Aquatic Dreamscape
At 65, after decades of not creating art, Lisa Joy Newcomb reinvented herself as an artist.
Ms Newcomb has been honored with one Best of Show, five first-place awards in photography, a second-place award in abstract photography, a third-place award, and a collaborative cross- disciplinary award. She has had three one-woman shows. One through HMVC Gallery New York, one through Artel Gallery in Pensacola, FL, and one through the University of Delaware. Her work has been seen from coast to coast, including several times through the HMVC Gallery in New York and the Las LaGuna Gallery in California. Pictorem, based out of Montreal, Canada, has Lisa as a featured artist. Ms. Newcomb’s work has been seen in public arenas including New York’s Times Square electronic billboards, Montgomery International Airport, the Regions Bank Corporate Gallery in Montgomery, Alabama, the Sanger Theater in Pensacola, Florida, and the Hilton Pensacola Beach, Florida. Three books have also presented Ms Newcomb. They are: “Nobis II, 2023,” and the “Emerald Coast Review,” 2023, and 2025. “Emerald Coast Review 2025” uses Ms Newcomb’s photograph as its cover image.
The photographs she creates are abstractions in fluidity, rich in joy and filled with color, pattern, curiosity, and a gentle message. The dance of light that for most of her life she sought in the ocean, she is now looking for in the melding of glass and fabric with occasional surprise elements. Lisa’s work is usually printed on aluminum.
Ms Newcomb’s highest degree is a master’s in social work. Professionally, she worked as a social worker and as a realtor. She was raised in the Mid-Atlantic, experienced her young adulthood in New England and the Midwest, and for the last 30 years, the Deep South has been home with her husband. It was in the Deep South that she raised an interesting, dynamic, kind-hearted daughter. Lisa was a docent sequentially at the Pensacola Museum of Art and Montgomery Museum of Art for over 17 years. She is currently a national member of Pen Women.
Ms Newcomb’s uplifting work can be seen on her website at Pictorem. You may order there to your specifications.
Drawing upon different objects, I explore melding them into a unified whole. Part of my process is setting up compositions and visually weaving together beautiful glass and flowing fabric with vibrant colors and patterns into integrated fluid formations, seeking to reshape light, pattern, and color into a visual oasis. I then tightly crop and photograph. My intent is to transcend and transform objects into images that visually excite while calming the soul, often with a gentle message.
I like to print on high-definition aluminum as it enhances the color and the spirit of the glass. Unframed, my high-definition aluminum images can also be used on a covered porch. Framed, they are great in both residential and commercial environments.
The complete collection of uplifting work can be viewed on my website at my printers. You may order there to your specifications.
Aqueous Ascension Gaze To The Heavens
Gina Whalen is a distinguished abstract artist based in the scenic Hudson Valley, New York. Operating from her home studio, Gina’s creative process is characterized by a dynamic blend of mediums, including mixed media acrylics and oils.
Her work is a testament to her versatility and deep connection to her local environment. Gina has showcased her art in a variety of community and international exhibitions throughout Hudson Valley, gaining recognition for her unique artistic voice.
Notably, her work has been featured at the Pratt at Munson, VA Gallery, RI Watercolor Society, HMVC Gallery NYC, Orange County Community College Art Gallery, Arts Mid-Hudson, and the Orange County New York Arts Council.
These platforms have highlighted her ability to transcend traditional boundaries of expression, making her a prominent figure in the regional art scene. Gina continues to evolve her practice, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant culture of her surroundings.
In my art practice, abstract realism offers the freedom to transcend conventional boundaries and express creativity without constraint. Each piece I create embodies emotions of peace and tranquility, where every stroke and hue channels serene energies. Driven by a belief in art’s profound capacity to heal, soothe, and restore, my work embraces a spiritual philosophy that speaks to the soul. I invite you to experience the healing journey within each piece, to pause, connect, and feel the soothing essence that art can bring into your life. Embrace the calm, and let my art be a balm for your spirit
Arbor Jm
US Galleries: Catbird Seat; Islip Art; CAGO; Art of Possibilities; RedLine Art Center; Light Space Time Art; Art Show International; Art Impact; Electric City; Fridge; Auburn; Studio Chanel; Art Ability; fotofoto; the Art Guild & Inoventa Awards.
