Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 3 No 10

VL 

Visual Language 

contemporary fine art 

VL Rees 

vlrees.com 

VL 

October 2014 Volume 3 No. 10 

Features: Hall Groat II . Marzena Oberc-Habzda . VL Rees . Garry Gay . Anthony A Gonzalez . Elaine Valeria . Pat Meyer . Anton Zhou

VL 

visual language 

contemporary fine art 

VisualLanguageMagazine.com 

Subscribe Free Today. 

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October 2014 Vol 3 No 10 

©GraphicsOneDesign1998-2014 

2 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com

VL Rees 

Contemporary Realism and Beyond 

V L Rees is best known for contemporary Realism executed 

in colorful oils. However, on hot summer afternoons, 

she has been known to give in to the abstract. 

VL Cover Artist 

She draws inspiration from her appreciation of the beatuy 

found in the everyday. Unusual angles, dramatic lighting 

and nature’s intricacies all capture her attention. Vicki’s 

work is exhibited regionally and is in collection in the 

South and Midwest. 

Originally from indianapolis, She moved to North Carolina 

after a twenty year stop in Kentucky. She and her husband 

live in downton Raleigh and enjoy being within walking 

distance ot many of the cities First Friday art venues. 

This is the second cover VL Rees has had with Visual 

Language. Her composition and color really attract the 

eye. 

VLRees.com 

VisualLanguageMagazine.com - VL Magazine | 3

Michal Ashkenasi 

Photography 

michalsart.com

contentVL 

Cover Artist VL Rees 3 

Contemporary Realism and Beyond with VL 

Rees 

Painter’s Keys - Sara Genn 11 

VL Artists to Collect - 16 

Anthony A. Gonzalez, Elaine Vileria, 

Pat Meyer, Anton Zhou 

CFAI Colors on My Palette 40 

Deanna Jaugstetter 

Read the up close and personal interviews from CFAI.co 

Find out more about the artist, their inspirations and how 

they approach their work. 

“Culinary Art Immortalized: From Table to Wall 

with Hall Groat II” by Francine Butler 46 

Hall Groat II has married his classical oil painting style with his 

appreciation of culinary art, specializing in desserts, by capturing 

them on canvas. 


VL Artspan Studio Visit Marzena Oberc-Habzda 60 

I am captivated, inspired and challenged by various subjects in 

nature. My main focus is on nature’s delicate yet powerful beauty, 

remarkable design and perfect color harmony. 

Barry Scharf 80 

Going to Extremes 

It’s not easy to get out of my comfort space. Often I like to 

sit within what I know is familiar. I rest in the knowledge I 

have obtained. Practicing what I have learned works well, 

I get really good at repeating known skills and routines. 

VL Artspan Spotlight Interview: VL Rees 88 

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

Before first grade! I took art classes throughout elementary and 

high school, dabbled in college and after graduation, then gave it up 

for nearly 30 years. Approaching retirement I thought about what I 

wanted to do after a left the corporate world and realized where my 

heart was. It wasn’t easy to pick up a paint brush after a long break 

but gradually I began to make paintings that I enjoyed and didn’t 

make me want to cry. 


contentVL 

CFAI.co Artist Showdown 102 

First Place Deanna Jaugstetter 

Second Place Barbara Jones 

Third Place Carol Jo Smidt 

VL Artspan Photographer Garry Gay 116 

I started getting serious about photography in 2006 when some friends 

talked me into shooting a dressage show. What started as a hobby escalated 

into a profession.Though I have been working as a professional 

for some years, I still consider myself an amateur who creates some nice 

things once in a while. 

Directory of Artists and Galleries 134 

In alphabetical 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. 

Hall Groat II 

Painter Hall Groat II, professor and chair of Art and Design at SUNY Broome Community College, 

teaches foundation courses in painting, drawing, color theory, and computer graphics. Groat earned 

a master of fine arts degree in painting and drawing from City University of New York at Brooklyn, a 

bachelor of arts in art history, minoring in studio art at Binghamton University, and attended graduate 

and certificate programs at Buffalo State College, Syracuse University, and Savannah College of Art 

and Design. He also attended summer sessions at Chautauqua School of Art, Chautauqua, NY, and 

Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vt. 

HallGroat.com 

artistofthedayvl.blogspot.com 

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

VisualLanguageMagazine@gmail.com

Contemporary Abstract Art 

in Acrylics and Mixed Media 

“Near the Equinox” 24” x 30” Acrylic on Canvas 

Jana Kappeler 

janakappelerstudio.com 

janakappelerstudio@live.com 


VL 

visual language magazine 

Contemporary Fine Art 

Visual Language Magazine Staff 

Editorial 

Editor -in-Chief Laurie Pace 

Executive Editor Ashley Thompson 

Executive Editor Lisa Kreymborg 

Contributing Editor Lisa Neison-Smith 

Consulting Editor Nancy Medina 

Feature Contributor Sara Genn Painter’s Keys 

CFAI Contributor Kimberly Conrad 

Feature Editor Art Reviews Hall Groat II 

Feature Contributer Barry Scharf 

VL Sponsor ARTSPAN Eric Sparre 

Advertising 

Contact: VisualLanguageMagazine@gmail.com 

Marketing and Development 

Executive Director Business/Management Stacey Hendren 

All Artwork is Copyrighted by the Individual Artists. 

