kainer, Kristine 71 

Keilback, Drew 106 

Kelsey, Sterett-Gittings 35 

Lady L 213 

Leroux, Marti 107 

Levine, Richard 36 

MacMahon, Blue Fire Artspan feature 66-67 

Manuila, Sanda 46-47 

McCoy, Jonelle T. 17 

McCoy, Jonelle T. 128-135 

McCoy, Linda 19 

McCune, Michelle 78-89 

McEwen, David 110-111 

Mckinney, Lisa 192-193 

McMillan, Catherin 112-113 

Medina, Nancy 50 

Meyer, Pat 15 

Mirada Fine Art 68-69 

Moser, Sandy 142-151 

Moser, Sandy 42 

O’Connor, Tony 52-65 

Pace, Laurie 124 

Pace, Laurie Justus 30-31 

Paige, Stephanie 32 

Powell, Suzy Pal 45 

Reed, Laura 34 

Rees, VL 33 

Reinke, Kay 70 

Rites of Spring 156-173 

Scharf, Barry 118-121 

Schryver, Sarah 96-105 

Sheri Cook 136 

Smidt, Carol Jo 9 

Snyder, Roseanne 16 

Swift, Sallie-Anne 43 

Tavers, Valerie 12-13 

The Art Gallery 188-189 

Vino Dipinte 204-205 

Wagner, Milton 126-127 

White, Susan Tobey 176-177 

Whitehead, Diane 186-187 

Wilson, Maralyn 95 

Wood, Kyle 138-139 

Young, Barb 116-117 

Zengo, Denice 94 

Zimmerman, Elizabeth 125 

Zorad, Mary Jo 152-153 


Lady 

L 

She began painting at age 3 in the studio of her grandmother, Artist 

Laurie Pace. She carries the passion for art and painting. Already 

saving for college, she has her work available online: 

http://www.ellepace.com/available-work-of-lady-l/

http://davethepaintingguy.com/podcast/

Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 3 no 5

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