The Painted Lady
Michael lives in a world of color, passion, and creativity. This started at the age of 1 when his family moved from England to Nigeria in West Africa. In those formative years, he was surrounded by the vivid colors, sounds, and music of local Nigerian tribes, some of whom had never seen white men before. How could this not be infused into his very being from such an early age?
His little friends would get a small piece of cowhide parchment, and show him how to use burnt charcoal from sticks and natural plant dyes to create a picture. But for many years after when his family had moved back to the UK, although he worked in creative industries, actual painting didn’t begin until he ventured into a DIY store and bought a cheap brush, 2 palette knives, and 4 school acrylic paint tubes, purely on a whim.
His journey into art began with a simple still-life painting of a vase and flowers. He loved it. His friends loved it. And so he found himself falling head over heels into the world of art. He is very prolific, and can lose himself in time, creating what he calls ‘magic’. When questioned about this, he simply says, “I have a blank canvas, I choose my subject and create something from nothing, surely that is magic?”
As a best-selling author, his attitude is the same for his art as well as his writing. He will maintain that he paints for himself, the fact that others like what he creates, and his work may hang on the wall of a home or gallery wall, is a bonus!
When I began my journey into the world of art. I was very shy. I certainly wasn’t young and had lots of confidence in other areas of my life as an author, actor, and screenwriter. I didn’t have the courage in those early days to even show my family. I simply thought I wasn’t good enough. Then one day I accidentally left a painting out on my kitchen table and welcomed some friends who all noticed the painting. I had forgotten I had left it out on the show. Their reaction was priceless. At first, they simply didn’t believe I had painted it! That’s how it really started for me. I was very prolific, preferring to use only acrylic paints.
I discovered all sorts of techniques, some worked, some didn’t. And I certainly didn’t want to be bogged down with trying to find my ‘style’. That eventually came though, without warning, almost sneaking up behind me. It took me by surprise. I first realized that I had brought together a number of techniques, some known, and some I developed, like my ‘Rectangular Blocking’ (R&B’s) and my ‘Acrylosculpt’ techniques. This meant some of my paintings were tactile, and those with sight difficulties, could feel my paintings which added to their appreciation of art.
Of course, during all those formative years in West Africa, the influence of strong vibrant colors, and images, comes to the fore in lots of my paintings to create an ‘African Influence.’
The Parallax View
John Calabrese received his BA in Art from Catholic Univ., Washington, D. C., an MFA in Painting from Pratt Institute, and Ph. D in Comparative Arts from Ohio Univ., Athens. He is Professor Emeritus of Art at Texas Woman’s Univ., Denton, where he taught art history, aesthetics, history of film noir, the films 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 “The Lord of the Rings”, and Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” and “The Trouble with Harry”.
Delicate nuances of value and texture become 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 actual, 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 Pink Dragon
I have been interested in art since I was a young girl. I won an egg decorating contest in third grade and a poster contest in fourth grade. One of my paintings was accepted into the juried Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 2020 West Michigan Area Show. In 2022 and 2021, my paintings were accepted into the juried Westminster Art Festival. My photography was accepted into the juried 2022 NCCA Artsplace Statewide Photography Competition Exhibition, and the juried You and Your Camera online exhibition at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. My art was accepted into the juried Magix 2022: Dream, Fantasy, Illusion, Imagination, and Magic Exhibition, and the juried Noel 2022 Exhibition, both sponsored by Biafarin. My art was accepted into the juried 2022 Art 4 Animals exhibit at the Red Bluff Art Gallery, and the juried Celebrating the Holidays exhibit at 6th Street Art Studios. Finally, my art has been displayed online at Las Laguna Art Gallery and HMVC Gallery New York.
I am extremely interested in the Paradise Pink exhibition, as pink has been my favorite color ever since I was a child. I create art in a variety of media, including watercolor, pastels, photography, printmaking, pencil, and charcoal. I also write poetry, which has won awards and been published, and play a variety of musical instruments alone and in various ensembles. In addition, I have a strong educational background in science, math, and engineering. In whatever visual arts medium I work, nature is usually my subject, whether I am portraying a single flower or animal, or landscape. I try to maintain a balance between concentrating on important minutia and retaining the overall, far-reaching view. I find that many subjects in nature can seem fleeting and ephemeral, yet I feel that they possess a timeless constancy as well, and I attempt to communicate this. In my art, I like to explore how nature, imagination, literature, and science collaborate together to enrich our lives.
The Pinot Noir Fairy
Heini Mika is a Finnish artist living and working in New York City. Heini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Worcester (UK) and she also has a degree in Fine Art and Visual Communications from Finland’s prestigious Pekka Halonen Academy of Art. Heini’s paintings have received global recognition, being showcased on four continents in prominent locations such as NYC, Paris, the UK, the UAE, and Indonesia. Her artworks have been featured in many notable publications, including the British Vogue, and several of her pieces are cherished within private collections.
