Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 4 No 2

VL 

Visual Language 

Jeanne Illenye 

jeanneillenye.com 

Features: Karen Margulis . Jeanne Illenye . Dawn Waters Baker . Kathy O’Leary 

VL 

February 2015 Volume 4 No. 2 

contemporary fine art

VL 

visual language 

contemporary fine art 

VisualLanguageMagazine.com 

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February 2015 Vol 4 No 2 

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Capturing Nature’s Transient Beauty. 

Jeanne has begun to periodically lighten her palette and occasionally alter the perspective on her 

subjects, yet always relying on her classical roots such as employing the Hogarth Curve in varying 

forms within her compositions, sensitivity to light and shadow, a base of earth tones applied in thin 

glazes, to ultimately produce larger, fresher paintings. It is in these newest works where simplification 

of format and intensification of focus continue to reveal lighter, more emphatic paintings that 

simultaneously retain a delicacy of touch and sensitivity of spirit for which Jeanne is recognized. 

Perennial inspiration from her bountiful gardens, a reverence for nature and an acute awareness 

of the effects of time upon her subjects are what identify Jeanne Illenye’s work as both endearing 

and enduring as she captures nature’s transient beauty. 

VL Cover Artist 

http://jeanneillenye.com/ 

VisualLanguageMagazine.com - VL Magazine | 3

Victoria Pendragon 

“Still” 

victoriapendragon.artspan.com

content VL 

Cover Artist Jeanne Illenye 3 

Capturing Nature’s Transient Beauty. 

Painter’s Keys - Sara Genn 11 

Top Artists to Collect 22 

Carolyn Hancock, Kristine Byars, Marchita Priest, 

Hilda Rueda, Suzy Pal Powell, and Tina Bohlman 

Pastels Karen Margulis 44 

My journey with pastels began ten years ago. 

Busy raising my two children, I had not touched 

a paintbrush in 20 years. Pastel was the perfect 

medium for me. 


VL 

Dawn Waters Baker 66 

Dawn feels like her first language was beauty. That was how 

her heart was stirred to art. Born and raised a missionary kid 

she learned to look for it in the cracks and crevices of lives 

much harder then her own. In college, she learned how to find 

her own way to express her heart through painting. 

Kathy O’Leary 124 

“When did you realize you loved art and wanted 

to be an artist 

In 1989, having rediscovered I still had my drawing 

skills (developed from early college experience) 

I was drawn to painting and drawing again 

as a release from stresses of my job. As my 

skills grew rapidly I decided in 1990 that I wanted 

to leave my job and work closer to the field of 

art. After a year working for the local art’s council, 

being around art every day, artists, helping 

curate and hang shows, I quit to work full time 

at my own art. I committed myself to learning as 

much as I could, to see whether I could do this 

professionally. I honed my skills working at first 

in watercolor, pastel, mono printing, and finally 

trying oils. From my first experimentation with 

oils as a medium (in ‘94), I knew immediately that 

this was my medium and that the life I wanted 

was as a painter working in oils. 

6 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com

content VL 

Jeanne Illenye 118 

“Artist Jeanne Illenye’s deep passion for animals is evident 

in her sensitive oil portraits which eloquently capture the 

expression of each individual pet. It has often been said 

that Jeanne has an innate ability to capture the essence of 

their very souls in her delicate portraits.”. 

Index Directory of Artists and Galleries 138 

In alphabetical order, you can easily find all featured artists 

and advertising artists, along with featured galleries in our 

index directory. 


Mark Yearwood 

“Earth Dance” 40’’x30’’ Mixed Media on Canvas 

MarkYearwood.com 

Select Prints available at Nuvango.com/markyearwood 

Barsky Gallery 

49 Harrison Street 

Hoboken, NJ 07030 

888.465.4949 

www.barskygallery.com

Richard Levine 

Pastel Painter Landscape and Figurative 

“Harbor Mist, Lubec” 

www.richardlevine.net 

email: artisanrichard@gmail.com 

Davis & CO Fine Art 

dandcgallery.com

VL 

visual language magazine 

Contemporary Fine Art 

Visual Language Magazine Staff 

Editorial 

Editor -in-Chief Laurie Pace 

Contributing Editor Lisa Neison-Smith 

Consulting Editor Nancy Medina 

Feature Contributor Sara Genn Painter’s Keys 

CFAI Contributor Kimberly Conrad 

Feature Writer Dave Justus 

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 Magazine Vol 4 No 2 

kimstudios.blogspot.com 

wildwood-studio.com 

http://joycebpihl.org/ 


The Painter’s Keys 

Robert and Sara Genn 

February 2015 

This was composed for Late December. 

I read once that we all have a “happiness set-point,” and that it usually returns about six months after a trauma or 

extreme life event. In other words, a miserable person who wins the lottery is soon a miserable millionaire. Likewise, 

joyful souls have a knack for bouncing back from adversity. 

