Welcome Returning Artists to In Plein Sight® 2018

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Windy Platte River by Cliff Austin

On Monday, September 10th, 2018, 25 plein aire artists will descent upon Lair O’the Bear Open Space Park, in the opening act of In Plein Sight® 2018. Nine of these artists are returnees; they were part of the first In Plein Sight® event in October 2016. PLAN Jeffco proudly welcomes them back.

Cliff Austin, Littleton CO

Windy Platte River by Cliff Austin

Windy Platte River by Cliff Austin

Cliff Austin is a graduate of Denver Institute of Technology and The Rocky Mountain School of Art. An award-winning Colorado artist, Cliff has been painting and illustrating since 1980 and is affiliated with several Colorado art organizations including the Pastel Society of Colorado, Plein Air Artists of Colorado, Oil Painters of America and American Impressionists Society. The core of Cliff’s art is the relationship of light on shape using line and tone and color as it wraps and flows around the landscape, cityscape and figures. His work can be described as colorful, impressionistic and abstract. For more information, visit www.cliffaustin.com.

Patty Dwyer, Littleton CO

Image 9723 by Patty Dwyer

Image 9723 by Patty Dwyer

Whether working “en plein air” or in her studio, a sublime connection with nature permeates Patty Dwyer’s paintings, which have been described as expressive, joyful, textural, colorful and ebullient. A self-taught, life-long artist who works primarily in oils and soft pastels, Patty only recently began showing and selling her work. Patty is a member of Plein Air Painters of Colorado, Pastel Artists of Colorado, Greater Castle Rock Art Guild and the Denver Art Students League. As the founding member and chairperson of the Arts Committee at Cherokee Ranch & Castle in Sedalia, she is very involved in building long-term arts and programs at this historic castle and ranch. For more information, visit www.pattydwyerartist.com.

Shelley Howard, Denver CO

Golden Overpass by Shelley Howard

Golden Overpass by Shelley Howard

Originally from Ohio, Shelley Howard received a BFA in drawing and painting from Bowling Green State University, and later an MA in visual arts education from The University of Northern Colorado while teaching art in the public schools in Colorado. From the beginning, her work has been inspired by the architectural landscape in Colorado and New Mexico. The interplay of edges with expressive brushstrokes, or in Shelley’s case, mark making in pastel, helps unify the works while creating a feeling of rhythm throughout each piece. Shelley regularly exhibits her work as an active member of the Pastel Society of Colorado, the Plein Air Artists of Colorado and the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. For more information, visit www.artistshelleyhoward.com.

Janeice Linden, Littleton CO

Storm at Red Tail Overlook by Janeice Linden

Storm at Red Tail Overlook by Janeice Linden

Painting landscape and wildlife has been Janeice Linden’s passion for more than 20 years. She has participated in the Southeastern Wildlife Art Show, Natureworks Art Show and Out West Art Show, and her work has been featured at OPA Salon Show of Traditional Oils, OPA Western Regional Show, Society of Animal Artists Exhibition, American Miniatures and Small Works Great Wonders. Additionally, Janeice’s paintings have been exhibited at Horizon Art Gallery, Settlers West, Wildhorse Gallery and the Beverly McNeil Gallery. For more information, visit https://artofsunshine.com/.

Norbert Nagel, Lakewood CO

Morning Serenity by Norbert Nagel

Morning Serenity by Norbert Nagel

Norbert Nagel is an award-winning plein air artist. Originally from Cincinnati, Norbert moved west to study at Colorado State University. Norbert is an Art Teacher at Jefferson County Public Schools, and he currently teaches art for the City of Lakewood. He currently serves as co-president of the Pastel Society of Colorado. Most of his painting is done en plein air, working to capture the feeling of a landscape more than copying it. Follow Norbert Nagel on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/norbert.nagel.5.

Rodgers Naylor, Denver CO

7:30 AM by Rodgers Naylor

7:30 AM by Rodgers Naylor

Rodgers Naylor takes a strong interest in the effects of light and shadow and warm/cool colors, and is intrigued by the interplay between the landscape and its human inhabitants. Each painting is both an abstract composition of light and dark shapes, and the starting point of a story whose details and conclusions may be imagined by the viewer. Rodgers completes some work “alla prima,” in one painting session, and others as a part of a group of paintings done together over a period of weeks. He paints both in the studio and en plein air. Rodgers is a member of the American Impressionist Society, the Art Students League of Denver, Oil Painters of America and Plein Air Artists Colorado. For more information, visit http://RNaylorStudio.com.

