Almost A Perfect Day…

Darling Graham is a contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice incorporates drawing, photography, and digital media. She describes her distinctive style as “feminine superflat art,” a refined and concept-driven approach that blends traditional techniques with digital tools to explore identity, femininity, and personal evolution.

Born in Rome, Italy, Darling began her artistic journey at the Liceo Artistico Via Ripetta, where the city’s rich history and architecture left a lasting impression. At nineteen, she moved to Canada, later earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Photography from the University of Ottawa. After graduating, she relocated to Montreal, where she gained recognition as one half of the acclaimed photography duo Leda & St. Jacques, known for their visually compelling work in both editorial and commercial settings.

Now based between Canada and the United States, Darling has developed a unique visual language that feels intimate yet symbolically rich. Her work often pairs soft, flat color palettes with the presence of a central female figure, who is stylized, ageless, and emotionally complex. The character’s direct gaze invites the viewer into a layered inner world shaped by memory, mythology, and quiet introspection. A recurring element in her work is her cat, an enigmatic presence that can be seen as a companion, observer, alter ego, or symbol of emotional continuity. This subtle detail adds a sense of tension and depth to her compositions.

Darling’s process often begins with photographic self-portraits, which she then translates into delicate graphite drawings and digitally paints in soft pastel tones. The final creations are predominantly large-format inkjet fine art prints, presenting introspective visual stories that blur the line between personal narrative and universal experience. Her witty titles serve as gentle guides, offering context without limiting interpretation.
Overall, Darling’s work functions as a personal journal: elegant and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers into a space where intimate reflection and broader themes quietly converge.

Art is my existential library. I unfold my work as a personal journal of dreams, fears, happiness, and insecurities, always touched by humor. My style, which I call “feminine superflat art,” blends photography, drawing, and digital painting to create delicate, symbolic compositions. Each piece begins with self-portrait photography and evolves through graphite, pastel, and digital color, forming soft narratives about identity and transformation. The recurring female figure and her cat act as reflections of self and emotional continuity. Creating art means existing in a parallel universe where dreams meet reality, and everything becomes possible. My goal is to offer a moment of beauty, thought, or quiet wonder to those who look at my art, to invite them into my world where fragility becomes strength and imagination gives meaning to being.

Altar

Paul Pinzarrone studied classical piano, biology, and chemistry. He explored playing the keyboard in various rock & roll bands, playing piano for musicals, singers, and dancers, and also worked as an orderly in a trauma center emergency room and surgery. He studied art history and painting at the University of Illinois, earning a BFA in Painting with Highest Honors. Graduate work was done in painting and drawing at Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin.

Paul taught drawing and design at Rockford and Rock Valley Colleges and exhibited at juried contests and galleries in Chicago, Miami, Louisville, Muskegon MI, Ohio, and New Orleans. Exhibitions include the Art Institute Biennial, Butler Institute of American Art, Gilman Gallery, Horwich Gallery, Union League Juried, and Zhou B Art Center [Chicago].

Earlier work included photography, acrylic, and airbrushed lacquer constructions on Plexiglas. Matching the process to the imagery, Pinzarrone pushed the science-fiction look of spraying bronzing powders with acrylic lacquers for an inaccessible, reflective presentation. Film photography transitioned to digital and airbrush turned into an electronic version with Photoshop and other painting methods. To be “art”, Pinzarrone contends that it must be a new…. new version of a Vermeer or Michelangelo or Titian using digital photos, photoshop, and fractal software, printed on Plexiglas or aluminum. It must have a new look, using new materials, presenting a new approach to how great masters saw life.

Current work includes numerous texture-free digital layers, photographic manipulation, and a high gloss machined-looking flat piece. The viewer tries to solve puzzles of why the figures are emotionless and passive, all expressions have been wiped away with most wrinkles and blemishes. The figure’s skin is Pinzarrone’s canvas now, drawing from Titian and other master themes and poses. Tensions are explored to pull the viewer to wonder if it is a photograph or a fabricated reality. Craftsmanship counts.

This work is a study of how nature and power rhyme. It is a study of candy-colored puzzles displayed on high gloss aluminum or plexiglass and metallic paper. The viewer is drawn in to feel comforted yet disturbed, pulled towards the work but paused at the detachment. All are invited in to play and explore…. and wonder if these are mirrors, this science fiction, some other-worldly situation, or nightly dreams.