Scientists suggest that we can rewire our brains for a higher happiness set-point by smiling, visualizing beautiful experiences 

and paying attention to the good stuff of life. Artists, while often sensitive, are also attuned to wonder and 

appreciation. They know that in these moments of magic happiness flourishes. Last month I watched penguins skim 

in from the Tasman Sea, pulling sleek, rope-like wakes behind them like miniature ocean liners. Post-dusk, a Prussian 

blue horizon and the high purrs of hungry chicks made me stop in the night breezes, as dutiful parents regurgitated 

anchovies for their young. Then, as quickly as the wonder came, it left, leaving in its place a little hole that grew in 

the shape of longing. I lugged that hole back along the boardwalk towards the city like it was a giant boulder -- cold 

and rhetorical -- What to do with all this beauty, without my Dad to share it with, to be my witness and to make its 

meaning 

My husband, Peter, squeezed my hand as we walked in silence. “So this is grief,” I thought. Grief is stunning and artful, 

flaring like a fever when faced with magic. “What a wonder.” 

The Painter’s Keys - Sara Genn 

Sincerely, 

Sara 

PS: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” (Hamilton Wright Mabie) 

Esoterica: This morning I re-read a letter Dad wrote to you on Christmas Day, 2001. Here’s part of it: 

“It’s the night before Christmas and I’ve decided to paint. My daughter, Sara, (the artist) phones and tells me the four 

stages of life: 

‘You believe in Santa Claus 

You don’t believe in Santa Claus 

You are Santa Claus 

You look like Santa Claus’ 

“It’s sort of like an extra bit of peace has been provided for this little extra blast with the brush. My son James (the filmmaker) 

phones to ask if I saw the documentary on PBS about Jewish kids and Arab kids crossing checkpoints in Israel 

and Palestine in order to play ordinary kids games with each other. I tell him I want to see that one. My son David (the 

musician) phones to say he can’t think of anything I need and by the way what do I need I can’t think of anything I 

need. Not a thing. Except perhaps better work -- and he can’t help me much with that. ‘How’s about a book on How to 

Paint,’ he suggests. ‘Go for it,’ I say. 

“Then the intercom goes off. It’s Carol. I clean my brushes and lay my finger aside of my nose. I remember to put the 

lid on the Titanium white. I’m feeling like the down of a thistle. I attach Emily’s antlers. There’s Clausal duties.” (Robert 

Genn) 


olorado Homes & Lifestyles 

BEST ART GALLERY, 2010 & 2012 

- 5280 

TOP 24 GALLERIES IN THE USA, 2012, 2013 & 

Artwork (l to r): Laurie Justus Pace, ‘The Gathering One’- Original Oil on Canvas, 3 

miradafineart.com 

Svetlana Shalygina, ‘Silhousettes De Versailles’ - Mixed Media on Canvas, 36” x 36” 

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

Magazine 

A ‘STYLE-MAKER’ 

- Luxe Magazine 

‘STUNNING’ 

2014 - American Art Awards ‘ART LOVER’S ESCAPE’ - Denver Life 

5490 Parmalee Gulch Rd. 

Indian Hills, CO 80454 

(only minutes from Denver) 

www.miradafineart.com 

303-697-9006 

info@miradafineart.com 

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

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

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

f i n e a r t 

Life in Motion 

“Tango Dip” 8 x 8 Oil 

Connie Chadwell 

www.conniechadwell.com

Phyllis DeQuevedo 

“A Work in Progress” 

Smiling Dutchman 

18” H x 11” W x 11” D 

Bronze Edition of 15 

mantikstudio.com

Jonelle T. McCoy 

“Best of Show” 30”x40” Gallery Wrap 

Portrait of a Paso Fino Mare accentuated with texture 

to give visual interest, depth and impact. 

jonellemccoy.com

“Forest Path" 

Oil 11" x 14" 

www.caroljosmidt.com 

carol@caroljosmidt.com

michalsart.com 

Michal Ashkenasi

Michal Ashkenasi 

Abstract Figurative 

and Minimalistic Paintings and Photography 

Left Page: Floral 2 

Above: Floral 3 

Right: Floral 1 

michalsart.com

Adirondack Series: The Great Range From The Brothers, October 

54” x 84”

John Whitton Bria 

JohnBria.com

VL 

VL 

TOP ARTISTS 

to Watch and Collect 

Suzy Pal Powell 

Marchita Priest 

Hilda Rueda 


Tina Bohlman 

Kristine Byars 

Visual Language Magazine Featured Artists this month delve 

into the beauty of each of our selected artists and their unique 

approach to creativity. 

Carolyn Hancock loves painting character and beauty. Her color 

choices are intuitive, with unexpected color combinations that in 

the finished painting read true. 

Kristine Byars uses bold oils to create paintings that spark warm 

emotion. Her work captures life, and is often coupled with humor. 

Marchita Priest Oil paint is her medium of choice. Plein air painting 

is her joy. In Marchita’s studio, she holds workshops and has 

open studio paint day with her fellow artists. 

Hilda Rueda Art is the Universal language that transcends geographical 

borders, ethnicity, religion and time. I intend to communicate 

heart to heart with the viewer and reader through my 

paintings and poetry and to contribute my grain of sand to make 

this world a better, more joyful, more tolerant place to live. 