Mike Ray, Littleton CO

South View Red Rocks by Mike Ray

South View Red Rocks by Mike Ray

Mike Ray paints about half of his work on location, outdoors. He has received numerous national and international awards for his pastel painting work and is a Master signature member of the Pastel Society of Colorado. Born and raised in Colorado, most of Mike’s subject matter comes from front range locations west and south of Denver. For more information, visit www.mrray.faso.com.

Jennifer Riefenberg, Castle Rock CO

Aspen Impressions by Jennifer Riefenberg

Aspen Impressions by Jennifer Riefenberg

A fourth-generation Colorado native, born and raised in Jeffco, Jennifer Riefenberg has degrees in engineering and mathematics and is an award-winning plein air artist who feels most at home outside with nature and oil paint. Jennifer is a board member of Plein Air Artists of Colorado (PAAC) and member of the American Impressionist Society, Women Artists of the West, and Oil Painters of America.  She has been juried into national shows with her plein air paintings, including PAAC and WAOW, and has received several awards in area plein air competitions including Best of Day and Award of Excellence (Plein Air Magazine) in Fairplay, Best of Show at Paint the Town in Florence, Best of Quick Draw in Meeker and others. For more information, visit www.artofsunshine.com.

Beverly Thomas, Denver CO

Rocks at Gunnison by Beverly Thomas

Rocks at Gunnison by Beverly Thomas

Most of Beverly’s larger paintings start out as sketches , watercolors or small studies out in the field, where color and shapes are enhanced intuitively. Bev has been a life time painter, teaching for a while in Rhode Island before moving to CO in 2014. Bev’s work can be seen at Artists on Santa Fe in Denver. For more information, visit www.bevthomasonline.com.

Please join us on this opening day of In Plein Sight® 2018, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Conservation Summit Comes to Jefferson County

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PLAN Jeffco and Jeffco Open Space are proud to announce the Jeffco Conservation Summit Series, a series of talks that will address visitorship, stewardship, and enjoyment of our Open Space Parks while enhancing the understanding of how open spaces must be managed for the benefit of all – the land, wildlife, and park visitors.

The first session of the Conservation Summit series, “Celebrating Visionary Women”, will focus on issues surrounding gear disparity, self-perception, and inequity in the outdoors.

The Summit will feature local women and outdoor enthusiasts:

Jennifer Barbour, Executive Director of Team Evergreen Cycling, http://teamevergreen.org/organizer/jennifer-barbour/

Niki Koubourlis, Entrepreneur and founder of Bold Betties, http://www.freshtrackswithkellyrobbins.com/employee-to-entrepreneur/niki-koubourlis-story-employee-entrepreneur-low-bold-betties/

Alexia O’Connor, Health Coach & Postural Therapist, Lead Sales for Title Nine, https://www.titlenine.com/

This event is free, but reservations are required. Go to EventBrite to make your reservation now!

“Celebrating Visionary Women” will be presented at Boettcher Mansion and the Lookout Mountain Nature Center on Saturday, June 30th, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.  Continental breakfast and lunch provided, post-lunch yoga instruction by NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, http://namasteworksyoga.com/

Boettcher Mansion, 900 Colorow Road, Golden, CO 80401
720-497-7630
https://www.jeffco.us/1658/Contact-Us

In Plein Site Artists to Return to Jeffco Sept. 10-16

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SAVE THE DATE! Experience plein air painting and celebrate the beauty of open space in the glorious fall season. Twenty-five select professional artists will be painting in various locations in Jefferson County Open Space parks and along Clear Creek in Golden the week of Sept. 10-15. Their fresh works featuring local scenery will be available for purchase in the Golden Community Center September 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

PLAN Jeffco successfully staged the event for the first time in 2016 and we look forward to doing it again. Everyone is invited to watch the artists as they work and to purchase a work of art. Part of the proceeds benefit PLAN Jeffco.

