Category: Painting

Debbie Engel Maker Mondays August 2023

8/15/2023

Debbie Engel

Debbie Engel is a mixed media abstract artist who joined SCAA in 2020. She exhibits regularly here, and won the Lorenzo & Elizabeth Kinney award for Best Floral in 2021 as well as the Merit award at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda in 2021, her second home. She was also a featured artist in one of our Member's Invitational exhibits in 2022. Debbie taught Visual Arts at Chariho Regional School District for 30 years where she was awarded Chariho Teacher of the year for 1990-1991 and Charlestown Elementary School teacher the year for 2006-2007. She also received the RI State of the Arts Award in 1992 and Rhode Island Elementary Art Teacher of the year in 2006-2007. Following her retirement, she now teaches Monoprintmaking techniques at here at SCAA in the summertime.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I lived most of my life in wonderful South County. My family owned a beach house in Point Judith. On the last day of school, we packed our bags and headed to the beach! My husband and I have lived in Narragansett and Charlestown for the past 50 years. Upon retirement in 2014, we now split our time between Punta Gorda, Florida and Charlestown, RI.

In 5th grade, many moons ago, I won a local art contest that enabled me to take Saturday art classes at RISD. I can still smell the turpentine that permeated the air as I sat on very high stools at the drawing table.

Well, the rest is history. My high school art teacher encouraged me to pursue my interest in art and helped me with my portfolio to apply to the Art Education program at RIC. I spent 30 years as a public school visual art teacher for the Chariho School District. I loved teaching and planning engaging and fun lessons for my students. But it really left no time for my own art. It wasn’t until my retirement that I actively started thinking about what kind of art I wanted to make. I took an abstract painting class at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, and I was hooked.

I love to say that I am a happy “student” now, learning new art approaches and techniques every day.

Lorrenzo and Elizabeth Kinney Award for best floral

What inspires you to create?

The flora and fauna of living in two beautiful states gives me my inspiration. I enjoy taking notice of the ever changing colors, patterns and textures that surround me everyday and it gives me something to reflect on. Acting intuitively gives me the freedom to explore the many possibilities of creating art. Concentrating on the art making rather than the outcome gives me great freedom. I have learned to trust my instincts, to improve my techniques and hopefully find my voice.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I am drawn to the works of Henri Mattise. His energetic and bold colors, flattened forms, expressive lines and decorative patterns are very appealing to me. Also, his use of collage papers and silhouette cut outs is something I use often in my own artwork.

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

While in college in the early seventies, I took several photography classes. I loved the medium and the places it took me. Capturing candid photos while seeking the “moment of truth” always captured my eye. The first piece of artwork that changed how I viewed the world is the iconic photo of Florence Owens, a migrant worker and mother of seven children during the Great Depression. It was taken by Dorothea Lange (1895-1965), titled “Migrant Mother.” It struck me to the core. It saddened me to think of the impoverished and their daily struggle to survive. It left an indelible impression on me to this day.

As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

I am honored to be a member of SCAA. This true gem in South County is flourishing under the tireless efforts of its administrators, board members, staff and teachers. The constant outpouring of support from its members and community is remarkable. Events like the Great Art Heist, Evening under the Trees, and the Holiday Sale are among my favorites.

The continuous flow of Juried and Members Exhibits gives its members opportunities to showcase their talents often.

SCAA also has a wide variety of art classes for all levels and the amazing pottery studio is always filled with talented artisans.

Tell us a joke.

Q. How does Salvador Dali start his mornings?
A. With a bowl of “Surreal”.

Nancy Azano Maker Mondays July 2023

7/3/2023

Nancy Azano

Nancy has been exhibiting here since 2017, and her work has won numerous awards. Her involvement in the RISD Museum as a docent led to a teaching job in the galleries, and eventually to working with cancer patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital in their Museum on the Rounds program, which was inspired by the art and activities at the RISD Museum. She has also taught art to all grade levels in both public and private schools. Nancy has since retired and is now focused on her art, regularly taking commissions. You can view more of her art on her Instagram and Facebook.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I was raised in the rural town of Gaithersburg, Maryland. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from the University of Dayton, Ohio in 1972. I moved to RI for a teaching position at East Providence Junior High School. I went on to earn a Master’s degree in Art Education from Rhode School of Design.