Visual Language Vol 3 No 9 

Anthony A Gonzalez DandCGallery.com 

http://lesliesealey.com 

http://loganbauer.com 

10 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com

The Painter’s Keys 

Robert and Sara Genn 

Letters to a young artist 

Robert Genn’s 

Studio Book 

In Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke (1875 - 1926) counsels a pen pal to “have patience with everything that remains 

unsolved in your heart” and to “live in the question.” These letters were published in 1929. In 2006, American actor and playwright 

Anna Deavere Smith wrote a book called Letters to a Young Artist - an updated homage and remake of sorts to Rilke’s 

original. “You can’t teach talent. You can’t teach inspiration,” says Anna. “You can teach people critical facilities. You can give 

them techniques. You can teach discipline. And you can teach them about the business.” 

In Letters to a Young Artist, Anna writes to a fictional young painter called BZ. “Art should take what is complex and render 

it simply,” she advises. “It takes a lot of skill, human understanding, stamina, courage, energy, and heart to do that.” Anna describes 

a desire for “wide-awakeness.” “Do you want to be an artist so that the whole world will look at you, or do you want to 

be an artist because you would like to use your ability to attract attention, to have the world see itself through you differently” 

she asks. In her version, Anna calls for action. 

In response to those feeling concerned or even despairing about the risk of art becoming a popularity contest rather than a 

profession, Anna advises that it’s best to choose another line of work. “Your desire to communicate must be bigger than your 

relationship with the chaotic and unfair realities,” she says. 

The Painter’s Keys - Sara Genn 

On the importance of artists taking control of destiny, Anna implores us to plan our lives - to be the authors. “Be more than 

ready. Be present in your discipline. Remember your gift. Be grateful for your gift and treat it like a gift. Cherish it, take care 

of it, and pass it on. Use your time to bathe yourself in that gift. Move your hand across the canvas. Go to museums. Make 

this into an obsession.” 

Sincerely, 

Sara 

PS: “I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.” (Rainer Maria Rilke) 

Esoterica: These days, Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke is a bestseller. He suffered the death of an infant sister, the 

divorce of his parents, and then he fell in love with a married woman. He was conscripted during the First World War and 

roved Europe continuously before settling in Switzerland and dying of leukemia at the age of 51. His personal and intense 

lyrical writings have elevated him to the status of mystic - comforting and inspiring artists worldwide. Anna Deavere Smith is 

artist-in-residence at the Center for American Progress in Washington, DC, and teaches at New York University. An inventor 

of new paths, Anna addresses today’s social issues in her art and shares insights with her students. “What you are will show, 

ultimately. Start now, every day, becoming, in your actions, your regular actions, what you would like to become in the bigger 

scheme of things.” 


Howard Tweedie 

A Passion for Plein Air 

howardtweedie.com 

Right Page: “Greenwich Spring” 

Left Page: “French Village”

HowardTweedie.com 

howardtweedie.com

Jonelle T. McCoy 

jonellemccoy.com 

Rhythm and Hooves Series “Flamenco” 

at Sweet Earth Studio Mingle Gallery 

sweetearthok.com/events/

www.caroljosmidt.com 

carol@caroljosmidt.com 

“Carved in Stone" Gouache 16 x 20

VL Artists 

to Watch and Collect 


Anthony A. González 

Elaine Vileria 

Pat Meyer 

Anton Zhou 

Visual Language Magazine Featured Artists this month 

each delve into the beauty of their art. Discover the 

unique individual approach in their stories and their art. 

Anthony A Gonzalez paints expressions and attitudes, 

right now focusing on the female figure. Elaine Vileria enjoys 

working in both genres of abstraction and realism, her 

style in the past couple of years has taken a turn toward 

surrealism and fantasy. Pat Meyer’s goal when painting is 

to do it beautifully with each stroke of the brush. To let the 

viewer see what she sees and experience the feelings that 

were happening at the time of the painting. Anton Zhou, at 

age 16, is an artist to really watch as he develops. As a Signature 

Member of Artists of Texas, Anton has had a brush or 

pencil in his hand from an early age. He feels that the early 

pioneers of art bequeathed their styles and techniques to 

present day artists, along with their passion and love for the 

field of art. 


VL Anthony A. González 

http://www.obra-de-gonzalez.com 

Expressions and Attitudes 

Painting for over 30 years has been intriguing and rewarding. 

I have studied with a few outstanding teachers and have spent countless hours working independently in my 

studio. I understood the importance of drawing early in my career which gave me the skills needed to paint 

in any medium. After drawing, I pursued first watercolor painting and then later oil painting. 

I have studied in Madrid, Spain, taking classes in oil painting and painting from life models. It was a great 

experience and an enjoyable one. I have returned many times to paint and visit with my Spanish friends. 