Suzy Pal Powell “I feel very blessed by God that He allows me 

to create. He gives me the passion and desire as well as the 

ideas of what to paint. I believe it all comes from Him.” 

Tina Bohlman A native Texan, Tina Bohlman has used the state 

in which she was raised as both the inspiration and the canvas 

for her art. Basically self-taught, Bohlman works in both watercolor 

and oil to create breathtaking plein air paintings and brilliant 

rural landscapes. 

Carolyn Hancock

VL 

Carolyn Hancock 

http://carolynhancock.com/ 

If I could paint only one thing, it would be the face in that small 

window of time that says, “this is me.” I love painting character and 

beauty. My color choices are intuitive, with unexpected color combinations 

that in the finished painting read true. I believe travel to 

different cultures and countries influenced my work and those color 

choices. 

My painting style is in transition, going from a detailed drawing of 

the face to a painterly, looser effect. I am a pastel only artist, and 

have studied with renowned pastel artists. Basically self-taught, I 

know that important pieces of the knowledge of those artists filtered 

into my work. I am an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of 

America and President of the Pastel Society of Southeast Texas. 

carolyn@carolynhancock.com 

http://carolynhancock.com 

I blog through my website, write a monthly newsletter, and take time 

away from the easel via the golf course. 



VL Kristone Byars 

www.wildwood-studio.com 

Born in the Midwest, my parents created a strong foundation, instilling in me a great love of nature and all 

creatures. 

I love, and take pride in what I do. I use bold oils to create paintings that spark warm emotion. My work 

captures life, and is often coupled with humor. As a former graphic artist, I’ve gained a wide range of artistic 

versatility beyond my first love of painting. From illustrating a children’s book, Montana The Police Horse, to 

designing and painting murals for the primates at Black Beauty Ranch animal sanctuary. My work hangs in 

both public and private permanent collections and is represented in several galleries. 

Inspiration is gained through world travel. I cherish U.S. small towns and National Parks. My husband and I 

live in Texas with our horse and Golden Retriever. 

My goal as an artist is to capture the personalities, images, and moments that make life wonderful. 



VL Marchita Priest 

http://marchitapriest.com/ 

I am a native Texan living in the Houston area. 

At an early age I eagerly watched my Father as he worked at his drafting table. I would pick up his pencils and 

doodle on notebook paper. Paint by numbers and sketching were my pastime when I couldn’t be outside. In 

high school, I was asked to draw the mascot for the inside and the outside covers for our annuals. As an adult, 

classes and workshops have led me to painting in the studio and en plein air(outdoors). 

Oil paint is my medium of choice. Plein air painting is my joy. In my studio, which is a converted welding shop, 

I teach, hold workshops and have open studio paint day with my fellow artists. Larger paintings are always on 

my easel. Contemporary, abstracts and realism all find their way on my canvas’. 

Marchita’s love of travel, seeing the beauty and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the earth are the 

catalysts to creating art. Painting outdoors and from real life is my passion. 



VL Hilda Rueda 

http://hruedart.webs.com/ 

Colombian born artist, trained as a Petroleum Engineer. She studied 

art with several artist, both in Canada and Brazil. She has exhibited 

in Canada, Brazil, and California and currently in Houston, 

where she has her studio. She has received several awards both 

locally and abroad. She also writes poetry and is an active member 

of several art organizations: The Woodlands Art League, DaVinci 

Artist Gallery, Dutch Art Gallery, The Jung Center, Houston; American 

Women Artists, Women in the Visual and Literary Arts. 

MY WORK 

Art is the Universal language that transcends geographical borders, 

ethnicity, religion and time. I intend to communicate heart to heart 

with the viewer and reader through my paintings and poetry and to 

contribute my grain of sand to make this world a better, more joyful, 

more tolerant place to live. My human figures are not simply a representation 

of an individual, they are soul portraits of the deep emotions, 

feelings and passions that every human being goes through in 

his/her existence. They are you and me and all the human race, all 

bound to the same roots, same ancestry, same language. 



VL 


http://valerietravers.com 

I have always drawn and doodled, and never had art in school. Finally in the late 80’s I started painting as 

a hobby, first with oil, then pencil/pastels, and then in 1990, watercolor. In 2010 I started doing torn paper 

collages, and in 2014, duo oils. I never had art in school, so I have learned from books, workshops, artist 

friends, and lots of hours in my art room. 

I feel very blessed by God that He allows me to create. He gives me the passion and desire as well as the 

ideas of what to paint. I believe it all comes from Him. I have also been blessed by my family and friends 

who constantly encourage me, and allow me the craziness that comes with being an artist! 

My work has been featured in one of North Light’s books, ‘Incite’ and in 2 of the Artistic Touch books by 

Chris Unwin, as well as some other publications. 

Suzy ‘Pal’ Powell 

Suzypal.com 

Suzypal.blogspot.com 

Bluecanvas.com/suzypal 



VL Tina Bohlman 

http://tinabohlman.com 

A native Texan, Tina Bohlman has used the state in which she was 

raised as both the inspiration and the canvas for her art. Basically selftaught, 

Bohlman works in both watercolor and oil to create breathtaking 

plein air paintings and brilliant rural landscapes. She is a veteran of numerous 

competition plein air and “quick draw” events including, Plein Air 

Southwest–Outdoor Painters Society, Dallas, Texas; Sedona Plein Air 

Festival-Sedona, Arizona; and Paint The Parks-Estes Park, Colorado. 