I work primarily in cross-hatched pencil drawings and watercolor paintings and, not as often, I paint in acrylics.
People frequently speak of talent as the basis of good artwork. I disagree with that statement. At RISD, I had two professors who taught me how to work hard and, more importantly, how to stop thinking and SEE. From these habits, my work has evolved to a place that I am gratified.

What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by awareness of the world around me. Not just visually, but what persons, places and things can mean. Looking, I find many things “astounding”. Annie Dillard said “the purpose of life is to give voice to our astonishments”.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

Akira Arita, from my RISD program, was the artist who taught me how to see. how to translate my vision into contrasting lines and shapes. He is the teacher who taught me to stop thinking and just SEE. His work is a beautiful representation of what he strongly counseled, turning everyday objects into magical works of art.

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

Pam Grumbach - Her watercolor paintings of tools have been very motivating to me. Every color is in every color. There is a freedom in her the watercolors, with precise brush work, controlled washes, and spattering. Her work demonstrates the ordinary can be extraordinary.

As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

The South County Art Association has given me so many opportunities to exhibit and to enjoy the celebrations at the openings of the exhibits. I love the themes that motivate each shows. The staff are all so encouraging and accommodating.

Tell us a joke.

A little boy had his heart set on having a part in the school play. HIs mother was very concerned that he was going to be so hurt and disappointed if he was not cast in a role.

When he got home, he joyously ran into his mother’s arms and said he got a part in the play! “What is it?” Asked his mother. “I get to clap and cheer!”

No special skills needed to “give voice to your astonishments.”

You can view more of her art on her Instagram and Facebook.

Annie Wildey Maker Mondays June 2023

6/5/2023

Annie Wildey

Moody Blues, Oil, 20x24in

Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the SCAA staff to our organization! Annie is our new Development and Marketing Coordinator. She is a new member to SCAA, having joined in 2022, but has entered exhibits here and impressed many with her work. She is also the owner of AiR Studio Gallery in Westerly, where she holds art openings on the first Friday of every month along with several other studios in the area. Annie's work has been displayed in galleries around the world, including China, The U.K., and New York City. To see more of her work, take a look at her Instagram and visit the AiR studio gallery.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I was born in Wolverhampton in the UK, but moved to the US in my early 20’s. After many years living in New York city, I gradually moved further east, settling in Westerly, RI. I recently opened a studio gallery with my partner, which we have called AiR. It’s a space to make and show our own work but we have invited several artists to participate in a small group exhibition hanging this summer. It’s been exciting to have a storefront studio, to exhibit and curate the space.

I consider myself a painter first, and a printmaker second. I’m a lover of the coastal landscape, with a soft spot for the urban sublime.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

Hard to put an exact timeframe on but it would probably be about 17 years. At 40, I decided to leave a career working at the British Consulate in New York City to study an MFA at the New York Academy of Art and was awarded a post graduate fellowship. Their program focuses on figurative art which I was really interested in at the time. But funnily enough there wasn’t a figure to be found in my thesis exhibition – it was all landscape!

Acadia Rock, Plein Air oil 10x10in

Here Comes the Sun, Detail, Oil

What inspires you to create?