At the moment, the female figure is my main subject. Through many years of painting from models, I have 

learned to recognize expressions and attitudes that help me portray the uniqueness that comes from life. 

This uniqueness tells a story for me and for the viewer as well. The energy and persona of the model is 

essential and evident in my work. 

Painting has been enjoyable and fulfilling for all these years, and I look forward to the many years to come. 


Blue Ribbon 

I’m Ready 

Captivating 

Servant to None 


VL Elaine Vileria 

http://elainevileria.artspan.com 

Over the years, I have had the fortune to teach art, to students pre-K through 12th grade. As 

far back as I can remember, I knew that art would be a major relevance in my life. My favorite 

Christmas present of all time, was an art instruction book, complete with drawing paper and 

pencils, to help me learn to draw. 

Although I enjoy working in both genres of abstraction and realism, my style in the past couple of 

years, has taken a turn toward surrealism and fantasy. In addition to this style, I have developed 

a fondness for the technique of pointillism, where the intensity of a color fades, as you lessen 

the dots, or, you simply meld them together with another color. 

I have been asked more than once, “How do you come up with these ideas How do you envision 

the subjects that you draw” I guess it would be compared to an author writing a fiction or 

fantasy book, but the idea is created in the mind of an artist - and that 

visualization is transformed through the hand and tools of the artist. 

I received my Masters degree from Nazareth College, in Rochester, NY. My work has been in 

exhibitions throughout the United States, as well as in France. I have also solely developed and 

coordinated three art exhibitions for cancer survivors. 


Ladies in Blue 20” x 16” Web of Lies (21" x 17") 

Santa Fe II (16” x 12”) 


VL Elaine Vileria 

http://elainevileria.artspan.com 

Celestial Reincarnation (23” x 17”) 


Octopus’s Garden (20” x 13”) 

East Coast Pier (20” x 13”) 


VL 

Pat Meyer 

http://patmeyer-artist.com 

Painting Life Beautifully 

Life has many chapters and my goal in this chapter of life is to experience it through painting 

what I see, feel, hear and endure. 

When you stand before the empty canvas your heart reaches out and starts to speak. With each brush stroke 

you apply a little of your soul with paint. Your brain engages more and more with your subject until you become 

totally submerged in your painting. My goal when painting is to do it beautifully with each stroke of the 

brush. To let the viewer see what I saw and experience the feelings that were happening at the time of the 

painting. Each painting should tell a short story even if it is a still life. Some element of surprise that makes 

you stop and think what was the artist thinking and feeling at the moment of conception of this piece. If you 

as the viewer are excited by the colors, composition, brushwork and story then my job as an artist is fulfilled. 

SIGNATURE MEMBER ARTIST OF TEXAS, OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA, OUTDOOR PAINTERS 

SOCIETY 


Signs of Spring 

Anything but a Rose 


VL 

Pat Meyer 

http://patmeyer-artist.com 

Sunny Sunflowers 


Fall Harvest 

Sunny Delight 

Vibration in Color 


VL 

Anton Zhou 

http://www.antonzhouartwork.com/ 

http://antonzhou.blogspot.com/ 

Following a Passion 

I grew up finding my passion for art at a really young age, holding a brush or pencil in my hand ever 

since I was a small kid. I was born and raised in Houston by my loving parents, who have supported my 

art career till this point as I am currently 15 years of age. As the years have gone by, our world has seen 

new trends in art emerge, but I tend to stick with the traditional aspects of an impressionist, being very 

loose and daring with my colors and strokes. In my works, I strive to elicit the very nature or beauty of the 

scenery, sometimes the unique, vibrant characteristics of a face, or perhaps a conceptual idea revolving 

around an abstract frame. 

Through my eyes, I feel that the early pioneers of art bequeathed their styles and techniques to us, 

their passion and love for the field of art - all of which I have incorporated into my artistic personality. In 

conjunction with the traditional motives displayed in my art, I’ve mixed up my collection to exhibit a wide 

range of skills and knowledge of vast mediums and styles. My school art curriculum has greatly benefited 

my maturity as an artist as I came to appreciate and admire the different generations of art, and ultimately, 

the idea of how visual arts has evolved. Being a member of the Texas Artists Association and Contemporary 

Fine Art International is quite a privilege for a young artist like me, and has defined my emergence 

as a professional artist. 

Right Page: House of China 30 x 24 Oil 



VL 

Anton Zhou 

http://www.antonzhouartwork.com/ 

http://antonzhou.blogspot.com/ 

Lisbon Lakeshore 18 x 24 Oil 

German Folk Valley 24 x 30 Oil 

The End of a Season 48 x 36 Oil 


Water Lily 36 x 36 Oil 


BAUER 

Logan Bauer 

Landscapes, Life drawings, Still life, Figurative Portraits. 

