Textures
Gayle Faulkner, with over 35 years of artistic exploration and creativity, stands as a seasoned watercolor, acrylic, and mural artist. Her journey has been marked by constant exploration, a playful engagement with diverse media, and an unwavering commitment to growth in the world of art.
Her academic journey, rooted in a BA in Sociology from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, initially led her to work with children, integrating art into their day-to-day experiences. Gayle’s passion for art eventually pulled her into a more immersive pursuit. She delved into Art and Design courses at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, unlocking her artistic soul. The willingness to ”put herself out there”, coupled with years of hard work and a penchant for thinking outside the box, allowed her to undergo a major growth period.
Finally, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 quarantine became a catalyst for Gayle’s artistic metamorphosis, leading her to focus on acrylic paintings on canvas. Engaging in an online cou
In my art practice, I describe my creations as Textural Acrylics. This term represents the exciting experience of observing paint flow from the palette knife, forming captivating textures and colors. Each stroke channels emotion, and every canvas captures a moment of creative inspiration.
My process is spontaneous – I start with a loose outline, sketch the composition, and then fully immerse myself in the act of creating. Throughout the process, music is my closest companion, its volume soaring. I dance to the rhythm, losing myself in the beats, and, on occasion, even letting out a song. My painting process is a multisensory experience, an immersive journey into the fusion of sound and color, where each note becomes a brushstroke, and every stroke on the canvas is a dance of creation. I often liken my paintings to cherished children—it’s a relationship that involves nurturing, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and weathering the challenges of creative adolescence with boundless love and patience.
That Aged Well
Born in 1995 in California, Zachary Daly is a multimedia artist with skillsets in both digital and traditional media, video editing, and digital composition alongside pencil drawings and interactive projects. Most recently to come into his eclectic toolbox of art inspirations is surrealism, notably the artist of the original 20th-century surrealist movement.
Mr. Daly has a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Multimedia, having studied everything from fine art and animation to video editing and cinematography. Alongside this eclectic body of studies is the equally varied source of day-to-day inspiration, including but not limited to Weta Workshop and ILM productions, James Turrell, the Hudson River School, Picasso, Satoshi Kon, Ayami Kojima, David Lynch, Akira Kurosawa, and many more.
Mr. Daly prefers a heavily hybridized style of art to rely on the variety of techniques open to having a lot in the field of inspiration – translated, Mr. Daly isn’t picky when it comes to being creative in finding themes, media, and styles. Mr. Daly has also picked up much more flexibility when it comes to theme and message in art, as many artists have chosen to do in the turmoil of the 2020s.
I’m indecisive in art – what to make, what tools to use, what genres to lean into. So in response, I pick up a little of everything for whatever comes at hand.
I grew up with all kinds of art & writing influences, such as goth writers, experimental filmmakers, and traditional landscape artists. As I pursued a college education, I picked up even more inspiration from broader cultural and social representation as I learned more about all the different artistic voices that are out there.
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art with an emphasis in Multimedia in December 2017, and a Master’s in Multimedia with a Concentration in Interaction Design in June 2020. My BA capstone was a multimedia exhibit utilizing as many different types of art I had learned up to that point in time, and thematically representing as wide a range of social, political, and humanitarian views. For my MA thesis, I designed a prototype hybrid AR/physical board game themed on disaster survival & preparedness, which by no small (completely unintentional) coincidence was a project I presented to my thesis committee barely three months into the Covid lockdown.
My art changed drastically in the 2020s. A pandemic, civil and international wars, nationalist terrorism in the US, and the collapse of basic things like food and medical access all made me see parallels to the equally disordered world of the 1910s and 1920s, the time when the surrealist movement was born in Paris. These artists’s paintings, drawings, films, and sculptures that others saw as nonsense were their reaction to the bizarre world they were living in. The modern world of the 2020s shares many similarities, most notably artistic expression joining hands with freedom of expression in the battle against oppressive control of authoritarianism.
Make some art, damnit. One might as well.
The 405 Altar Piece
Marjorie grew up in St. Louis and Bob, Philadelphia. Their formative educations at Washington University in St. Louis and The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia respectively had strong foundation programs so they had similar backgrounds when they met in graduate school at Washington University. However, their work could not have been more different. Throughout the years their work remained autonomous but they were always each other’s most important critics. As a couple, they have always shared a sense of irony and humor. When they decided to collaborate on a painting for an upcoming exhibition they applied their mutual approach to looking at the peculiar nature of people and the world and created a piece that was an interesting hybrid resembling only slightly their own individual work.