Process Remark:
This work is digital…. I use Flame and Amber software, fractal software for patterns, painting software for digital airbrush & air erasure, and digital photography to show you my world. Images are built up using transparent layers. After they are compressed, I wrap them around figures and build up additional transparent layers. The figure skin is my canvas presented as though photographs of tattoos, painted figures, or something else. Darker pieces are printed on high gloss aluminum while higher color work is printed on metallic film and bonded to the reverse side of clear plexiglass.

Amaryllis Bud In Vase

Steve Walag has been a photographer for nearly 50 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Religious Studies from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and a BFA in Photography from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He has enjoyed a varied career as a photojournalist, public relations photographer, freelance architectural shooter, photo instructor, and campus photographer at Inland area schools (UCR and Riverside City College). All the while, Steve has pursued his artistic path on the side, beginning decades ago with a strong affinity for the black and white photography of the West Coast “straight” photo school. It is only since 2015 that his attraction to Japanese art led him to formulate the style shown here.

Although Steve’s images may resemble paintings, they are in fact digital photographs printed on textured paper. They were inspired by traditional Japanese paintings in the centuries-old Rinpa tradition. Rinpa artists favored simple, natural subjects – flowers, trees, birds, and landscapes – set against a plain or minimized background. Steve’s fascination with Japanese art led him to emulate those works using digital imaging, lighting, software, and printing techniques.

Amazing People

Born in Copenhagen on November 5, 1973, Jasper is an artist who trained herself from the ground up. As a child, Jasper felt the liberation and delight of creating art. He had experience as both a carpenter and a construction architect. He had returned to painting as an expressive, enjoyable, and freeing activity. He became more well-known for his work in 2018 after joining an art club. Major art galleries all around the world have hosted his exhibitions, such as Zenith Art & Fashion, Miami, USA, VAN GOGH Art Gallery, Madrid, Spain, Capital Culture House, Madrid, Spain. He has been featured at the M.A.D.S Art Gallery, Milan, Italy, Artifact, NY, USA, Artio Gallery, NY, USA, HMVC Gallery New York, NY, USA, World of Crete, Greece, The Holy Art Gallery, London, UK, and ArtSpace Innovations, London, UK. He is featured online on PLOGIX Art Gallery, London, UK, TRiCERA Art Gallery, Tokyo, Japan, Artavita, Santa Barbara, CA, USA, Artifact, NY, USA, HMVC Gallery New York, NY, USA, Singulart, Paris, FR, and Circle Foundation For The Arts, Lyon, FR. He won the coveted International Prize Donatello, Florence, Italy, Top Artists The Protagonists of Contemporary Art, Venice, Italy, Creative Excellence Award 2023, Artistic Excellence Award 2023, Masterful Mind Award 2024, and Honorable Mention Award 2024, Circle Foundation For The Arts, Lyon, FR. A participant in The European Art Guide 21/22, Bellamonti Art, Helsingborg, Sweden, Art Anthology III 2021, Art Anthology VII 2024, Guto Ajayu Culture, Madrid, Spain, Art in America Annual Guide 2023 and 2024, Artifact, NY, USA, Masterful Minds Digital Magazine Vol. 1 and 2, 2024, Circle Foundation For The Arts, Lyon, FR, The Holy Art Gallery Magazine 2024, London, UK. Interviewed in 2024 by Aatonau, Osaka, Japan, and in 2020 by The Magazine of Contemporary Art, The MoCA, LA, USA. He took over the 2020 @10011mag Instagram account for 24 hours, where he shared his personal artworks, experiences, and studio via live stories and posts in NY, USA.

Shapes and colors represent my aspirations, fears, and inner monologues. Instead of praising achievements, I highlight qualities like sweetness, honesty, empathy, and love. My life story is incomplete without love. I came from a world where men are wicked, egotistical, stupid, harsh, and dishonest. Because of them, I transitioned from being a happy, loving person to developing a mental disorder and experiencing feelings of social anxiety and frustration. From a young age forward, this occurrence made me afraid of women. For males, having sex with women is the ultimate fulfillment of their dreams. When love is absent, jealousy and malicious intentions flourish.

I hope that individuals might become more honest, authentic, accepting, loving, and courageous by seeing the parallels between fake looks, living masks, being oneself, and cool performances. The tribal way of life is quite like the loving way of life, yet love promotes harmony, peace, and happiness, and my goal is to bring these things together somehow. I promote liberation, simplicity, tolerance, calm, self-expression, and a love revolution through the iconography of Indigenous people and my sweet, loving artwork. I banish evil and fear, paving the way for love, harmony, and peace so that people are happy and fulfilled in every aspect of their lives.