In addition to managing a busy art career, she’s active within the art 

community; President of Outdoor Painters Society; 2015 chair of the 

annual Plein Air Southwest Salon; Founder & chair of her home town’s 

10th annual Paint Historic Waxahachie; and Advertising chair for Women 

Artists of the West. 

Her paintings are in private and corporate collections in 34 States, and 

8 countries. 


Memberships: Master Signature-Artists Of Texas; Signature-Outdoor Painters Society; Signature-Women 

Artists of the West; Signature-Contemporary Fine Art International; Signature-International Plein Air Painters; 

Associate-American Women Artists; Associate-Oil Painters of America; Associate-American Impressionists 

Society, Southwest Watercolor Society. 


Joyce Pihl 

The Barn Still Life A Splash of Red 

http://joycebpihl.org/

Joyce Pihl 

Country Road, Acxrylic on Canvas 14” x 18” 

http://joycebpihl.org/

Filomena Booth 

Energy . Color . Passion 

filomenabooth.com

filomenabooth.com

Corey 

Watson 

coreywatsonart@gmail.com 

phone: 209-352-7943

Aspen S P A C E S 

Corey 

Watson 

In the Fog 20” x 16” (c) Leija Roy 

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

BAUER 

Logan Bauer 

Logan Bauer spent much of his elementary and secondary school years overseas. He took his first 

painting class in London, England at the age of 13 years old. Upon his return to Arizona, he continued 

to take art classes at Phoenix College, and it was not until recently that painting stopped 

being a part time endeavor or hobby, but it became a full time commitment. 

He presently paints out of his studio located in Northern Arizona near Prescott. 

LoganBauer.com

Landscapes, Life Drawings, Still Life, Figurative Portraits 

LoganBauer.com

VL 

Karen Margulis 

kemstudios.blogspot.com

kemstudios.blogspot.com 


VL Karen Margulis 

My journey with pastels began ten years ago. Busy 

raising my two children, I had not touched a paintbrush 

in 20 years. Pastel was the perfect medium for me. I 

was working full time and pastels were easy to leave 

out allowing me to paint in my free time. I was also 

drawn to pastels by their vibrancy and the immediate 

gratification they provide. With pastels what you see is 

what you get. The colors never fade, crack or yellow. 

There is no drying time or mixing paint. They can be 

layered for infinite interest. They are versatile, easily 

mixing with other media. Clean up is easy. Most of all 

I was seduced by the tactile nature of pastels. You just 

pick up a stick of color and paint! 

Like any new painter, I was anxious to get past the 

‘pastel painting learning curve’ so I challenged myself 

to paint a small daily painting and post it to my blog.... 

just to keep me accountable. What happened as a result, 

I could never have imagined. Not only did I start 

to get comfortable with the pastels and improve as an 

artist, I met the most wonderful people online. People 

who shared my passion for art, nature, travel. People 

who encouraged me and motivated me to keep painting 

everyday. Daily painting and blogging became my 

refuge and my passion. Soon I began sharing what I 

was learning about pastels and painting on my blog. It 

became a teaching tool. I now paint and teach full time. 

It is a joy to be able to share the wonderful medium of 

pastel through my workshops and my blog. 

In addition to considering myself a Daily Painter I also 

love painting en plein air. I have several pastel kits suited 

to different situations. There is nothing better than 

being outside observing and responding to the scene 

with pastels. I consider my plein air paintings studies 

and I often use them to develop larger paintings in the 

studio. My plein air experiences have taught me valuable 

painting skills. I have learned to simplify and find 

what is important in a scene quickly. 

This year I will be sharing my love of pastels around the 

world as I travel to teach workshops. I will also present 

two demos at the Biennial convention of the International 

Association of Pastel Societies. I am happy to be an 

ambassador for this wonderful medium. 

Meadow Music 8 x 10 





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Arrival of the Canvas 



INFO 

Applying Texture 




Mountain Meadow 8 x 10 



Blue Skies Ahead 18 x 24 



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Summer Reprise 11 x 14 



Moody Marsh 18 x 24 




I was born in Connecticut, grew up in South Florida, and spent summers in the North Carolina Mountains. 

I currently live in Marietta, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta. I graduated from the University of Florida with 

a BA in Education. I operated a family day care for 21 years so that I could stay home with my own 2 children. 

We traveled every summer with the kids and tried to visit every National Park. Most of my paintings 

are inspired by the photos I took on these adventures. I am now painting and teaching pastel classes and 

workshops full time. I am represented by several galleries in the Southeast as well as several online galleries. 

I am a Member of Excellence in the Southeastern Pastel Society and a Signature Member of the 

Pastel Society of America. I have also achieved Master Circle status with the International Pastel Society 

of America. 