I’m inspired by nature, and my surroundings, exploring moments of beauty, wonder and awe. When I was living in NYC, I was interested in Industrial landscapes. But after leaving the city for the North Fork of Long Island, spending two years as an artist in residence in the hamlet of Orient, it was hard to ignore the beauty of the coastal landscape and its ever-changing moods. With water all around me I became enthralled with capturing a subject constantly in motion.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

Well, I can’t possibly pick one! There are many artists, for as many different reasons. So …

… My high school art teacher who encouraged me to go to art school. Dan Welden, a master printmaker I met after grad school. Working alongside him on and off for several years gave me an opportunity to experience what a professional studio practice could look like. In terms of art itself, early on I was I blown away by figurative artists Lucien Freud and Jenny Saville for their observation and use of medium. Their paintings have such seductive surfaces. I’d also have to include Gerhard Richter and Anslem Keefer for the same reasons. In terms of printmaking Kathe Kollwitz is someone who can capture such raw human emotion without sentimentality, and the British artist Norman Ackroyd, creates such poetic and dramatic landscape etchings. Oh, and I have to include Richard Serra. Seeing his sculptures in person for the first time was incredibly powerful.

Deep Blue, Oil, 36x48in

Morning Shades of Grey, Oil, 8x10in

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

I wouldn’t say there is necessarily one work of art that has changed my life, but I think art itself has taught me to be a better human being. To have empathy and compassion. To be an observer of my inner and outer world, be still, look, listen, feel. Embrace the process, welcome little accidents, let go of expectations and go with the flow.

As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

As a new member it would be the opportunity to feel part of a community and connect with a wide range of creatives.

Tell us a joke.

What is Earth without “art” in it? “Eh…”

To see more of her work
visit Instagram and
AiR studio gallery.

Rebecca Hamilton Stockdill - Maker Mondays March 2023

3/6/2023

Rebecca Hamilton Stockdill

Rebecca is a relatively new member here, but she and her art are becoming familiar to those who frequent our gallery. Most of her work is done in oils or mixed media. Rebecca is an important part of the local art community, being the former President and current Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Warwick Center for the Arts.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I currently live in East Greenwich, RI. I've been in Rhode Island since 2008, but before that I've lived in (reverse chronological order) New York, Michigan, New Orleans, California and Massachusetts.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

I took my first real art class at the Art Students League of New York, probably in 2002 or 2003. It was a portrait painting class with live models, so I certainly jumped right into the deep end! However, I didn't get serious about creating art until about 5 years ago. I exhibited in my first show in 2019 which was a Member Show at the Warwick Center for the Arts.

Rebecca Hamilton Stockdill Breath mixed media 8x10in

Breathe, Mixed Media 8x10in

What inspires you to create?

What inspires me to create? Wow! This is a difficult one to answer, because, I guess everything inspires me to create! I'm not sure if this answers the question, but I was thinking about how I don't really enjoy playing competitive games, but I really enjoy creating things. Rather than being part of a zero sum game where there are winners and losers, and everyone is fighting over the same resources, art is additive and infinite. It produces joy, wonder, excitement, or even revulsion -- which can be experienced by its creator and viewers, over and over again, without taking anything away.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I am a huge fan of the fashion designer Betsey Johnson. I love her bold use of color and fun textural fabrics. I adore her juxtaposition of incongruous images in her work, such as pink skulls and roses, or flowers printed on combat boots. These are all styles of expression that I try to incorporate into my own work. Also, she was rocking technicolor hair long before it was trendy!

Rebecca Hamilton Stockdill Summer in New York - Mixed Media - 36x48

Summer in New York, Mixed Media, 36x48in

The Mask We Made mixed media 11x14in

As a member of SCAA, what do you like most about us?

My two favorite things about SCAA are the wonderful staff and the stunning exhibits. Every time I visit SCAA, there is someone on staff to greet me, chat for a bit and make me feel welcome in the space. And, I am consistently blown away by the quality of artwork at the exhibits -- I love that such a wide variety of styles and media are always exhibited. SCAA truly showcases Rhode Island's artistic talents.

Tell us a joke.

What kind of shoes do artists wear? Sketchers!

View more of Rebecca work on
her website or
Instagram @rebecca_art_and_stuff.