Internationally: 5th ONYX 2021 International Exhibition of Photography, Romania;
Galería Valid Foto BCN; Kontrast Galleri; Espaço Espelho D’agua; Glasgow Gallery; Blank Wall Gallery; Studio Gallery B&B; Hinterland Galerie; The Space Art Gallery; Laurent Gallery; BBA Gallery; Montanha Pico Festival.
Exhibited at: Long Island Maritime Museum; Islip Arts Museum; Grants Pass Museum of Art; Connetquot State Park; FUJIFILM photo exhibition in Grand Central Terminal. Obervica; Lose the Film; Irreplaceable Resources; the National Parks Foundation, Travel & Leisure & Digital Camera World has published my work. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute creates a commemorative note card collection, my photo has been selected as one, 2021.
My genre tends toward landscape, nature, and travel photography. Covid-19 has curtailed travel for the last two years. Have found and utilized the parks, arboretums, preserves, gardens, and all other available sites for taking photographs. Both locally and within the U.S. Though this has limited my range, it has proved to be beneficial and a trove of opportunity.
Arcane Dianthus
Originally from Caledonia, Michigan, Stephanie Leaver, a highly accomplished artist and photographer, currently calls Lakewood Ranch, Florida, home. In 2022, Stephanie graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Western Michigan University’s Gwen Frostic School of Art. Her deep engagement in both artistic and educational pursuits during her college years laid the foundation for her subsequent ventures.
Stephanie’s collegiate journey was marked by consistent recognition in the academic realm, underscoring her unwavering dedication to her craft. She took great pride in her scholarly achievements, maintaining a consistent spot on the Dean’s List at the Gwen Frostic School of Art at WMU. As a dedicated member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the esteemed Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Stephanie remained deeply engaged in academic excellence. Navigating the collegiate landscape with determination, she secured scholarships that became essential fuel for her artistic pursuits.
Having graduated, Stephanie now serves as a photography instructor at the Sarasota Photography Group, an exhibiting artist at The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, and is the proud founder of Stephanie Paige Photography LLC. Her artistic focus revolves around macro and nature photography, a reflection of her ardent commitment to capturing authenticity in every frame.
Her artistic influence transcends borders, earning acclaim both nationally and internationally. Stephanie’s impressive showcase includes exhibitions, insightful interviews, prestigious awards, and noteworthy publications, leaving an enduring impact on diverse audiences worldwide.
Stephanie’s diverse photography portfolio caters to families, newborns, local businesses, graduates, and individuals, showcasing her ability to authentically capture moments. Her talents extend to covering group events and documenting intimate moments of couples, adding a personal touch to her commercial work.
Beyond the realms of commercial photography, Stephanie’s personal artistic pursuits delve into environmental themes, political and social issues, family history, and mental health awareness. Her work spans various mediums, including digital and traditional photography, videography, installation art, and mixed media. Drawing inspiration from Surrealism and BioArt, she remains closely attuned to the natural environment surrounding her. Stephanie’s dedication to her craft and her artistic exploration of diverse themes make her a dynamic force in the world of photography and visual art.
Flowers transcend mere visual allure, embodying profound significance beyond our human appreciation. Their life-giving qualities are unmistakable, as they play pivotal roles in pollination, oxygen production, water purification, and ecosystem stability. Acting as sanctuaries for insects, mitigators of soil erosion, and sources of food and medicine, flowers wield a multifaceted influence on our world.
In the intricate dance of pollination, flowers employ various anatomical parts such as the pistil (comprising the stigma, style, and ovary) and the stamen (comprised of the anther and filament). Yet, as sanctuaries for insects and sources of sustenance and healing, the petals and sepals (the base of the flower bud) take center stage.
Salvador Dali’s words echo through this exploration, reminding us that surrealism is not mere destruction but liberation from limiting perspectives. Drawing inspiration from his ethos, this body of work seeks to unveil a surreal yet grounded view of flowers as integral components of the biosphere. By isolating them from their surroundings, the focus shifts to their intricate anatomical details, inviting contemplation of their essential role in the tapestry of life.