Our collaborations draw on humor and irony to allude to a deeper meaning. The message comes to the viewer indirectly so as not to bludgeon people with images that are shocking causing aversion. Everyone hates the inconvenience of heavy traffic commonplace in all cities. The depiction of a traffic jam on a Los Angeles highway with cows navigating through the road and a lime green Tesla beginning to launch will evoke laughter and then invite consideration of the carbon footprint of a bloated interstate. We also look at where people love to gather and what they eat.
The Altar
The beauty of nature surrounding Los Angeles was the impetus for her entrance into the field of photography. Joanne began vigorously studying photography and other art arenas to hone her skills as a visual artist. In 2000, she graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). She is now a full-time artist.
In addition to color and black and white film, Joanne shoots digitally, employs the techniques of infrared imaging, and enjoys creating 3D anaglyphs to be viewed with red/blue lenses. As an extension of photography, she has branched out to do videos and has a YouTube Channel, THE VIDEO ART OF JOANNE CHASE-MATTILLO. Along with nature, Joanne frequently photographs female and male subjects in fun-themed studio shoots.
Joanne has exhibited throughout California, nationally, in Korea, France and England, Switzerland, Scotland, Greece, Spain, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Holland, Brazil, Dubai, and Italy. Her work has also been selected for Lunar Codex, a very special project partnered with SpaceX to deliver the images of art in a time capsule to be permanently affixed to the surface of the moon, selected by Era Contemporary Gallery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as part of “Legends Of The Moon”.
As a photographer, I am constantly in search of iconic imagery. The craftsmanship and perfection of classic Hollywood cinema have always been an inspiration and goal I seek to achieve in my photography. While enjoying the technology of the present and how that has enhanced photography, I am very drawn to recreate photographs that reference the best of the past. It is my intent that the viewer of the images I create will be taken out of the everyday present to a magical place where at any time they would dream of going. Whether photographing people or nature, I strive to honor the best and beauty of all that I have an opportunity to capture with my camera.
Summer days are the dream moments of the year that are looked forward to in dreary seasons. The beach, pool, lakes, and oceans draw all to embrace the sun and beat the heat. When we think of summer, we embrace all that the warmth of the sun brings.
The Architects Of Fear
Born in Atlantic City, NJ, John Calabrese received his BA in Art from Catholic University, Washington, D. C., MFA in Painting from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, and his Ph. D. in Comparative Arts from Ohio University, Athens.
He is Professor Emeritus of Art at Texas Women’s University, Denton, where he taught art history, aesthetics, history of film noir, and the Art of Alfred Hitchcock, and was in charge of the Studies Abroad Art History program which he initiated in 1994. He has published articles on Paul Klee, J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”, and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” and “The Trouble with Harry”. For a list of exhibitions of his drawings please consult the website: “About the Artist.” (see below)
A delicate nuance of value and texture becomes tools in conveying powerful dramatic statements about earthly beings who are not afraid to wonder, think, dream, and take that one step beyond.
The inhabitants of the cosmic atmosphere appear at odds with their surroundings (many of which are actually specifically named astronomical objects). This is the result when the merely earthly confronts its unavoidable connection to the awe, mystery, and majesty of the heavens.
However, when fragile earthly beauty confronts sublime heavenly beauty, the earthly is reverently and silently humbled.
The Arrival
Lorrie Berry is an imaginative painter who is driven by a passion for self-expression through abstract art. Her works are often noted for their unique style and technique. Her keen color sense makes her work an excellent choice to bring great energy and atmosphere to your space. Her paintings are collected nationally and make treasured gifts.
Lorrie is an artist member of the NAWA (National Association of Women Artists) and Escondido Art Association. Previous memberships include Rockport Art Association Experimental Group, Abstract Artists Group of New England, and Rocky Neck Art Colony.
Lorrie, a registered nurse with an advanced degree in neuro-surgical trauma, began her art career by studying color theory and drawing at the Boston Architectural Center, and oils and pastels at Montserrat College of Art. Since then she has painted in ateliers of some of the great artists of Boston’s North Shore, and recently moved to San Diego.