Deborah Alavosius Maker Mondays February 2023

2/6/2023

Deborah Alavosius

Deborah has been a member here for 7 years now. She has exhibited regularly, winning several awards, and was featured in a Members Invitational in 2019. Her work portrays the beauty of light upon her subjects and transforms everyday scenes into gorgeous works of art.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I have lived nearly my entire life in New England and now share my time between Exeter, RI and Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod. I am an acrylic landscape/seascape painter working in a realistic style.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

I took an introductory class in acrylic painting in 2016. I had never painted before and I fell in love. I began teaching myself through YouTube videos, studying artists I liked, reading artist magazines, and taking courses at local art centers.

What inspires you to create?

Both the natural and manmade beauty of New England inspires me. I am drawn to the seasonal changes of New England land and seascapes, and in particular the seasonal changes in light, color, tone, and mood which I strive to convey in my paintings.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

While not a particular artist, I’d say that learning about classical musicians and how to appreciate their art has had an impact on how I perceive, understand, and create art. While in college I took a music appreciation course that exposed me to classical music for the first time. And even to this day, it has stayed with me that there are stories in music…even with no lyrics, I can hear the stories. I learned that art is often more than what “meets the eye” or comes through the senses; it is what you perceive and make of it yourself (whether as a viewer, reader, or listener). So when I paint a land-/seascape, I am painting the scene as I experienced it in real life, and hope that viewers will get a glimpse into a moment in time I thought was beautiful.

See more of Deborah Alavosius work
Instagram @artbydla.

Colleen Colabella Maker Mondays December 2022

12/5/2022

Colleen Colabella

Colleen first joined the SCAA in 2009 and started taking pottery classes in our studio. She has taken many classes here over the years, and began exhibiting 6 years ago. The two watercolor paintings shown in this newsletter are both award-winning works of art.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I am originally from Seekonk, Massachusetts but now split residences between East Granby, CT and Narragansett.

I create pottery items including solar flowers, Towers of Hope, and Sea Turtles. I also make watercolors and silk painted scarves.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

I have always had my hands busy with some form of art, but got into pottery about a decade ago and watercolors 4 years ago.

What inspires you to create?

I happened upon a group of volunteers from The Beach Sea Turtle Patrol in Jacksonville Beach one morning. They were protecting a nest; I could see the tracks leading to and from the nest. I adopt sea turtle nests with the proceeds from my sea turtle sales. Their struggle to survive is real -- only 1 of 1000 will survive into adulthood.

Living in Narragansett I am also inspired by the rocks washed on the shore. These are the inspiration for my watercolors.

As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?

Even though I have had a home in Narragansett for 34 years I didn't discover SCAA until I took up pottery about a decade ago. I never realized what a treasure I was missing. The classes are enlightening, and the community atmosphere is inspiring.

Tell us a joke.

Why did Van Gogh choose painting as his profession?

Because he did not have an ear for music.

Ann E. Bianchi - Maker Mondays November 2022

11/7/2022

Ann E. Bianchi

Ann is a long-time member of the SCAA who joined in 2006. She is an award-winning artist who was featured in one of our Members' Invitational exhibits. She has won the Lorenzo & Elizabeth Kinney Award Floral from South County Art Association as well as winning first place for “Anchored in Argenteuil“ in the Re-Composed Classics exhibit at Wickford Art Association. Four of her Historical Illustrations were printed on a set of collectible Stamped Postage Envelopes in 2013, and she also had 7 pieces of Art accepted for the movie set of “NOS4A2” in 2019. Ann has been exhibiting and teaching with us for many years, fostering a warm and encouraging environment in her classes.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

Born in Westerly RI, raised and currently live in West Warwick, RI.