The following parks will be featured: Lair o’ the Bear (9/10), Alderfer-Three Sisters, barn parking lot (9/12); Elk Meadow – Lewis Ridge parking lot (9/13); Centennial Cone – North trailhead (9/14); Along Clear Creek in Golden (9/15). Artists’ choice on 9/11.

Painting is “Mount Falcon Hills” oil by Robert Moore.

Denver Mountain Parks Fund Raiser – Save the Date 9/21/17

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Save the Date!  Denver Mountain Parks is having their annual fund raising event on September 21st.

This exciting fundraising event to support our parks is quickly approaching, so please hurry and get your tickets today!

They will have an amazing group of hosts this year and have some unique and fun auction items (like a behind the scenes tour at Red Rocks) as well. It’s sure to be a fun evening in Denver with the inside scoop from key people on all the opportunities we have to enjoy our mountain parks.

Your support will help DMP continue to restore their historical park structures while also generating resources and staffing to help maintain and improve our 14,000+ acre mountain park system.

Even if you can’t make it to this event, Denver’s 22 beautiful mountain parks still need your help, so please help DMP and make your tax deductible contribution today!


W. Bart Berger
Denver Mountain Parks Foundation

P.S. Please add this exciting event to your calendar – SEPT 21st. 

Happy 45th Birthday PLAN Jeffco!

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PLAN JEFFCO CELEBRATES ITS 45TH BIRTHDAY ON AUGUST 29 WITH A SUMMER PICNIC IN THE PARK

— CLICK HERE! — MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW —

Public Picnic and Guided Tours at Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve Open to All Ages

PLAN Jeffco is pleased to announce it will host a Summer Picnic in the Park to celebrate its 45th Birthday on Tuesday, August 29 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. All ages are invited to attend the celebration at Lookout Mountain Nature Center, located at 910 Colorow Rd. in Golden. The event will be free to attend and open to the public.

 Guests can pack their own picnics, or will be able to purchase food from SmokeStack70 BBQ, vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free cuisine from WongWay Veg, and ice cream from Happy Cones, on-site at the Nature Center. PLAN Jeffco is providing birthday cake for all. There will be children’s nature-based activities, scavenger hunts indoors and out, and three guided hikes will be available for attendees of all ages. Enjoy one or all of the hikes, and do remember to bring picnic blankets and folding chairs if you want to picnic in the meadow.

4:15-4:45 PM: Bird-watching guided hike with PLAN Jeffco’s own Ann Bonnell, 2nd Vice President of the Audubon Society of Greater Denver. PLEASE BRING YOUR BINOCULARS. Due to the specialized nature of this hike and the hands-on instruction involved, this group will be limited in size to the first dozen attendees. If there is demand, Ann has agreed to guide a second group of bird-watchers, from 5-5:30 PM. ASSEMBLE ON THE STEPS OF THE BOETTCHER MANSION and be ready to leave promptly at 4:15 PM, and again at 5 PM.

5-5:30 PM: Natural History & Bio-diversity Tour lead by Alicia Vermily, Naturalist and Education Specialist at JeffCo Open Space since 2006. Join Alicia for a fun nature walk and see the oldest tree on Lookout Mountain. ASSEMBLE NEAR THE PICNIC AREA and be ready to leave promptly at 5 PM.

7-7:30 PM: Lookout Mountain Nature Center Site History Tour with Andrea Keppers, Jeffco Open Space’s own history educator. Andrea will delight you with stories of the history of Lookout Mountain and the Nature Center itself. ASSEMBLE IN THE PARKING LOT NEAR THE GATES TO THE NATURE CENTER and be ready to leave promptly at 7 PM. Don’t forget a jacket or a sweater, as the evenings on Lookout Mountain can be rather cool.

 Mary Ann Bonnell, Jefferson County Open Space Visitor Services Manager (also known as Ranger1), will provide a keynote talk at 6PM where she’ll discuss the stewardship of the land and its inhabitants, including the increase in the populations of coyotes, rattlesnakes and moose (yes, moose!) in Jefferson County. Mary Ann will be speaking in front of the Nature Center, or – if weather demands, inside the main room of the Nature Center.

Advance registration is encouraged so that we can be certain to have enough food; birthday cake will be served. Register here!