LoganBauer.com

LoganBauer.com

Autumn in the Park 

Judy Wilder Dalton 

Contemporary Fine Art 

Finding Life in Art and Art in Life 

judywilderdalton.com

Aspen S P A C E S 

Lelija Roy aspenspaces.com aspen.spaces@gmail.com

Richard Levine 

Pastel Painter Landscape and Figurative 

"Still Life With Blue Table" 

www.richardlevine.net 

email: artisanrichard@gmail.com 

Davis & CO Fine Art 

dandcgallery.com

Janet Broussard 

“Table at Galatoire’s” 12” x 16” Oi on canvas 

janetbroussard.com

Isabelle Gautier 

French Contemporary Flair 

La Rivage I 24 x 48 

www.isabellegautieronline.com

Leslie Sealey 

f i n e a r t 

“Blue Lily With Stars” 16 x 16 Oil 

The Lily Series 

LeslieSealey.com

CFAI.co Colors On My Palette 


http://deannajaugstetter.com 

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

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

At the age of 6 years, I was doodling with a pencil while I was 

supposed to be listening to my first grade teacher! I was chosen 

to do all posters for the school year. There was an awareness that 

this activity is where the joy came from. 

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

The person who has had the most influence in my continuing to pursue art has been my husband, Patrick! 

He’s the wonderful guy who critiques my work here in the studio, loads the car for exhibits, plein 

air outings and helps me prepare for painting workshops! There have been several painting workshop instructors 

who have encouraged me to continue in the study of my mediums of oil, acrylic, and watercolor. 

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

So many fine artists have inspired me and continue to do so through attending their workshops. At the 

start I would study the paintings of Andrew Wyeth, enoying the rugged, earthy, feeling of his work! Being 

from a small town, I identified with the subject matter depicted in the paintings of Norman Rockwell. 

Both the oil paintings and watercolor work of John Singer Sargent are thrilling to look at. I have always 

loved the French Impressionists work, especially the pointillist paintings of Georges-Pierre Seurat. 

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

A high quality double primed cotton stretched canvas, primed linen on gatorboard, or primed cotton 

canvas on gatorboard. 

What brand of paints do you use 

Most of my paint tubes are Windsor Newton for oil and watercolor mediums. I also use a few oil paints of 

Vasari, Gamlin, Sennelier, and Holland. There are certain colors in American Journey watercolors that I 

enjoy. For abstract work, I use some Windsor Newton and Golden acrylics in the larger containers. 

Do you have a favorite color palette 

You will find two to three paints of a cool temperature and the same number of paints of a warm temperature 

in each hue on my palette, when working with oil, watercolor, or acrylic mediums. Changing the 

palette a bit now and then keeps my color fresh! 

What is your favorite color in your clothes closet 

Black, White, and intense colors are favorites for my style of dressing! 

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


Fort Screven Cottage 

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


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

Helen Buck 

Pretty in Pink Poppy. 20” x 20”. Acrylic on canvas. $550.00 

Helen Buck creates two and three dimensional images as a working artist in Austin, Texas. She completed her 

Studio Art Studies at the University of Cincinnati, opening her first professional art studio at the Pendleton in 

Cincinnati. She is represented by galleries in Texas and Ohio. 

helenbuckstudio.com

Roseanne Snyder 

“Lavender Sky” 20 x 24 

roseannesnyder.blogspot.com

VL Rees 

vlrees.com 

clairebullfineart.com 

tippingpaintgallery.com 

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

VL 

VL 

Culinary Art Immortalized: 

From table to wall with 

Hall Groat II 

By Francine Butler 

HallGroat.com 


Brownie Ala mode 8x10 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com

VL 

Culinary Art Immortalized: From table to wall with Hall Groat II. 

By Francine Butler, freelance writer 

Culinary chefs understand the importance of presentation 

and how often have they heard that their 

food is almost a shame to eat. New York artist Hall 

Groat II has married his classical oil painting style 

with his appreciation of culinary art, specializing in 

desserts, by capturing them on canvas. He has 

been specializing in this genre of art for the last 

eight years and has avid collectors of this from all 

over the world. 

Most collectors say they hang them in the kitchen 

and dining rooms where they evoke a warm welcoming 

feeling – making company feel at ease 

along with being aesthetically pleasing. They are 

often hung in groups. 

San Francisco collector, Terasa Ng states, “I love 

the chocolate Truffles piece that I purchased; I hung 

the piece in my kitchen grouped with other chocolate 

desserts from other artists. The family came 

over for Thanksgiving and they love the pieces and 

it has inspired my family to display desserts in their 

kitchens.” 

Another collector in Palm Beach states, “I hung two 

of the pastry paintings in my kitchen, one below the 

other. Not only do the colors in the paintings match 

the tones in my banquet room but I get the added 

bonus of having a couple of pastries without putting 

on weight.” 

A prominent collector from Dubai, UAE during the 

summer of 2014 purchased two of Groat’s major 

dessert paintings, including lemon meringue pie 

and a banana split. The collector states, “Some 

twenty years ago we travelled a lot to Italy and my 

husband and kids would always eat a banana split 

while I would have an expresso. It became a joke 

that I had to watch the family eat goodies while I 

saved!” 

Many collectors have expressed that they like the 

colors and how the paintings become a lighthearted 

topic of conversation during dinner parties at their 

homes. 