I paint 2-dimensional Oil and Acrylic paintings on canvas and furniture. I’ve been creating my entire life with Textile and Fiber arts as sewn and color-enhanced works of art. I’ve been busy creating some new items for upcoming holiday sales. Recently I’ve discovered the joy of designing and building small art and 3-dimensional easels from upcycled wood pieces. I enjoy the surprising results of mixed media art.

Fibers and Textiles

Purple Gardens

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

For about 40 years, although I began with oil painting and pastel lessons at age 9 and was forever in love with art.

What inspires you to create?

My personal creativities are often inspired by writings, music, intuitive feelings, and quiet moments.
I’m inspired by historical scenes, interesting pathways, winding roads, stone walls and the four seasons. Colorful hand dyed fabrics that are cut, sewn, and pieced together in unexpected designs. As a mixed media artist, I enjoy working with unusual, eclectic materials I find and collect. Fulfilling personal painting requests is such a joy. I’ve recently been dabbling in a non-objective style, focusing on brushstrokes, motion, and uplifting color contrasts.

Watchful and Waiting

Mandolins

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I often create my art to the flow of music, mainly cello and piano. The music artists who influence my artmaking are cellist Yo Yo Ma and pianist Regina Albrink because they provide me with a meditation tranquility.

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

Experiencing works of art being created by the Tlingit tribal group in Ketchikan, Alaska was an amazing experience. Watching historical creation methods of Native American Totems in their natural environments made me feel that time had stood still. I witnessed a wonderful sense of community, pride for artmaking, and respect for culture through generations. Extremely enlightening.

As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?

The welcoming, warm feeling, I receive when I enter the Helme House

The attention to details of the everyday running of the association

The History of the group and comradery of local community and members

Teaching here and sharing art making with class takers
The fantastic events throughout the year

The variety of media that is created by the many members.

Tell us a joke.

Oh Boy! Had to think hard on this one!

Why did the Red Paint Tube say to the Green Tube “You look amazing today!!".... Because, he’s a Complimentary type of Paint!

Spiritual Guardians

Learn more about Ann E. Bianchi
annebianchi.com

Cheryla* - Maker Mondays October 2022

10/3/2022

Cheryla*

Cheryla* is a plein air painter with an interest in a variety of different media. Like many of us, she feels inspired by the wonder of nature. She has been a member here for about 6 years now, and recently started showing her work in exhibitions as well as taking classes. We hope to see more of her artwork on our walls in the future!

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I’m a native Rhode Islander from Lincoln, RI. I resided in South County for many years. I make a variety of things. Paintings, sewing projects, bird boxes (houses) and floorcloths to name a few.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

Well, I’m still exploring and finding my way in the art world. It’s a fun hobby for me as I’m still working. I hope art never becomes serious for me. I enjoy it too much! :)

What inspires you to create?

Anything that moves me inspires me! I feel the need to innovate and create. I love being in nature and observing the wonders of it!

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

I’d have to say Joni Mitchell and James Taylor (living artists). Joni by her lyrics and wonder, who paints and creates music. James also is very influential on making his mark and showing the way.

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

My favorites as of now, are Van Gogh, Monet, and Michelangelo. I love what they’ve captured, created and also made a mark on the world for the better! I resonate with what they were conveying and am inspired by many works by them.

As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?

It is wonderfully organized, and I like the flow of exhibitions. The willingness to help fellow artists is also a plus! I love to read about the history of the SCAA and its founding members.

Tell us a joke.

Why did the art thief’s van run out of gas as he drove away from the museum?

Because he had no MONET to buy DEGAS to make the VAN GOGH.

Terry Van Heusen - Maker Mondays August 2022

8/1/2022

Terry Van Heusen

Lady Luck

Terry Van Heusen has been a member of the SCAA for over 20 years. She began exhibiting with us in 2014 and has been included in one of our Member's Invitational shows. Terry is skilled in several different media, including acrylics, clay, and pencil work. She has won Honorable Mentions in both our Earthworks and Members Annual shows, as well as First Place in the Art from the Workshops exhibit.