Where the Fairies Play 



discover art . inspire collectors 

Laurie Pace 

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

Bob Coonts 

COONTS 

“Northern Night”, 24”x36”, Actrylic on Canvas 

www.bobcoonts.com

“Prancer II”, 36”x60”, Acryllic on Canvas 

“Teton Summer”, 36”x48”, Acrylic on Canvas 

www.bobcoonts.com

LauriePace.com

The Good People 

The Spirit of the Paint 

Viewing a Laurie Justus Pace painting is 

a rich experience that drips with color 

and emotion. Her passionate works are 

alive with movement, boldly created 

with a wide brush and a palette knife. 

She loves working with oils, dramatically 

carving out the paint and transferring 

her energy to the canvas and ultimately 

on to the viewer. 

Laurie Justus Pace 

The Good People Beach Walk 32 x 48 Oil on Canvas 

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

The La Jolla Gallery 

TheLaJollaGallery.com 

LauriePace.com

Eric 

Bodtker 

Irises 

ericbodtker.com

Ghost Series 

Sanda Manuila 

sandamanuila.artspan.com

Barbara Haviland 

Sunflowers Three 12” X 9” 

Barb’s Garden Art 

https://barbara-haviland-art.squarespace.com/ 

www.BarbaraHavilandFineArt.com

Vicki Rees 

Visit my website. 

vlrees.com 

TippingPaintGallery.com

VL 

Studio Visit 

Dawn Waters Baker 

“It was when I was happiest that I longed most... 

The sweetest thing in all my life has been the longing...to 

find the place where all the beauty came 

from.” - C.S. Lewis from Til We Have Faces 

http://dawnwatersbaker.com/

http://dawnwatersb

VL 


Canyon 

Language: Beauty 

Dawn feels like her first language was beauty. That 

was how her heart was stirred to art. Born and raised 

a missionary kid she learned to look for it in the 

cracks and crevices of lives much harder then her 

own. In college, she learned how to find her own way 

to express her heart through painting. 

After college Dawn got married. Her husband is a 

gentle gift who likes quiet as much as she does. 

They had three kids and the quiet left. It birthed a joy 

found in working on what’s important and striving for 

love in all things. 

She likes to think of her work as a “glimpse of the 

mystery.” The metaphors of life held in branches, 

cloud wisps and water. There is something that 

compels Dawn to paint, not what is literally seen but 

what is felt. For her, the window into the spiritual is 

nature. It seems to be the image that she is invited to 

pass through into something much richer and deeper 

and full of beauty. 

Her art is collected by many businesses as well as 

private owners. Some of which are: Dallas Theological 

Seminary, Dallas Eye Care Associates, Dallas 

Baptist University, Melanie McNutt (of Collin Street 

Bakery) and Dr. Mark Young (President of Denver 

Seminary). 

She currently finished five original drawings for the 

book, Why, O God published by Crossway books 

has been on the cover of Louise Penny’s New York 

Times Bestselling work, Still Life, and Mark S.M. 

Scott’s current book, Pathways of Theodicy. She 

is a Signature member of Artists of Texas. Dawn is 

affiliated with Mary Tomas Gallery in Dallas Design 

District, Smith Klein Gallery in Boulder, Colorado, 

Davis & Co. in Spring, TX and currently with White 

Stone Gallery in Philadelphia, PA. 

Her work has been in National shows including The 

National Weather Biennale, The Jubilee Museum 

Sacred Art Biennale, CIVA Contemporary Images of 

Mary and Ex Nihilo at Roberts Wesleyan College. 

Her work is available internationally through Veritasse 

based in London, England. 

Storm 5 x7 Oil 

http://dawnwatersbaker.com/ 


Dallas Skyline 



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Valley of Light 





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After Glow 





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Pool of Bethseda 



John 1 

Redemption 



A Basket of Flowers 

Roseanne Snyder 

roseannesnyder.blogspot.com


“ I’m Thinking “ 

suzypal.blogspot.com 

suzypal.com

Elaine Vileria 

Woman Dancing 

elainevileria.artspan.com/

Abstract/Realistic Drawing and Pastels 

Anomalous Dispersion 

elainevileria.artspan.com/

Dyan Newton 

Colors of Life 

Hill Country Living 

DyanNewton.com 

http://one-painting-a-day.blogspot.com 

Contact: dyansart1@yahoo.com

vanessa katz 

Buddha Dog 

www.VanessaKatzArt.com

Nancy Medina 

Painting Under the Tuscan Sun 

A Painting Dream Getaway 

During the Peak of Poppy Bloom Season 

June 6-13, 2015 

Tuscany, Italy 

www.nancymedina.com

“Celebrating the stories and legends of Texas and 

the Great Southwest through original art, prints and books.”

601 E Hwy. 82 - Nocona, Texas 76255 . 940-825-7226 

www.TexasTrailArtGallery.com . Facebook: Texas Trails Art Gallery 

Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 6 . Sunday 1 to 5 . Closed Mondays.