More information will follow by email and on this website as we complete the details. Sign up now so you don’t miss a thing! 

John David Phillips, Artist of the Taj

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john-david-phillips-portrait“All of my paintings are inspired by the effects of light on a place and how it creates a sense of connection to that landscape. That happens in a very personal way for each of us.”

John David Phillips was born in Roswell, New Mexico in 1955. His first memories are of the open vistas and changing skies of the American Southwest.  John began painting at the age of eight, inspired to capture on canvas his impressions of natural beauty wherever he lived; in the Southwest, California, Australia, Texas, and Asia .  He now lives in the  Colorado foothills, painting both in-studio and en plein air.   His goal as an artist is share the many moods inspired by nature.

Artist’s Email: phillipsstudio@msn.com

Artist’s website: http://www.johndavidphillips.com/

PUBLICATIONS

Phillips’ article “Chamisa in Taos” was featured in the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector Magazine.

Work featured in the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector Magazine, Spring 2007 issue of American Artist’s Workshop Magazine.  

Feature article on Phillips’ Colorado Painting Workshop in Spring 2007 issue of American Artist’s Workshop Magazine.

“The paintings of Colorado artist John David Phillips show an overriding concern for conveying the mood of a scene.  He has a unique approach to lighting, composition and perspective.” – Southwest Art Magazine 

Work featured in Southwest Art’s October 2002 Collector Issue

The paintings of Colorado artist John David Phillips show an overriding concern for conveying the mood of a scene.  He has a unique approach to lighting, composition and perspective.”  —Southwest Art Magazine

Work featured in Art Talk’s December 1999 issue “Eight Young Artists Worth Knowing in the New Millenium”

“John David Phillips’ landscape subjects span a much wider range than can be seen in any one image. They literally go from the darkest of dark scenes, full of mood, to light snow scenes. Drama is evident in his work. Phillips is drawn to unusually lit subjects, and patches of wildly vivid color infuse sometimes otherwise neutral scenes.  In short, his work is distinctive.” – Art Talk Newspaper

Paintings featured in 5280 Denver’s Mile High Magazine.

Featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s December 1999 article “New Directions in Realism”

HIGHLIGHTS

Phillips’ article “Chamisa in Taos” in the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector Magazine

Phillips’ painting “Golden Evening” 36” X 48” is on display in lobby of U.S. Congressional offices, Washington D.C.

Best of show 2005 Plein Air New Mexico Invitational Exhibit, Ventana Fine Art Gallery, Santa Fe

Several of Phillips’ landscapes are on display in the Governor’s Office of the Colorado State Capitol Building

Phillips’ painting “From the Top” was purchased by the Denver Art Museum in 2004

Phillips’ work was featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s October 2002 Collector Issue, “Landscape Collections Across the West”

Phillips teaches in-depth painting workshops for Art in the Aspens Workshops, Pueblo

GALLERIES

Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder, CO www.marywilliamsfinearts.com

Art Images & Art at the Loft – Willoughby Galleries, Denver www.artimagesgalleries.com

Total Arts Gallery, Taos, NM www.totalartsgallery.com

AWARDS

2013 Winner of Coutts Museum Juror’s Award, 7th Annual Paint the Parks Mini Competition

 “Golden Evening”, 36″X48″ on display in U.S. Congressional Offices, Washingtion D.C.

Best of Show 2005 Plein Air New Mexico Invitational Exhibit, Ventana Fine Art, Santa Fe

“From the Top”, 18″X24″ was purchased by the Denver Art Museum in 2004

2005-2014 Sangre de Cristo Art’s “Representing the West” Invitational Exhibit, Pueblo, CO

1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2014 OPA National Exhibitions, 2009 OPA Western Exhibit

 

John’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Clear Creek Canyon Park, “Clear Creek Vista”, oil on canvas

Matthews/Winters Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

South Valley Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

 

Michael Ome Untiedt, Artist of the Taj

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michael-ome-untiedt-portraitVITAE

Michael Ome Untiedt

born: Lamar, Colorado,  April 26, 1952

Married: wife Donna Marie Montgomery Untiedt

Children: Zachariah Ome Untiedt, Hannah Faye Untiedt

 