America

Ronaldo Byrd was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is a Contemporary Hip “Pop” Artist who began painting at the tender age of 3. As an early teen, Byrd was accepted to and attended Art Instruction School, which boasts graduate, Charles Schulz. He graduated and received a Diploma in Art from Art Instruction School at age 16. While enrolled in the course, Byrd was also attending The High School of Art and Design in New York City, before moving to Burlington, New Jersey. Byrd then was accepted to and attended Burlington County Institute of Technology, where he majored in and received a Diploma in the field of Advertising Art and Design. Byrd is mostly a self-taught Artist who has developed his own style of art and his own characters, which he puts in phenomenal scenes. He has shown his work in several galleries, including a solo show at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Byrd and his artwork have also been featured in several newspapers and magazines. One of which includes, The Philadelphia Inquirer. He has also been a feature story on CBS 3 Eyewitness News. Byrd’s message to the world through his artwork is one of love and acceptance. His hope is to convey this as boldly and as beautifully as he can.

I am a Contemporary Hip “Pop” Artist who just happens to be on the Autistic Spectrum. My artwork focuses on the fact that everyone is beautiful regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. The bold colors I use represent the way I see the world. There is beauty in everything I see and I believe that everyone has something to offer to the world in their own special and unique way. Thus, I have been deemed “The Artist of Happiness” because of the joy that my artwork brings to countless people. My art and I represent differences and my hope and goal is for the entire world to be able to see beauty and acceptance through my eyes—-the eyes of an artist.

Amethyst Dream

I’m a paper artist deeply inspired by nature, culture, and personal connections. Using the ancient art form of quilling, I transform strips of paper into intricate, vibrant compositions that tell meaningful stories. Originally from India and now based in the U.S., I blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, often collaborating with illustrators to add depth and emotion to my work. Each piece is a reflection of my journey—rich in color, texture, and intention. From wall art to fine jewelry, I create with the hope that every design evokes joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. My work has been part of gallery exhibits, art shows, and cherished as personalized gifts that celebrate love and identity. Whether it’s a Tree of Life, a mandala, or a custom initial, my art is a quiet offering of beauty in a fast-paced world. I believe in the power of handmade and in making art that connects people deeply.

In a world teeming with patterns, where chaos and structure intermingle, my dual passion as an engineer and artist is ignited. Fascinated by the harmony that emerges from shapes and colors, I found my medium of expression in the ancient art of quilling. Through Paper Sweetly, born in 2016, I embarked on a creative journey that began with paper jewelry and expanded to encompass a diverse range of art forms, from earrings and necklaces to wall art and sculptures.

Within the confines of my San Jose home studio, I immerse myself in the process of translating my perceptions, moods, and glimpses of inspiration into tangible creations. With each sketch, color selection, and delicate curling of paper, I witness the transformation of intangible ideas into exquisite reality. The entire journey, from inception to completion, fills me with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief from stress.

An Enchanted Stomach Virus

Jared Konopitski is an artist living and working in Sacramento, California. Jared works in many mediums; however, he primarily works with acrylic paintings. Jared has worked with many clients such as Art O Mat, Turning Art, Wide Open Walls, and more. In addition, Jared has curated numerous gallery shows and corporate art seminars. In his spare time, he enjoys facilitating art workshops with a focus on early art education. His work has been exhibited at galleries, festivals, and museums across the US and internationally, including:

The Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.
The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA
The Mutter Museum, Philadelphia, PA.
Stranger Factory, Algodones, New Mexico
Giant Robot, Los Angeles, CA
Baton Rouge Gallery, Surreal Salon, Louisiana

Jared has had his work seen in:

Adbusters Magazine(2023)
Juxtapoz.com (2018)
PBS Art Showcase television show (2015 – 2017)
The New Yorker (2014)
Color Ink Book (2013)
Papercut Magazine (2013)
Arcana’s Steampunk Originals (2013)
Heavy Metal Magazine (2012)
Catapult Magazine (2012), DisColouring Book (2012)
Penumbra eZine (2012)
And Wow! Cool! Psycho Nurse Calendar (2011)

Awards:
KVIE Art Auction Curator Award – 2019

 

I am inspired by all things beautifully weird, such as monsters, the bugs living under the rocks, creatures in jars, ghosts, all the nooks and crannies of nature. But I am also inspired by comics, cartoons, noise music and neon anything. So I try to paint the way these things make me feel. Sometimes it comes out fun, sometimes scary, sometimes cute, and sometimes ugly. But I love it all. I prefer painting with acrylics on wood. And after the acrylics are laid down, I love to go over everything with black Ink. The black ink brings out the detail and gives the whole painting a better sense of flow.