Heini’s ultra-contemporary paintings serve the viewer with a palette of vibrant colors and dynamic shapes while she gives you her unique perspective on women, fairytales, and history. They have been an important source of inspiration for Heini throughout her career as an artist and this can be observed in her rich and intriguing original artworks.
Since forever women have been the subject of great art, but rarely were we allowed to create great art. As a female artist living in the 21st Century, I find great inspiration in the female icons of the past. Famous women from Marie Antoinette to Miley Cyrus, have served as profound sources of inspiration for me, due to their distinctive styles and unique spirits. In my art practice, I explore the contrast between the public portrayal of the women I admire and their true selves. My aim is to discover how the images of these influential women, given by pop culture, impact and shape my own artistic impressions of them. Just like the women I paint, I am an unconventional woman in the eyes of my society and with my art practice I want to invite viewers to look past the glittering images and see the depth and complexity of the women I paint, myself included.
Ultimately, my work serves as a reflection and exploration of this complex dynamic. While my intention is to showcase the vibrant and visually captivating image that pop culture has crafted around the women I idolize, I also remain very conscious of the underlying darkness that hides beneath the surface of their seemingly lighthearted images.
As a Finn, I grew up on satire, dark humor, and happy endings and that is well reflected in my work. At first glance, my cartoonish mixed media paintings may depict my subject’s pop culture image perfectly, which is usually colorful, ditzy, and lacking in substance, but I am actually satirizing our perceptions of my female heroines. We are all guilty of prioritizing a person’s image over the narrative. But whether the viewer understands this duality or not, I still want them to have a good time when viewing my artwork.
I choose to work with acrylics, rhinestones, and glitters because their vibrant hues and plastic textures are well suited for creating eye-catching artworks that are unique to me, and perfect for the subject matter.
The Power Cut
I come from Taiwan. In 2010, I immigrated with my family to Vancouver. I studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) in Boston and got my MFA degree for three years before I came to Canada. Art is my passion, and I always seek to create and express myself through different mediums.
In Vancouver, I found inspiration everywhere. I make documentary films, create mixed media artworks, and paint portraits that show laughter, joy, and love. Each piece of art tells a story and reflects my experiences in life.
Apart from art, I work as an early childhood educator. I enjoy shaping young minds and helping them grow. It gives me a different perspective and adds depth to my work as an artist.
Currently, I am working on a project that focuses on capturing laughter and love. Through my art, I aim to celebrate this shared human experience and connect with others through emotions and empathy.
Art is my journey. It allows me to express myself, share stories, and connect with people. Every brushstroke on my paper is a reflection of my dreams, experiences, and dedication to creating art that speaks to the heart and soul.
My art journey explores different cultures and stories. I am inspired by famous paintings and my own imagination. I create art about unity, joy, laughter, sadness, and loss—feelings that we all understand.
I use gouache as my medium, bringing vibrancy and richness to my work, which uplifts the artistic experience. Its unique texture allows me to create bold layers and soft nuances, enhancing the emotional depth of each piece.
Each portrait tells a special story about how we connect through happy and sad moments. By combining traditional art with AI, I celebrate humanity’s beauty and the feelings that bring us together. I hope to inspire others to accept our differences, knowing that laughter and sorrow are part of our life stories.
The Power Of A Woman
Erica Castellini is a self-trained, multi-media artist who is also a practicing, licensed acupuncturist and clinical social worker. Her works are inspired by both her personal and professional experiences and relationships.
Her artwork and process have morphed into her visual language and become a primary outlet of expression, it provokes as she pulls us along the journey of her internal joys and struggles.
The theatrical, dramatic, and divine are layered throughout her works and in the process, she has used reoccurring themes and a sharp whit.
Placing the divine of woman and all the earthly delights that have been woven throughout history placed these images front and center in a contemporary context that embraces empowerment, sexuality, and diversity. An unapologetic view from her personal experiences and emotions.
Erica Castellini lives and works in Asbury Park, NJ, a seaside community that is best known as a mecca for musicians and artists.
The depth of her body of work includes collages, paintings, and sculptures. She finds inspiration among her peers and her passion for the creative process which allows for a greater dialogue that inspires her on a daily basis.