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

1970 Graduate, Granada Union High School, Granada, CO

1975 Scholarship; magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, BA University of Denver, Denver, CO

1981 Scholarship; summa cum laude, BS Metropolitan State College, Denver, CO

1984-88 Colorado Artist’s Association, State Board of Directors, President State Board

1986 Post Graduate Studies, Art History University of Colorado, Denver, CO

1987-90 Art Students League of Denver

           1991-94 Board of Directors, Aurora Arts & Humanities Council, Aurora, CO

1991-97 Colorado Artists Guild

1991-97 Citizens Advisory Board, Aurora Fox Arts Center, Aurora, CO  Executive Board Chairperson

2003-4 Member, National Association of Independent Artists, NAIA

1996-2006 Member of the Gatherers, national fund raising group for the cultural arts, Austin, TX, secretary, National Board of Directors

2001-2013 Director, OmeArt LLC, producer of artist workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and Studio Nights, Denver, CO

 

GALLERY REPRESENTATION

Evergreen Fine Arts, Evergreen, CO

Mary Williams Fine Art, Boulder, CO

Sanders Gallery, Tucson, AZ

Whistle Pik Galleries, Fredericksburg, TX

 

PUBLICATIONS

2001 SouthWest Art Magazine, Painting the Landscape, Telling Stories, Feb/01,  feature article and cover

2001 Artist’s Magazine, Living Your Landscapes, Dec/01 feature article and cover

2002 Artist’s Sketchbook, Open Book, An American Painter in Ireland, spring 2002 feature article

2004 Colorado Expressions,  Art Scene,  Winter 2004, feature article

2006 Aristos, an Online Review of the Arts,  January 2006   aristos.org

2006 Cultural Times, An Artist That Almost Didn’t H,appen, Nov/06,  feature article and cover

2012 SouthWest Art Magazine, Governor’s Invitational Art Show, April 2012

 

AWARDS

2006 Poster Artist, Rocky Mountain PBS, Denver

2005 Tuffy Berg Award, CM Russell Auction, Great Falls, Montana

2004 Collector’s Choice Award, Master’s in Montana, Bozeman, MT

2004 Finalist Winner, Artist’s Magazine  20th Annual Art Competition

2003 Finalist Winner, Artist’s Magazine  20th Annual Art Competition

2002 Collector’s Choice, Best of Show, Master’s in Montana, Bozeman, MT

2002 Sullivan Award, Master’s in Montana, Bozeman, MT

2002 Merit Award, Lubbock Art Festival, Lubbock, TX

2001 Poster Artist, Mountain Art Gathering,   Keystone, CO

1997 Poster Artist, Rotary Boot’s and Spurs Invitational Show, Boulder, CO.

1995 Best of Show, Rotary Boot’s and Spurs Invitational Show, Boulder, CO.

1994 Director’s Choice Award, Southwest Arts Festival, Albuquerque, NM

1993 National Greeley Art Mart, Meritorious Painting Award, Greeley, CO

1993 Colorado Artist’s Guild, Annual Watermedia Painting Award, Denver, CO

1992 Meritorious Award, Colorado State Fair Art Show, Pueblo, CO

1992 Picture Perfect Award,  Oil and Acrylic Painters Show, Osage Beach, MO

1992 Fountain Hills National Art Show, 1st Place, Acrylic, Fountain Hills, AZ

1992 Colorado Artists’ Guild, Annual Water media Painting Award, Denver, CO

1991 National Greeley Art Mart, 1st Place, Painting, Greeley, CO

1991 United Bank ART Classic, Best of Show, Denver, CO

1988 Best of Show, Fountain Hills National Art Show, Fountain Hill, AZ

1987 Jurist Award, Winfield Art in the Park, Winfield, KS

1986 Colorado Artist’s Association State Show, 1st Place Watercolor, Denver, CO

1985 Aurora Library Show, Best of Show, Aurora, CO

1984 Colorado Artist’s Association State Show, Jurist’s Award, Denver, CO

 

http://www.michaelomeuntiedt.com/index/About_the_Artist.html

VITAE FINIS

 

Michael’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Deer Creek Canyon Park, “Alpine Geometry”, oil on canvas

Lookout Mountain Nature Center, “Sights and Sounds of Nature’s Resolve, oil on canvas

 

Elizabeth Sandia, Artist of the Taj

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In September of 1995, Elizabeth Sandia gave up her architectural design practice in Key West, FL to relocate to Santa Fe to become a fine artist. Today she is a prolific and a highly publicized pastel and oil painter.