Groat has created a couple hundred dessert paintings 

since 2006, ranging in size from tiny, six inch 

slices of cheese cake, all the way to gargantuan forty 

inch tall jelly-filled donuts. He has painted nearly 

every dessert one can imagine, from iconic banana 

splits and chocolate sundaes to popular culture 

brands, such as Tastykake cupcakes and Ben and 

Jerry’s ice cream cones. “Painting sweets early in 

the morning will curb your sugar addiction for the 

rest of the day” the artist claims. His studio drawers 

are filled with a variety of desserts that have been 

collected through the years that he uses as props 

to paint from. The sugar preserves them quite well. 

The artist insists, “Both creating and looking at 

paintings is cathartic. When people think creatively 

and keep their minds busy, they often forget that 

they are hungry. So for your next dessert try taking 

a bite out of a mouth-watering oil painting of a 

raspberry tart, rather than being seduced by that fat 

filled chocolate pie at your local supermarket. 

HallGroat.com 


Lemon Meringue Pie 18x24 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

Chocolate Raspberry Tarts 18x24 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 


VL Hall Groat II 

Cherry Pie 8x10 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 


Banana Split 16x20 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

Chocolate Raspberry Tarts 18x24 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 



Carrot Cake 8x10 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II.jpg 

Strawberry Short cake 8x10 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 


Vanilla Ice cream Cone 14x11 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 



Crème Brûlée with Berries & Cream 8x10 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 


Baklava 8x10 in. Oil on Canvas by Hall Groat II 

HallGroat.com 


discover art . inspire collectors 

DAVIS&CO f i n e a r t g a l l e r y 

Home is where the art is. 

dandcgallery.com

engage discussion . celebrate life 

dandcgallery.com 

Anthony A Gonzalez 

at Davis&Co

Bob Coonts 

"Glory", Acrylic on Canvas, 24”x24” 

www.bobcoonts.com

"Sugar", Acrylic on canvas, 18"x26". 

www.bobcoonts.com

VL 

Artspan Studio Visit 

Marzena Oberc-Habzda 

http://www.oberc-habzda.com

Paeonia 

http://www.oberc-habzda.com

VL 

Artspan Studio Visit Marzena Oberc-Habzda 

I was born in Poland, where I lived in historic city of Krakow. My favorite activities as a 

child were drawing, painting and creating figures from clay. I could always be found at 

my desk consumed by my latest art project. I participated in various art competitions, 

winning various awards. 

My grammar school teacher encouraged me to focus 

on art as a future career. During high school at Liceum 

Plastyczne, I studied drawing, painting, sculpture 

and restoration of historic wall frescoes. 

Toward the end of high school, I moved with my family 

to the U.S. After graduation, I attended the Museum 

of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, for Continuing 

Education. I also attended Pair Collage of Art in Hamden, 

Connecticut, where I studied Graphic Design. 

I am captivated, inspired and challenged by various 

subjects in nature. My main focus is on nature’s delicate 

yet powerful beauty, remarkable design and perfect 

color harmony. I am driven by a need to explore 

and capture a certain sense of light to evoke desired 

emotion and inner feeling not easily captured and expressed 

in words. 

I am fascinated with perfect unity, relationship of 

shapes and harmony of color that nature delivers 

with such ease and perfection. This creates constant 

excitement, drive and spontaneous approach to the 

subject. Inspiration for every painting comes from 

seeing and experiencing something beautiful, something 

so captivating that it takes my breath away. 

I love painting with acrylics! For health reasons, a 

while ago, I had to switch from oils to acrylics. 

Once I discovered Golden Open Acrylics I never 

looked back. They offer slower drying time, therefore 

an ability to be manipulated with ease in order to create 

oil like appearance. 

My painting technique does not require blending of 

colors, therefore transition from oils was rather quick 

and easy. I paint with small tiles for color gradually 

banding them to a desired value, warm or cool temperature, 

manipulating edges and texture to create a 

desired effect with ease. Because of their quick drying 

time, acrylics offer instant visual gratification and 

result. 

I am representational artist, therefore my painting 

style requires a specific canvas texture in order to 

maintain certain control and manipulate the paint to 

accomplish the desired effect. My favorite painting 

surface is the Cleassens #13, oil primed, fine weave 

linen panel by Source Tek. 

I love the gliding ability of Golden Open Acrylics on 

panel surface. Acrylics allow me to paint faster with 

very satisfying results. The colors are brilliant, pure 

and easy to mix and manipulate. The feeling I am trying 

to convey is accomplished in a quick and satisfying 

manner. I tend to favor cool colors; i.e; blues, 

purples. My very favorite color now is Naples Yellow. 

There are many incredible artists that I admire as 

most of us do. However, there are two artists of the 

past that made a very strong impression on me when 

I was still a young child. First is a wonderful Russian 

painter of late 1800’s, Ivan Shishkin, and the other, 

Franz A. Bischoff. There are so many wonderful artists 

today that I love and greatly admire, like Richard 

Schmid, David A. Leffel, Morgan Waistling, Huihan 

Liu, Dan Gerhartz, Quang Ho, Sherrie Mc Graw, Karthryn 

Stats, Jeffery Watts and Scott Tallman Powers 

just to name a few. 