Judy Mackey 

“Patience” Oil on Canvas 

“Patience 2” Oil on Canvas 



www.JudyMackey.com

Judy Mackey 

“No Worries” Oil on Canvas 

www.JudyMackey.com

Roberta McGowen 

visualwestphotography.com

Visual West Photography 

visualwestphotography.com 

“Leader”

www.paradicranch.com

Jacquie McMullen 

Pastel Artist 

Stories in Landscape 

www.paradicranch.com

LADY L 

Colors Make Me Happy 

Daisy Pink 24 x 24 inches 

Acrylic on Canvas 

ladylart.blogspot.com 

ellepace.com/lady-l-artist

She began painting at age 2 on small pieces and by age 3 moved up to 

full size canvas. Lady L is the granddaughter of Texas Artist Laurie Pace.

Mary Jo Zorad 

contemporary fine art 

“You Have the Power” 12 x 12 Acrylic 

ZoradArt.com 

“Sedona” 

16 x 20 Acrylic

VL 

Lisa McKinney 

Had I Known 


Lisa-McKinney.com 

lisamckinneyartprints.com 


VL 

VL 

Artist Interview 

with Kathy O’Leary 

http://www.kathyoleary.com/ 


http://www.kathyoleary.com/net 


VL Kathy O’leary 

Interview 

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

In 1989, having rediscovered I still had my drawing skills (developed from early college experience) I was 

drawn to painting and drawing again as a release from stresses of my job. As my skills grew rapidly I decided 

in 1990 that I wanted to leave my job and work closer to the field of art. After a year working for the local art’s 

council, being around art every day, artists, helping curate and hang shows, I quit to work full time at my own 

art. I committed myself to learning as much as I could, to see whether I could do this professionally. I honed 

my skills working at first in watercolor, pastel, mono printing, and finally trying oils. From my first experimentation 

with oils as a medium (in ‘94), I knew immediately that this was my medium and that the life I wanted was 

as a painter working in oils. 

Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date 

I live in an artistically rich community, surrounded by supportive talented artists, but my greatest influence has 

come from a circle of local women artists (working in various mediums) I’ve grown close to over the years. 

They have supported, encouraged and challenged me (and each other) and together we have grown beyond 

where our individual dreams could have taken us. 

Who is another living artist you admire and why 

The artist (and friend) I admire is a painter named Jim McVicker. He is now beginning to garner much deserved 

national recognition for his work. I admire him for his skills as a painter, his ability to interpret beauty in 

the landscape, the still-life and the figure. All without any apparent ego, willing to share his thoughts, and open 

to learning from others. He works only from life. His studio was close to mine when I was starting out, and I 

watched him (and his wife, Terry Oats) come to work everyday to his studio 7am - working in the studio or on 

location, until the sun set. He was such a good model for me to learn how you grow as an artist. Now I see 

his artistic sensibilities, his drive and commitment to his craft paying off. 

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

My favorite surface to work on is good quality canvas or linen, double primed, preferably oil primed. 

What are your favorite materials to use 

My favorite materials include good quality oil paints (I’m still exploring colors/brands that work best for what 

I’m trying to do. My favorite medium (used sparingly nowadays) is Dan Smith Alkyd medium, cut with poppy oil 

and Gamsol (mineral spirits). My favorite brushes right now are Windsor Newton hog bristle, flats and brights. 

Right Page: Indian Island View 30x36 



Gasing Up 

Hornet Sunset 



VL Artist Interview with Kathy O’Leary 

Do you have a favorite color palette 

3 blues - Ultra Marine, Kings Blue, Cerulean 

3 reds - Alizarin crimson, Cad. Red med or other Medium red & 

Transparent Earth Red 

3 greens - Sap Green, Veridian, Cadmium green 

4 yellows - Raw umber, Yellow Ochre, Cad. Yellow deep, Cad. yellow light (or lemon yellow) 

White - Usually Titanium or Titanium/zinc white 

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

I work on my art, almost daily. At least 6 days/week, probably 40 - 55 hrs/week. 

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

Probably the change I made in mid-life from working in the natural food business to being a professional 

artist. I’m an example of that fact that with hard work, commitment, and a passion for art, it can be done. 

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 

What stands in my way the most is self-doubt, sometimes fear of failing at what I’m trying to do. 

How do you overcome these obstacles I over come this, sometimes more successfully than others, by 

going to work every day. Starting a new painting. By reminding myself it’s about the process and not 

to allow myself to get immersed in the competitive and comparative mode with other artists. Going to 

museums, galleries, reading books on art, all show me how very different we all are as artists, and there 

are many paths to living an artistically creative life. 

What are your inspirations for your work 

My inspiration for my work first and foremost comes from my travels and explorations of the landscape 

in my home state, California. Next it comes from visiting galleries and museums and seeing all the 

different takes possible on any one subject. I try to pay attention to what really touches me at a visceral 

level. I’m inspired by those artists who take off on a different style, mode to express themselves, particularly 

those working with the landscape as their subject. 

What is your favorite way to get your creative juices flowing 

Some of my favorite ways to get my juices flowing are: 

-Meditate first before starting work for the day. 

-Doing a small painting (6 x 8) of some subject (ex: photo of a landscape), or small still life, using 100 

brush strokes (or close to it). 