Elizabeth’s award-winning paintings are luminous expressions of her wide range of subjects here and in the West. Masterful use of color harmonies and intimate portrayals of even vast landscapes are her trademarks.

Elizabeth has had nine one-person openings, numerous two person shows, and regularly participates in invitationals, group shows, and fund-raisers like Coors National Western in Denver.

Ms. Sandia has appeared in 34 art publications here and abroad since 2000 and her work has been on the cover of four of them. Three of her paintings were selected to hang in the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. She was commissioned to paint two large pieces to promote open spaces outside of Denver and they hang in a civic building in Golden, CO. A few years back a painting was selected for a wine label and another is on the cover of a recently published book by Cindy Bellinger.

Elizabeth has lectured, been a judge and a juror for several art shows, occasionally teaches a workshop, gives demos, and tutored online for Academy of Art U., San Francisco.

“When I paint en plein air, I am mainly attracted to bold shapes of sunlight and compositional patterns. I no longer feel constricted by an obligation to follow the exact colors or values I find as I was first taught. I prefer the freedom to interpret and express my feelings in each piece. I communicate my vision through the use of contrast and my personal choice of palette colors.

“My current body of work is done loosely and primarily with transparent, single-pigment oils. As a teenager, I painted in oils and returned to this medium six years ago.”

Invitationals:

CM Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT

“Masters in Miniature 2010,” July 30- September 11

“The Russell” Benefit 2011, March 17-19, 2011

San Isabel Land Protection Trust, Westcliffe

September 25, 2010 12 years

State Department’s Art in Embassies Program

US Embassy, Ankara, Turkey

3 paintings selected 3 years, 2006-2009

Coors National Western Sale, Denver, CO

11 years Invitational

PEBC, Denver, Co

3 years Invitational

Colorado Mountain Club, Golden, CO

4 years Invitational

Wine bottle label

Cover and article, “Trail and Timberline”

Le Salon, Denver, CO

1 year Invitational

Arts Council, Colorado Mountain College, Buena Vista

1 year Invitational

Donations:

Beaux Arts Bash, Scottsdale Artists’ School

Yearly since 1999

Mesa Verde Foundation, CO

3 years

Art for Life, Denver, Co

5 years

Rock Bottom Ranch, Basalt, CO

C.R.R.I Research Institute, Durango, CO

Schooling:

Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Achievement Award for Architecture and Design

Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC

Achievement Award for Illustration/Advertising

H.S. of Art and Design

Achievement Award for Illustration and for Music

Since 1993 have studied with: Matt Smith, Judi Betts, Skip Lawrence, Skip Whitcomb, Handell, Jeanne Dobie, Robert Burridge, and Scott Christensen.

Contact Elizabeth Sandia: 505-603-3624, sandiaelizabeth28@gmail.com

 

Elizabeth’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

 Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, “Allur”, pastel

  Elk Meadow Park, unnamed, pastel

Robert Moore, Artist of the Taj

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robert-moore-portraitTall and soft spoken, Robert Moore possesses a sincerity and courtesy reflective of his Idaho farm upbringing. Robert was born in 1957 in Burley, Idaho. He was raised near the Snake River which sparked his appreciation for nature.

Robert Moore is a contemplative, quiet individual. At a young age he discovered art as a way to freely express his feelings. His practical background and belief in discipline led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with teaching credentials in art from Eastern Oregon State College.

He then received a full scholarship to attend The Art Center College of Design in California. He majored in illustration, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and graduating with honors.

Robert prefers painting on location to best express the immediate impression of each subject. His use of vivid colors and frequent high-keyed values reveal a spiritually inspired joy. His travels have taken him to China, Europe, Canada and extensively throughout the United States.