I am very grateful to all of them for there willing to 

share their knowledge and experiences with the rest 

of us, therefore helping us become better artists and 

bystep some of the common mistakes and learning 

errors. 

http://www.oberc-habzda.com 


Floral Symphony 



VL 


On the Rocks 



In the Spotlight 



VL 


Elder Plant 

Tiger Lillies 



Spring Colors Spectrum 

Blue Heaven Orchids 



Connie Dines 

“Pomegranate” 

“Star Magnolia” 

www.artfulexposures.com

Artful Exposures One Frame At A Time 

“Amaryllis” 

www.artfulexposures.com

Eric Bodtker 

“Bonnieux Lavender Field” 

ericbodtker.com

Joyce Pihl 

Fall in the Woods. 18” x 24”. Acrylic on canvas. 

Autumn 4. 18” x 24”. Acrylic on canvas. 

“I don’t try to paint exactly what I see, 

but heighten colour and simplify shapes to create 

my interpretation of reality.” 

joycebpihl.org

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Bruce Marion, ‘The Adventure Begins’- Original Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 48”; Alle

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www.miradafineart.com 

303-697-9006 

info@miradafineart.com 

32” x 48”; Larisa Aukon, ‘Continental Divide’ - Original Oil on Panel 24” x 36”; 

; Dominique Samyn, ‘Sage’- Acryilc & Venetian Plaster on Panel, 40” x 32”; 

n Wynn, ‘Joy Ride’ - Mixed Media Sculpture, 26” x 32” x 9”

ww. 

www.brookeoconnell.com 

www.fernwooddesignsart.com 

www.harmonyequineart.com 

www.marnikoelln.com www.animalarthouse.com www.allifarkas.com 

www.animalartandphotography.com 

www.internationalequineartists.com 

www.lauriepace.com

www.griffingallery.org 

www.judithajohnson.com 

www.horseartist.com 

www.equineartist.com 

www.moosepantsstudio.com 

www.tracymillerfineart.com 

www.internationalequineartists.com

Valerie Travers 

“Happy Blues” 

Atmospheric Seascape and Landscape Scenes, Abstract Art, 

Guernsey Artist, Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK. 

valerietravers.com

Behind my Eyes, 13.5” x 11” gouache and pastel on paper 

Sanda Manuila 

sandamanuila.artspan.com

Mary Jo Zorad 

contemporary fine art

ZoradArt.com

VL 

Barry W. Scharf 

Going to Extremes. By Barry W. Scharf 

It’s not easy to get out of my comfort space. Often I like 

to sit within what I know is familiar. I rest in the knowledge 

I have obtained. Practicing what I have learned 

works well, I get really good at repeating known skills 

and routines. Hurdles are often sidestepped whenever 

possible. Now I don’t mean this is the state of affairs 

for everyone or even for me to any meaningful depth. 

But sooner or later we all fall into the trap of the easy 

way out. I have been guilty of this from time to time, 

as I am sure these words ring true for most. This does 

not happen often but when it does it’s depressing, just 

getting into a routine and going with the flow becomes 

annoying to me, not exerting more energy then needed, 

not going the extra mile says I am not involved. 

Comfortable makes me uncomfortable! 

As I am getting older now and my years seem to place 

some limits on me I wonder if I have been doing this 

a bit to much. I want to create new pathways, change 

my thought patterns and make new synapses in my 

brain. I think this year will be my year to challenge 

myself again. Check of some things from a long bucket 

list. I am going on an adventure that will force me 

out of that comfort zone and place me squarely on the 

edge of my capabilities. I love the idea of travel and 

adventure to new places I have not yet seen. Discovering 

the beauty of seeing something for the first 

time excites me. I know you are wondering where this 

might be, but that‘s not the point. It’s more about the 

new... not the exotic. Obviously exotic has it’s draw but 

it is often remote and beyond most of our resources. 

Far away places can be an excuse to do nothing. 

I am thinking of some places that are far away, but 

also many that are close to home but overlooked. 

Some of these places I can reach in a weekend, others 

I may need longer. Some I can find by driving others 

by flying. All will be new all will hold a mystery I am 

searching to reveal, some places can be explored by 

day and others by night. I am use to being up in the 

day so I will also stay up at night. If need be I will watch 

the dawn sun unfold the day. 

I will document my new discoveries with my artistic expression. 

I will learn again what a good composition is. 

I will do things differently. Change my creative routine 

and use my old skills in new ways. 