An Ice Cream A Day Keeps The Doctor Away…

Darling Graham is a contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice incorporates drawing, photography, and digital media. She describes her distinctive style as “feminine superflat art,” a refined and concept-driven approach that blends traditional techniques with digital tools to explore identity, femininity, and personal evolution.

Born in Rome, Italy, Darling began her artistic journey at the Liceo Artistico Via Ripetta, where the city’s rich history and architecture left a lasting impression. At nineteen, she moved to Canada, later earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Photography from the University of Ottawa. After graduating, she relocated to Montreal, where she gained recognition as one half of the acclaimed photography duo Leda & St. Jacques, known for their visually compelling work in both editorial and commercial settings.

Now based between Canada and the United States, Darling has developed a unique visual language that feels intimate yet symbolically rich. Her work often pairs soft, flat color palettes with the presence of a central female figure, who is stylized, ageless, and emotionally complex. The character’s direct gaze invites the viewer into a layered inner world shaped by memory, mythology, and quiet introspection. A recurring element in her work is her cat, an enigmatic presence that can be seen as a companion, observer, alter ego, or symbol of emotional continuity. This subtle detail adds a sense of tension and depth to her compositions.

Darling’s process often begins with photographic self-portraits, which she then translates into delicate graphite drawings and digitally paints in soft pastel tones. The final creations are predominantly large-format inkjet fine art prints, presenting introspective visual stories that blur the line between personal narrative and universal experience. Her witty titles serve as gentle guides, offering context without limiting interpretation.
Overall, Darling’s work functions as a personal journal: elegant and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers into a space where intimate reflection and broader themes quietly converge.

Art is my existential library. I unfold my work as a personal journal of dreams, fears, happiness, and insecurities, always touched by humor. My style, which I call “feminine superflat art,” blends photography, drawing, and digital painting to create delicate, symbolic compositions. Each piece begins with self-portrait photography and evolves through graphite, pastel, and digital color, forming soft narratives about identity and transformation. The recurring female figure and her cat act as reflections of self and emotional continuity. Creating art means existing in a parallel universe where dreams meet reality, and everything becomes possible. My goal is to offer a moment of beauty, thought, or quiet wonder to those who look at my art, to invite them into my world where fragility becomes strength and imagination gives meaning to being.

Angel And Demon

Yue Zeng is a Chinese-American self-taught artist, mother, and wife, who has been living in the United States since 2008 and currently resides in Woodbury, Minnesota. Zeng’s artistic practice focuses on oil painting, with her subjects mainly being mythical creatures and imaginary landscapes. With a style between impressionism and fantasy, she explores the vividness of their spirit in saturated colors and organic forms. Zeng’s interest in the arts started in elementary school, sparking her desire to create later in life. In her twenties, she obtained her Master in Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, New York. In 2017 due to physical complications, Zeng had to leave the chemistry industry. Transformed by the experience, she decided to revisit her art practice and make it her career regardless of the obstacles she would face. Since then, Zeng has flourished in her artistic expression, finding her true passion in oil painting. Although Zeng explores other painting mediums such as gouache, pastel, and digital, oil and canvas feel the most natural. This medium allows her to relax and be free with the changeability of the material and exploration of color within the subjects she paints.

My paintings are an outlet to express the imagination I have inside my head that I can not put into words. After trying many mediums, I always find myself coming back to paint and brushes. In my current artistic practice, I use oil paint and mainly create portraits of mythical creatures and animals transfixed in the shifting colors of seascapes and landscapes. There is a natural spirit and magic to these creatures and their energy draws me in. Choosing to paint these creatures as real living wildlife rather than abstractions, I use bold and vivid colors to express the imagination intertwined with reality, finding magic between the seams. Using a saturated color palette, I create bold and striking imagery, contrast between foreground and background, subject and landscape, and light and darkness. Weaving their bodies and the surface of the landscape into each other through organic forms and flowing brush strokes, I find beauty, strength, and innocence in these creatures that reflect my inner world.