“I am an imaginative painter driven by a passion for self-expression through art. My painting career began in realism, focusing on still life, and landscapes of Cape Cod and the north shore of Massachusetts. However, it was only
a matter of time before my journey turned toward abstract expressionism, letting the interplay of color, the balancing of forms, and creative freedom lead the way.
It might very well be a color combination, the blowing of the wind, or a strong emotion that serves as a ‘jumping off’ place from which to begin a painting. I like to guide the viewer through the piece with lines, patterns, colors, and energy to enable them to sense the same joy I experienced in its creation. It is not what you see in my work, it is how my work makes you feel. My hope is that your sense of wonder and curiosity is stimulated and that you are able to find something that speaks to you personally in each of my pieces.”
The Artist
Cher Pruys was born in Regina. Over the years, she lived in many places, including Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Fort Frances, settling into her present home in Devlin, on the banks of the Rainy River, with her husband Mark and pets.
By age three, Cher was seldom found without a drawing tool in hand. She worked in pencil, charcoal, and ink over the years, picking up a paintbrush at the age of 35. Beginning with oil paints, she found her chosen mediums in acrylic, watercolor, and gouache, and her passion for hyperrealism.
Although self-taught, her dedication and talent have seen her work juried into 730 International exhibits. She has won 1119 awards for her work in the International Juried Exhibits.
Her work has graced the covers of 3 books, 42 magazines, including The Best Of Acrylic Fall 2021, cover of the May 2022 Arabella Magazine, #20 Hyperrealism Magazine with “Girls Girls Girls”, & #21 with “The Young Cowboy”, Artists & Illustrators March 2024 Artistonish 2024 July edition, Observica Elite 2024 & the latest Art Closeup Magazine#26 Jan. 2025. She has been featured in over 580 International publications. Cher’s works have found a permanent home in private and public collections worldwide.
“To take my inner visions with my hands and create a work of art for you the viewer …. That is the ultimate in self expression.”
I am very drawn to shiny surfaces as well as transparent objects, especially when the lighting brings them to life. I look for beauty in everyday objects that most people take for granted or just don’t truly see as they are. The seemingly boring and mundane subjects can truly be like magnets if portrayed in the right light. Shiny metal is one of those materials that can host endless visions. The light hits it, and the reflections are captured on the smooth, sleek surface. Animals, people, living things with character…an artist’s dream!
The Artist
Brigitte currently lives in Switzerland. She is a self-taught photographer inspired by her grandfather as a child; thus, she chose to bear his name as an artist to honour him. Travelling the globe with an analog camera in her twenties, she gained experience in landscape, travel, and street life photography. Nowadays, she is also experimenting with other approaches, like abstract, and is shooting digitally. Her work has been published in several art magazines. Two of which are special editions about her artwork at Docu Magazine. Her photography was exhibited physically and virtually in the UK, the USA, Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and the West Indies. One of her main exhibitions was at Artexpo New York in April 2025 and at ArtBasel in June.
Her photography has been distinguished with several mentions and a first prize from HMVC Gallery.
Currently, she is working on three long-term projects. The aim is to publish a book.
My favourite photographic approaches are landscape, street life, and abstract photography. Landscape and Abstract as moments of peace of mind, my eyes are amazed by the beauty of nature. Soothing my soul. Street life was moments of exhilaration, being ready at any minute to shoot a scene that caught my eye. A scene of life, of youth, of the ordinary, of joy (of despair sometimes). A scene I am drawn to by my emotions, thus mostly candid. My photographs tell a story; the point is to share it with the viewer.
For Vibrant Colours, I will submit a photograph titled ‘The Artist’, which was taken in the streets of London, more precisely at Leake Street Tunnel.
It is a place where stunning street art goes up on the walls every day. An inspiration when I wander the streets.
The Audition
Born in 1951, American artist
1973 first solo show, 1976 Group show New York, 1977 first acceptance American Watercolor Society show New York
1978 through 1990, numerous Art festivals, Hartel has one numerous awards for his work, work purchased for Hotels, Restaurants, many venues, most recently 2019 signature membership American Watercolor Society, 2022 artwork purchased for permanent Museum collection, as of this Bio showing in Paris, and Berlin, Germany.
To this day, I go with my feelings with fine Art, after 55 years, it’s served me pretty well!