-Hanging a large piece of blank paper on my wall and with tempera paints, taking about 30 minutes to 

paint what ever I’m feeling, using big brushes and bright colors )sometimes totally abstract, sometimes 

figurative). 

Which work of yours is your favorite 

Right now, it’s “Earth, Air, Fire-Mt. Shasta”. Painted on location it’s one of my newest ones. 



Afternoon Shadows 24x36 

Back Country Trail 24x36 



VL 

Artist Interview with Kathy O’Leary 

Dunescape 36X48 



Lavender Fields Below Shasta 12x16 



VL 



Steadfast 30” x 48” x 1.5” Canvas 




VL 


Getting to know you Q&A 

What is your favorite color in your closet Red 

What book are you reading this week Richard Schmid's Alla Prima II 

Do you have a favorite television show Bones, & Antiques Road Show 

What is your favorite food East Indian 

What color sheets are on your bed right now Green 

What are you most proud of in your life 

With my husband of 47 years raising an intelligent, sensitive, hard working, 

progressive son, who in turn is an amazing parent and marriage partner, 

and making a successful mid-life career change. 

Who would you love to interview My long dead great uncle, Willard "Spud" 

Johnson, a writer and poet, and good friend to writers (D.H. Lawrence) and 

artists (Georgia O'Keefe) in Taos New Mexico between 1930's - 1960's. 

Do you have a passion or hobby other than painting What is it 

No. 

Who would you love to paint The women in my circle of women artist friends. 

If you were an animal what would you be and why Human 

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

what would they be A watercolor paint set, paper, some good pot. 

Share something with us that few people know about you. That I have a 

degree in Social Welfare. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live 

Somewhere in central, rural California, close to our son and his family, 

equidistance to both ends of the state I love to paint, with a home and studio 

surrounded by several acres of natural, interesting landscape. 





Palette 

Knife 

Painters 

Paletteknifepainters.blogspot.com

Paletteknifepainters.org

Kimberly Conrad 

“Pouring Color Into Your Life” 

Moving Metals Cerulean B-6 18” x 18” 

KimberlyConradFineArt.com

Moving Metals 

Moving Metals Cerulean B-5 18 “ x 18” 

KimberlyConradFineArt.com

DAILY PAINTERS ABSTRACT GALLERY 

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com 

Carol A. McIntyre 

“Floating Winds, “ 28x21, Oil on Canvas

DailyPaintersAbstract.blogspot.com 

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

http://jeanneillenye.com/

VL 

“Looking After Them” 




VL Jeanne Illenye 

Looking After Them 

“Artist Jeanne Illenye’s deep passion for animals is evident in her sensitive oil portraits which eloquently 

capture the expression of each individual pet. It has often been said that Jeanne has an 

innate ability to capture the essence of their very souls in her delicate portraits.” 

Spiritual Connection 

For anyone who takes the time to gaze into the eyes of an animal, particularly our pets, there is 

always a moment of deep recognition...a flash of communication that captures our hearts...that 

touches us in a unique way, which is why I can understand how it has been said that animals are the 

eyes of God. What began as an afterthought, since I’d established a reputation solely as a still life 

artist, painting custom pet portraits has become a truly gratifying experience for both my clients and 

myself. Actually a culmination of circumstances, it became evident that a stirring desire to do more 

for animals in need, along with a curiosity as to whether or not I could even paint pets with a sufficient 

degree of accuracy, is what inspired me to introduce this new genre of pet portraiture to my portfolio. 

Selling Online 

I was already a Power Seller on ebay for several years and the recipient of seven Artist Choice 

Awards for my still lifes. However, I recall becoming enthralled with such artistic diversity including 

a new exposure to portraits of wildlife and pets, that I pondered whether I could actually paint them, 

too. So I created two small portraits, a white wolf entitled “Golden Eyes” and a fawn entitled “In Hiding”. 

Shortly thereafter, I humbly submitted both portraits as application to a small group of online 

artists who raised funds for animal charities and rescues, where I was graciously accepted. 


Although having always donated to animal rights organizations, I still wanted to raise awareness 

in my own small way, and membership in this group along with creating a new blog would perhaps 

provide a venue which would in essence help give animals a voice. At the time, I was also in mourning 

for the recent loss of our cat who came into our lives most unusually. Found 12 years prior as 

a kitten thrown into a city street gutter and left unconscious, my mother-in-law had picked her up, 

felt no signs of life so put her in a box and began digging a grave to bury her; alas she awoke and 

leapt out of the box! My husband brought her to me where she immediately climbed on my neck and 

slept there every single night for nearly 12 years. Her buoyant personality brought us such joy that 

I wanted to share her story of survival and determination through seizures and ultimately, illness. I 

dedicated my blog to her for the purpose of raising funds via my pet portraits to be donated in part 

to those less fortunate than our beloved and pampered pets. 