Growing up I always needed a creative outlet. It helped calm my mind and focus my energy. I stopped creating artwork in my twenties for numerous reasons. In my thirties, I realized I was missing something in my day-to-day life. I had an ah-ha moment one day after a long day at my office treating patients. I wasn’t utilizing my creativity in a way that fed my soul. Yes, I am creative with how I treat my acupuncture patients and how I counsel my other patients but there was something missing. My friend randomly dropped off a stack of playboy magazines from the 1960s and I started to collage. Over time my collage style has morphed into images that still astound me. I started painting with acrylics and dabbling with oil paints. I use multiple materials in my collages from resin, fabric, loose canvas, wax, paper, and whatever random thing I come across that may fit into that piece. I utilize different size canvases and usually have series that all have a common theme. I make sure I work on 1-2 pieces a day. I am extremely grateful to be surrounded by extraordinary artists who always provoke my brain to think of different ways to approach a piece or teach me techniques they have learned throughout the years. I use my art to express myself and always hope it provokes a feeling in someone else.
The Power Of Arzonia
Winston Harrell Jr. was born in Oceanside, California, in 1958, but he grew up in Chicago, Illinois, in 1960. He started his art career at the age of fourteen. In 1970, he participated in Chicago’s Mayor Daley’s Summer Youth Program for inner city youth in 1972.
The program focused on teaching neighborhood inner-city children the value of art through the creation of Murals. To better fuel his curiosity for Art, he later enrolled in a two-year correspondence Art course for commercial artists through Art Instruction Schools located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Where he learned the finer principles of Art and illustration. As his creative desire for learning Art continued and grew he completed the A.S. program for Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu of Chicago in 1997. To better equip himself with the changing world of digital art and graphic design, he enrolled in the Visual Communication Program for graphic designers at Westwood College in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2006. He received an A.S. in computer graphics and design in 2008. In 2011, he attended the Art Institute of Phoenix for 2 1/2 years, where he received comprehensive training as an illustrator. He currently showcases his Artwork at Jarrod’s Tea House and Art Gallery in Mesa and at Whatzit and Whoozit Retail Outlet in Phoenix, Arizona 2023. He also exhibits his Collection of home decor items every month at Art & Chill in Mesa.
In addition, he teaches an Art/exercise class for the developmentally disabled 3 days a week and is an active member of the Arizona Artist Guild, Art Link, and the American Art Award. His Artwork has been featured in Voyage magazine, Current World Masters publications, Astonish magazine, SpotLight Magazine, and Local Mesa News.
I am a professionally trained Artist Mesa Arizona . I started my artist career in 2007 while working as a Chef for many years. My brand of Artistic Design covers animation, book cover design , children’s art and figurative Artwork and Culinary Arts. My fluid art style allows me to create freehand Art for everyone. In each design I attempt to capture the subject matter with true clarity. I am known for creating complicated and intricate drawings. My strong points are color management and conceptualization. My Artwork has been featured in several magazines such as Art and food, and Martika magazine.
The Queens Swan
Cheryl Kramer is a contemporary painter living in Somerset County, NJ, and Miami Beach, FL. She has had an interest in art since childhood, as her father was an artist. However, she practiced law for many years before turning her attention to her real passion – creating art.
Her primary medium is oil, and Cheryl’s subjects are diverse. She has received numerous awards and recognition but is most proud of a mention in the Washington Post and having her artwork shown twice on the CBS Sunday Morning Show. Cheryl is also a big advocate for pet rescue organizations and gives a portion of the proceeds of every sale of her artwork to these organizations. Her work hangs in many private homes and businesses and has been exhibited in a range of locales, from a solo show at the local library in NJ to down the East Coast in Virginia and Florida.
I believe that art should be beautiful to counteract the images flashing across our television and computer screens on a daily basis. Arguably, this is my form of escapism, but I feel that art should be a tangible dream of what the universe can be, full of beauty and color and light. The act of painting is a form of moving meditation for me. In this frenetic world with so much drawing our attention in many different directions, my hope is that the viewer of my art may feel a moment of centering. I believe that we are all connected at a deep level. My art comes from that deep level, and I hope that this is reflected on my canvases.
The Quiet Roar Like Thunder
Kate Kelleher is a freelance, self-taught artist and photographer living in Asheville, North Carolina, with her loyal senior dog, Journey. She works in several mediums, always inspired to learn new skills and techniques, but has had the most notable success with drawing, painting, photography, and detailed mixed media artwork on found or upcycled materials. Her work has been featured in galleries and publications locally, nationally, and internationally: from the River Arts District of Asheville to New York City to even Le Louvre in Paris, France.
“The Quiet Roar Like Thunder” is a large 24″ x 36″ acrylic painting meant as a representation of the quiet power of the introvert and the gentle spirit. It is the idea that not every lion has to be fiercely roaring and intimidating to hold might and wisdom; but can be calm, observant, and thoughtful, and therein lies an innate power. This painting was washed away in the floods of Hurricane Helene and thought forever lost. But true to its namesake, it was discovered in the mud of the riverbed, rescued and restored, now representing resilience from the storms and the quiet hope of perseverance.