So it is time to start planning, get out the maps, check 

resources and capabilities and get out there, it is all 

waiting to be discovered. 

http://barrywscharf.squarespace.com/ 


Above: Going to Extremes by Barry W Scharf 

Below: Birds by Barry W Scharf 

Left: No More Blues by Barry W Scharf 

http://barrywscharf.squarespace.com/ 


Carol Mitchell 

“Fall Marsh” 

“Rising Tide Baldhead” 

carolmitchellfineart.com

Landscapes from Texas, Maryland 

and The Carolinas 

“Sunset Marsh” 

carolmitchellfineart.com

Laurie Justus Pace 

Cutaway Under the Moon 

24 x 36 Oil on Canvas 

LauriePace.com 

available paintings 

http://www.ellepace.com/paintings-for-sale/

Kyle Wood 

kwoodfineart.com 

86 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com 

kylewoodfineart.blogspot.com

kwoodfineart.com 

"Beyond The Gate II" 

18" x 24" Oil on Canvas

VL 

Artist Spotlight 

VL 

Artist Spotlight Interview 

VL Rees 

Pies - 2013 - 24 x 24 



Decisions 30 x 24 



VL 

Artist Spotlight VL Rees 


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

Before first grade! I took art classes throughout elementary and high school, dabbled in college and after 

graduation, then gave it up for nearly 30 years. Approaching retirement I thought about what I wanted to do 

after I left the corporate world and realized where my heart was. It wasn’t easy to pick up a paint brush after 

a long break but gradually I began to make paintings that I enjoyed and didn’t make me want to cry. 

Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date 

My first art teacher: Michiko Boorman. She came to this country after WWII and raised a family while she 

studied and practiced art. She taught me the basics in such a supportive way. 

Who is another living artist you admire and why 

I’ve yet to a meet an artist in the Triangle who doesn’t inspire me in some way. That said, I would pick Dan 

Nelson, plein aire painter extraordinaire. His work is beautiful and often done under extreme conditions. I 

love plein aire paintings but as a mosquito magnet, I don’t aspire to it. 

Dylan - 2014 - 12 x 12 

www.vlrees.com 


Morning, Sunshine - 2014 - 30 x 24 



VL 



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

Stretched canvas with a colored ground. 

What are your favorite materials to use 

Oil paints. I especially love using a palette knife for abstracts. Using Winsor & Newton’s Liquin Impasto 

gives a great sheen and helps layers adhere to one another. It also stretches the paint. 

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

I would like to say every day and sometimes that happens! Currently I am planning a studio where, for the 

first time, I will have natural light, HVAC, and plumbing. Once I’m no longer in “the dungeon”, I hope to devote 

40+ hours a week. 

Apples vs Oranges - 2013 - 18 x 24 



Wrightsville Morning - 2013 - 24 x 24 

Yellow Daylily - 2010 - 12 x 12 



VL 



July Corn - 2013 - 18 x 24 



Pies - 2013 - 24 x 24 

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

Personally, that I was there for my family, friends, and colleagues. As a painter, that I showed the beauty in 

ordinary objects. 

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 

In every painting there comes that “uh oh” moment. I call it buyer’s remorse. It’s when you think, “what was 

I thinking” for choosing that subject, that size/shape canvas, that color palette, etc. 

How do you overcome these obstacles 

Practice, practice, practice. Over the years I’ve learned when to just keep at it and when to put it aside to 

ponder where I go next. It’s also helpful to know that one can paint over the real disasters. 

What are your inspirations for your work 

The interplay of light and shadow, and looking at everyday objects from a new perspective. 



VL 



What is your favorite color in your closet 

Royal blue 

What book are you reading this week 

“Creativity, Inc.” by Ed Catmull 

Do you have a favorite television show 

“The Big Bang Theory” 

Getting to Know the Artist 

Q&A 

Who would you love to paint 

I’m not a portraitist so it would be a what – the canals 

of Venice 

If you were an animal what would you be and why 

A raptor, either an eagle or falcon, because I would 

love to fly and because top of the food chain is always 

best 

What is your favorite food 

My husband’s homemade pizza 

What are you most proud of in your life 

My marriage to the world’s best husband, chef, and 

parallel-parker 

Who would you love to interview 

If I could time travel, I always wanted to meet Helen 

Keller 

Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting 

What is it 

Reading, and I hope to get back to gardening 

If you were stranded on a desert island and could 

only take three things, what would they be 

My husband, an unlimited supply of sunscreen, and 

my Sony Xperia tablet 

Share something with us that few people know 

about you. 

I’m very shy 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where 

would you live 

New York City – I traveled there regularly for work 

for over 20 years and love the variety of everything 

imaginable 

Cupcakes - 2013 - 18 x 24 



Sproing! - 2014 - 30 x 24 



Kimberly Conrad 

“Winds Grow Strong” 36”x48”x1.5” 

Poured Acrylic on Canvas 

“Winds Grow Strong” 36”x48”x1.5” 

Poured Acrylic on Canvas

“Pouring Color Into Your Life” 

KimberlyConradFineArt.com

The Crossing 30” x 48” diptych oil on canvas 

Victoria Kwasinski

Interpretive Abstract Fine Artist and Instructor 

www.victoriakwasinski.com

CFAI.co Artist Showdown 


July 2014 - Still Life Art 

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

First Place 


Kaleidoscope 

http://deannajaugstetter.com 

102 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com


Porch Tu Ere 


VisualLanguageMagazine.com - VL Magazine | 103



Second Place 

Barbara Jones 

The Clay Pot 

http://barbarajonesfineart.com 

104 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com


Third Place 

Carol Jo Smidt 

Trio 

http://caroljosmidt.com 


VisualLanguageMagazine.com - VL Magazine | 105

DAILY PAINTERS ABSTRACT GALLERY 

“Thankful” 36”x48”x2.0” Oil on Canvas 

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com 

Dawn Reinfeld 

DAILY PAINTERS ABSTRACT GALLERY

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 September Artist Showdown 

“Do you have what it takes” 

Annie O’Brien Gonzales 

“Transportation Art” 

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

cfai.co 

Fall 2014 Juried Competition 

Diane Whitehead 

Dawn Reinfeld 

The World Outdoors 

Landscapes, Waterscapes, Wildlife, and Western 

$500 in total cash prizes 

Plus much more! 