Right Page: Daisy 14 x 11 



Homecoming 



VL 



Pet Portraits Painted with Love 

When embarking upon a custom portrait, I always encourage clients to share a bit about their pets’ 

personalities as this not only prompts an occasional laugh at their adorable antics, but also remains 

on the forefront of my mind while painting, which I firmly believe contributes to the creation of a more 

sensitive and accurate portrait. For commissioned portraits I always work from clients’ photos and encourage 

them to email as many images as desired so that I can view additional angles and more fully 

comprehend bone structure, posture and facial expressions and most particularly their deep, soulfully 

expressive eyes. If a client’s favorite photo is missing an ear, paw or tail I can refer to the other photos 

as well, or if they would like an entirely different background setting such as a garden, pile of plush pillows, 

oriental rug, or classical background I am always delighted to oblige. 

Paintings in Memoriam 

This is truly near and dear to my heart as I know how important our furred and feathered friends are to 

us. They are family members who share our daily lives, which is why I feel especially honored when 

selected to paint a portrait in memoriam. Often I will receive an email from a client who had previously 

purchased still lifes, asking me to urgently paint their pet’s portrait as they’d just passed the night before 

or even earlier that day. While it’s always a tender time for people, I do my best to comfort them by 

obliging their requests as quickly as possible. In fact, I always say a little prayer before beginning each 

portrait asking for guidance to create not only an accurate depiction of each pet, but also to infuse the 

painting with an energy that expresses the magnitude of their love…and in turn, the love doted upon 

them. 

Tears of Joy 

The most fulfilling compliment a client can convey is that their portraits were received with tears of joy! 

So often my portraits are commissioned as gifts to someone else, especially as poignant memories for 

one who is seeking comfort after losing a pet. When I receive comments such as, “I am mesmerized 

by the pet paintings you have done. How did you ever figure out how to paint their souls” I must admit 

that I, too, have tears of joy. That is the ultimate gift for me to receive, and the ultimate gift for me to 

give is filling the void in someone’s heart with warm and precious memories every time they view their 

pet portraits…hence my slogan “Pet Portraits Painted with Love”. 

Future Endeavors 

Custom notecards of every portrait are offered to my clients at the conclusion of their paintings. Also, 

I offer charming Christmas cards featuring my painting of a darling little Westie in a Santa Hat entitled 

“Patience” which is still selling five years later. Having been met with such consistent popularity, I am 

inspired to create several new Christmas and holiday cards as well as a new line of gift items which will 

be offered later this year. If you would like to commission your pet portraits kindly email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net 

http://jeanneillenyelookingafterthem.blogspot.com 

Right Page: OSA 10 x 8 





VL 



Honeymooners 12 x 12 



Gus Ragdoll Cat 8 x 10 

William and Henry 



VL 



Monet 10 x 8 Harry Beagle 18 x 14 


126 | VL Magazine - VisualLanguageMagazine.com 

Prismatica

Lizzie 20 x 16 



Alejandro Castanon 

www.vinodipinte.com 

Vino Dipinte Art Gallery 

602 Orient St San Angelo, TX 76903

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

Felicia Marshall 

“Dressed Up” 

“Alone” 

Left page: “Sunshine on Hope” 

FeliciaMarshall.blogspot.com

VL 

Index of Features and Advertisers 

Alejandro Castanon 128-129 

Artists of Texas 132-133 

Artists Out of Bounds 22 

Barbara Haviland 64 

Bob Coonts 58-59 

Carol Jo Smidt 17 

Carolyn Hancock 24-25 

Connie Chadwell 14 

Corey Watson 40 

Daily Painters 136-137 

Daily Painters Abstract Gallery 

114-115 

Davis & CO 56-57 

Dawn Waters Baker 66-75 

Diane Whitehead 116-117 

Dyan Newton 80 

Elaine Vileria 78-79 

Eric Bodtker 62 

Felicia Marshall 134-135 

Filomena Booth 38-39 

Hilda Rueda 30-31 

Jacquie McMullen 90-91 

Jeanne Illenye cover, 3, 118-127 

Joenlle T McCoy 16 

John Whitton Bria 20-21 

Joyce Pihl 36-37 

Judy Mackey 86-87 

Karen Margulis 44-55 

Kathy O’Leary 98-109 

Kimberly Conrad 112-113 

Kristine Byars 26-27 

Kristine Kainer 130-131 

Lady L 92-93 

Laurie Pace 60-61 

Lelija Roy 41 

Lisa McKinney 96-97 

Logan Bauer 42-43 

Marchita Priest 28-29 

Mark Yearwood 8 

Mary Jo Zorad 94-95 

Michal Ashkenasi 18-19 

Mirada Fine Art 12-13 

Nancy Medina 82-83 

Nathalie Kelly 139 

Painters Keys Sara Genn 11 

Palette Knife Painters 110-111 

Phylis De Quevedo 15 

Richard Levine 9 

Roberta McGowen 88-89 

Roseanne Snyder76 

Sanda Manuila 63 

Suzy Pal Powell 32-33, 77 

Texas Trails Art Gallery 84-85 

Tina Bohlman 34-35 

Vanessa Katz 81 

Vicki Rees 65 

Victoria Pendragon 4

Nathalie Kelley 

“Christmas Candy” 8 x 10 

“Blowing Off Steam” 

nathaliekelleyart.com

VL 

visuallanguagemagazine.com

Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 4 No 2

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