The stark contrast of a pitch-black background serves as a haunting reminder of the consequences of floral absence. It hints at a world plunged into bleakness and cataclysm if flowers were to vanish, underscoring their irreplaceable significance in sustaining the delicate balance of our existence.
Ardhanarishwar
Nupur Nishith is a USA-based award-winning artist inspired by Mithila or Madhubani paintings. Roots in Darbhanga-Madhubani, like any Maithil girl, Nupur inherited Mithila Art from her Mother Dr Mridula Prakash, first PhD in History of Mithila Painting. She did MBA and pursued a career in Marketing and Banking with Bank of Baroda. Relocated to the US when her husband was transferred to the New York office in 2011. She rediscovered her art and developed her unique and distinct style in the contemporary art world with a traditional art form using varied themes and tools. Works on various surfaces ranging from Paper, Canvas, Glass, Clay, Ceramic, Wood, Aluminum, Murals on walls, ceilings, and floors, and installations to Digital tools and software. Her painting Dheeya was awarded by a jury from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), NY. Her art has featured in United Nations, Consulate General Of India, NY, Disney family house, Dr Harvey Manes, Nassau County Museum of Art, NY, Asian Art Museum, SFO, CA, Gracie Mansion, New York Mayor Residence, CBS Sunday Morning News, ABC7 News, News12 NY, Huffington Post, Daily California, Indian National Award winning movie Mithila Makhaan among others. With more than 60 exhibitions in the US, she has 8 Solo exhibitions and around 6 Curatorial ventures. Art Ambassador to share dias as a Speaker for Art and Culture of Bihar with Hon. Consulate General of India, NY and Emmy Nominated Host to some of the internationally acclaimed people, International Mithila Mahila Summit, Nupur is a great advocate of Mithila Art and Culture globally. Nupur actively supports other Artists as one of the leaders in various art organizations, including former Vice President, Pro Arts, the leading art group in New Jersey. She is the founder of Creative Mithila, which intends to promote Mithila Art globally.
I practice art inspired by Mithila or Madhubani folk art from India. I paint on canvas, paper, cloth, wood, ceramic, terracotta, glass, aluminum, along with murals on walls, ceilings, floors and 3D installations. Even digital paintings for even wider reach. I have evolved a unique style of art with an amalgamation of traditional motifs of ancient folk art with modern contemporary themes and tools with global appeal.
Mithila Artform is famous for the details in the paintings in a flat two-dimensional perspective with no shading or overlapping. Taking it to the next level, I draw inspiration for my art from my experience and surroundings. I visualize objects and situations in perspective to create the symbolic motifs and designs which make my art unique and distinct. Mithila paintings use natural and bright colors with symbolic distinct features, which I never hesitate to experiment with while conserving the essence of the art form. While a set of my paintings is inspired by the colors in the artform, mostly primary colors, while the other set is majorly black and white or subtle use of a few colors in line work, also inspired from the artform. Paints range from various contemporary commercial paints to natural vegetable paints used with brush or dip nibs. I like to work mostly freehand without using any stencils or pattern tools on my projects.
I have learned through observation and everyday experiments. During research and production, new areas of interest arise and lead to the next body of work. So, every piece that I create has a story to tell based on the research and its process of development
Arduinna (Goddess Of The Ardennes Forest)
Karen Gaudette is an artist and teacher living in western Massachusetts. For over two decades, she has worked exclusively in scratchboard. Trained as a printmaker at the University of Massachusetts but with a lifelong passion for drawing, Gaudette favors scratchboard as her medium of choice since it has the immediacy of drawing with the look of woodcuts and engravings.
Her work has been exhibited throughout the country including California, Illinois, Indiana, and Vermont. In 2016, Gaudettte had a solo exhibit at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center in Brattleboro, Vermont. In addition to displaying the original drawings, her scratchboard illustrations have appeared in calendars, datebooks, and magazines both regionally and nationally.
For as long as I can recall, I have been influenced by folklore and symbolism. Whether I am creating an image of a mythical figure or inventing my own characters, I am compelled to include layers of visual symbols in my designs and borders. As an artist, I believe that Art is a language and I choose to tell my stories through the flora and fauna that populate my drawings. While I spent over a decade drawing the human figure, in the past eight years I have chosen to focus on animals, often anthropomorphizing them. In part, I made this decision because the medium of scratchboard beautifully conveys textures and patterns that are found in fur, feathers, and fiber. In addition, I can express a range of emotions through my animal subjects that are subtle and thought-provoking.