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

L i s a M c K i n n e y

Lisa-McKinney.com 

lisamckinneyfineart.blogspot.com

VL 

VL 

Photographer Spotlight 

Garry Gay 

www.photogarry.com 




VL 

Photographer Spotlight Garry Gay 


I am a studio still life photographer based out of Santa Rosa, California. I graduated from Brooks 

Institute School of Photography in 1973, with a Bachelor of Photographic Arts degree. I have been a 

commercial photographer for many years and moved into fine art photography because I wanted to do 

more personal work and explore my artistic vision. My love for still life photography has led me on a 

great life adventure. 

I have sort of a creative romantic artistic view of the world. My work is often colorful and very graphic. I 

like to add a moody touch to my images. Sometimes my work has a nostalgic feel. I love to photograph 

old worn out things. I am always on the hunt for rusty, vintage, worn objects I can use in my shots. My 

studio is full of antiques and collectible props I have come across in my prop hunting adventures. 





VL 






VL 




I have large collections of things like sea shells, vases, old keys, marbles, vintage toys, dice, 

maps, butterflies and much more. My warehouse is overflowing with visual treasures. I spend 

most of my days working on table top still life arranging and rearranging the many wonderful 

objects I have found. I also love to play with lighting and spend a lot of time moving lights 

around trying to get the right look or feel for my images. 

For me it’s much more than a job or pastime, it’s a calling, a need to fulfill a vision or complete 

an idea that’s in my head. I love shooting still life and it never gets tiring to me. It gives me a 

great feeling of accomplishment. There’s always a quest to realize the next idea that comes to 

mind. 

Studio Phone 707-541-7545 




VL 


Winter Valentino 





Alejandro Castanon 

www.vinodipinte.com 

Vino Dipinte Art Gallery 

602 Orient St San Angelo, TX 76903

Colorem Face Series 

alejandrocastanon.com

KRISTINE KAINER 

www.kristinekainer.com 

www.kristinekainer.blogspot.com

Texas Art 

www.kristinekainer.com 

www.kristinekainer.blogspot.com

Artists of Texas 

artistsoftexas.org

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

Advertisers 

Alejandro Castanon 126-127 

Annie O’Brien Gonzales 112 

Anthony A. González 17-19, 57 

Anton Zhou 17, 28-31 

Art Gallery 110-111 

Artists of Texas 130-131 

Artists Out of Bounds 16-31 

Barbara Jones 104 

Barry W Scharf 80-81 

Bob Coonts 58-59 

Carol Jo Smidt 15, 105 

Carol Mitchell 82-83 

CFAI 42 

CFAI Color Palette 40-41 

CFAI Showdown 102-105 

Connie Dines 68-69 

Daily Painters Abstract Gallery 106-107 

Davis & CO 56-57 

Dawn Reinfeld 106-107 

Deanna Jaugstetter 40-41, 102-103 

Debbie Grayson Lincoln 132 

Diane Whitehead 108-109, 113 

Elaine Vileria 17, 20-23 

Eric Bodtker 70 

Felicia Marshall 133 

Garry Gay 116-125 

Hall Groat 8, 46-55, 

Helen Buck 43 

Howard Tweedie 12-13 

International Equine Artists 74-75 

Isabelle Gautier 38 

Jana Kappeller 9 

Janet Broussard 37 

Jonelle T. McCoy 14 

Joyce Pihl 71 

Judy Wilder Dalton 34 

Kimberly Conrad 98-99 

Kristine Kainer 128-129 

Kyle Wood 86-87 

Lady L 134 

Laurie Justus Pace 84-85 

Lelija Roy 35 

Leslie Sealey 39 

Lisa McKinney 114-115 

Logan Bauer 32-33 

Mary Jo Zorad 78-79 

Marzena Oberc-Habzda 60-67 

Michal Ashkenasi 4 

Mirada Fine Art 72-73 

Pat Meyer 17, 24-27 

Richard Levine 36 

Roseanne Snyder 44 

Sanda Manuila 77 

Sara Genn 11 

Valerie Travers 76 

Victoria Kwasinski 100-101 

Vino Dipinte Gallery 126-127 

VL Rees 3, 45, 88-97

LADY L 

Colors Make Me Smile 

ladylart.blogspot.com 

ellepace.com/available-work-of-lady-l

136 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com 

visuallanguagemagazine.com

Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 3 No 10

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