Where are you from, and what do you make?

Originally from Gloversville, N.Y., I moved to R.I. to attend the Rhode Island School of Design. I paint in acrylics and sculpt in clay- often combining the two.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

Since I was a child. While in second grade, the school newspaper published my first illustration- a crayon drawing of the Tooth Fairy. (I really did see her!)

Wrapped

Pensive

What inspires you to create?

Anything that I respond to emotionally can spark an idea. Drawing in the RISD Museum or Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History is always inspirational.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

Fashion Designer Todd Oldham (American, b.1961) In 2016 the RISD Museum exhibited All of Everything, a retrospective of his fashions. “Extravagantly embellished ensembles”- a feast for the eyes! One dress created from Bulgari bracelets, paired with an incredibly sculptural quilted coat, was especially thought-provoking. It freed me to pursue ornamentation and embellishment without apology.

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

Martin Luther King Memorial in Kalamazoo, MI. Sculptor Lisa Reinertson (American, b.1955) The bronze, larger than life figure presents Martin Luther King, Jr. striding forward-- his flowing clerical robe adorned with a bas-relief narrative of the Civil Rights Movement. Lisa Reinertson’s sculptures have increased my awareness of, interest in, and empathy for many of the social and nature-related issues we are experiencing today.

As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?

Originally I joined the SCAA because of the Pottery Studio and still love the connection to clay. The Annual Earthworks Exhibit with live jurying is a totally unique experience!

Gold Mask

Learn more about Terry Van Heusen:
website www.terryvanheusen.com
Instagram @terryvanheusen

Ann Joyce - Maker Mondays July 2022

7/1/2022

Ann Joyce

Summer Day in Wickford

Ann Joyce is a long-time member of the SCAA, who has been exhibiting since 1998. She has been accepted into numerous juried shows in Rhode Island, winning 3 Honorable Mentions, a Third Place award in the "Fur, Feathers and Fins" show at Wickford Art Association, as well as People's Choice in their Poetry and Art Exhibit. In addition, she has had a plein air painting accepted for the Live Auction at the 2014 Newport Art Museum Wet Paint Event. We asked Ann a series of questions about her art. Here's what she had to say:

Point Judith

Where are you from, and what do you make?

I am originally from Houston, Texas. My husband, son, and I moved to Rhode Island in 1993. I paint in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. I mostly paint in oils.

How long have you been seriously pursuing art?

I have been seriously pursuing art since I retired in 2015, although I have been painting for many years prior to that.

Wickford Harbor

Beavertail

What inspires you to create?

The beauty of nature inspires me to create. The sea always inspires me. I love to set my easel up in the sand at the beach or on the rocks at Beavertail and paint.

Which artist outside of your chosen medium has had the most impact on your art? What do they do and in what way do they influence you?

The artist outside of my chosen medium that has had the most impact on my art is sculptor Isamu Noguchi. He created bold, simple organic sculptures inspired by nature. He believed that nature was of fundamental importance to the human condition. I have always loved his work. I used to visit the Noguchi Sculpture Garden in Houston. It was a beautiful place of serenity and peace. I hope I can have that serenity and peace and connection with nature in my life and in my art.

Spider Chrysanthemums

Is there a work of art that has changed your life or how you view the world in some way?

Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting, “Black Cross, New Mexico” changed the way in which I view the world. I was young when I saw this work for the first time. I had never seen a painting like this before and it made a big impact on me. It’s a very beautiful dramatic painting of a cross against the background of rolling hills and a brilliant sunset. This work opened my mind to a new way of seeing things and making things.

As a member of the SCAA, what do you like most about us?

One of my favorite things about SCAA is the friendly welcoming atmosphere. Also, I love the incredible art shows. They are fun to enter and fun to view.

Tell us a joke.

What do artists say when they greet each other?
“Yellow!”

Learn more about Ann Joyce
website:
Facebook:
Instagram

Maker Mondays