Arduous Journey: Panel 3
Ever since I was very young I held a camera and pencil in each hand. As a rural arts advocate, I enrolled and completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts as an adult. While primarily a printmaker I am also drawn to the power of line and collage. The current body of work is a result of sorting out all the messy details of trauma related to breast cancer. When our bodies fail us there are losses beyond words. In the tactile medium of printmaking, I found a voice. And a powerful peace in sharing my truth.
This body of work explores the artist’s experience following diagnosis, treatment, and trauma resulting from breast cancer. Through adding and subtracting media and the use of hand-cut stencils, images emerged that resonated with her experience in the medical establishment. Finding a voice through this body of work has been an important milestone of intellectual, emotional, artistic, and spiritual growth.
Arising
Gregory Kessler has spent his career drawing and teaching students how to “see” the environment through drawing. For Kessler, the pencil epitomizes the natural linkages between paper, fingers, arms, and mind. The pencil has unlimited potential, and through each drawing, Kessler seeks to discover new possibilities.
Through drawing, he seeks to express unique perspectives of myths | phenomena, terrains, vegetation, and places. His work seeks to instill inquisitiveness and curiosity and is inspired by travels to unique places, Asian philosophy as well as experiences discovered in everyday places.
With both a global and local perspective, Kessler’s work has resulted in a career devoted to art and design. His teaching portfolio includes well over fifty design studios at the graduate and undergraduate levels. In his career, he has brought design education to over 2,500 students. Kessler holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California.
Kessler’s work investigates, Myths | Phenomena, Terrains, Vegetation, and Places. Each work explores the intersection between environment, experience, impermanence, and speculations on what could be. The works, String Theory and Nebulae explore the intersection between science and art. Arising is derived from ideas of life, death, and rebirth.
String Theory is an expression of the linkages and engagement of conditions. Linkages intertwine, in front, behind, and through creating “strings” which together compose the phenomena that we experience.
Nebulae is an expression of the transiency of life and its continuous evolution. The migration of swirling, color, and intensity expresses the birth of new conditions. From chaos, new potentials arise.
Arising depicts the life and rebirth of plants. In this instance, the skeleton of the Saguaro is surrounded by the seeds it produces. If conditions are aligned, a few of the most fortunate will have the opportunity to grow and prosper.
Arles 1
Mary Estep Morgan is a hard-working and ambitious woman. Simultaneously she raised a family of three children and taught school full-time for over thirty years. Mary taught all levels of art during her teaching tenure, including 14 years as an adjunct professor in the COFA at a local University. She is currently a working artist. Her primary medium is mixed-media painting. Mary says, “my abstract expressionist style is a process created by spontaneous mark-making. My artwork is influenced by internal and external experiences derived from conscious and subconscious thought.” Her artwork is about her life’s journey and the joy of living in abstract form and color.
Her external childhood influences include Fort Worth, Texas where she grew up, and she spent two years abroad because of her father’s work. At the age of ten, she lived in Cali Colombia, and for the second year in Zurich Switzerland where Mary, a senior in high school, attended the International School. She took her first art class under the direction of Rhoda Issacs.
Mary completed her undergraduate degree at Baylor University BS ’72 and her MA from TWU 2002. After Mary’s retirement in 2016, she had more time and a studio that allowed for creative development. The past six years have been undeniably the most significant for her artistic growth and development. Her subjects include influences from nature, spiritual truths, family, literature, and everyday events.
Among Mary’s goals is to continue developing her creative processes for further growth and development and engage in new opportunities to reach new audiences.
My artwork is about my life’s journey and the joy of living through abstract form and color. The creative process which produces a product is the voice that reflects my soul, expressing many different facets of life’s experiences. The color and form of my abstract art are enmeshed with internal and external world influences and a blending of subconscious and conscious thoughts. The materials that I work with are acrylic, oil, watercolor, collage, or a combination of these on canvas, wood, or paper.
The paintings I’m submitting are about my recent travels to Arles France this summer and are directly influenced by my photography journal.