Robert Moore continues to cultivate his gifts, style, and work ethic as an eminent impressionistic oil painter. Robert’s studio is located in the heart of the Snake River Basin in South Central Idaho.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertMooreFineArt/;

Web site: http://www.rmoorefineart.com/index.htm

Bio online: http://www.askart.com/artist/Robert_C_Moore/107349/Robert_C_Moore.aspx

Robert’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

  Crown Hill Park, “Crown Hill Sunset”, oil on canvas

  Lair o’the Bear Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

  Mount Falcon Park, “Mount Falcon Hills”, oil on canvas

  South Table Mountain Park, unnamed, oil on canvas

Rick Howell, Artist of the Taj

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After receiving a degree from Colorado State University in Biology, Howell pursued a successful career managing stock brokerage firms in Denver. Primarily a self-taught landscape painter, he left the business world in 1993 to become a full-time artist.

Rick’s Home and Studio

He lived in a 150-year-old adobe home and studio that he renovated in Mogote, Colorado, a village more than a town just four miles north of the New Mexico State line at the mouth of Conejos Canyon in the southern San Juan Mountains. The property was the town’s original general store, with walls two feet thick, viga ceilings, and pine wood floors.

Rick converted the largest room into his studio, installing a wall easel, fixing up the fireplace, and complementing the window’s northern light and adding halogen lights (the same used in the galleries he shows in, to give him a better idea of how his paintings will look once they’re up for viewing).

He spent most of his work time outdoors, painting en plein air for weeks at a time, even in winter, then painting his large paintings from these studies in the studio. “Plein air paintings have a raw honesty that one is not able to get from working from a photograph in the studio.”

The larger paintings tend to have more layers and are more complex; however, Howell’s main goal is to have these paintings give the feeling or create the emotion he was able to capture in nature using the studies as a reference.

“In one hour I can be in Abiquiu or Taos or high up in the San Juans or Sangre de Cristos, or over on the Rio Grande.  The area is so rich in diversity of subject matter.”  The scenic Cumbres & Toltec scenic train runs from Antonito (about five miles east of Mogote), Colorado, to Chama, New Mexico.  Visitors from around the world come to ride the train and view the incredible landscape of the Conejos Canyon and beyond.

Howell’s favorite paintings were of everyday scenes. “Nature is fairly gray, so when you add color, the gray tones actually allow those colors to sing.  If you paint the entire landscape with singing color, it is difficult to appreciate the beauty of the more subtle voices you want to hear.”

Rick avoided being labeled a representational, impressionistic, or tonal artist.  His work came from his own experience and interpretation, using a limited palette with unlimited vision of the landscapes before him.

His intent was to take an everyday scene and paint it so well that it stirs a memory or creates a mood.  It is these settings that get his attention and become paintings.

Howell’s Collectors

Howell’s collectors praise his ability to capture the mood of a place, often hearing that his work evokes an emotional response. They are immediately taken by the beauty of his landscapes.  Howell conveys a sense of confidence in his painting technique and a definite love of the Rocky Mountain West.  His large paintings (48 by 60 inches and larger) make a grand statement that continue to draw viewers back again and again.

“No matter how we progress as painters, we continue to strive to make each painting better than the last,” Howell reflects.  “Complete mastery of painting continually eludes us, that is what makes painting so wonderful:  that constant challenge to get one great painting.”

Plein Air Painting

His plein air paintings vary up to 30 by 40 inches.  Those sketches he likes best later become transformed into larger oil paintings back in the studio.  By the Summer of 2011, he will release a long-awaited book, Chasing Shadows, on his direct approach to plein air painting.

Howell has earned a reputation of being one of the best landscape painters in the West.  Aside from having over 50 shows in leading galleries, including a number of one-man shows, Howell has garnered top awards presented by the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and Salon International’s International Museum of Contemporary Masters.

Founder of Organization

2010 – Founder, Art for Endangered Landscapes, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. Its mission is to preserve our vanishing landscapes through the work of America’s most talented artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, videographers, and others.

Museum Shows
2012 _ Fechin Museum Invitational   August 25th
2012 –  A.R Mitchell Memorial Museum  May 5th
2011 – A.R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art, National Invitational Painting Exhibition, Trinidad CO
2011 – C.M. Russell Museum, The Russell Art Show & Sale, Great Falls MT

Shows and Invitationals
2012 – Waterhouse Gallery, one-man show, Santa Barbara CA
2011 – Total Arts, two-man show with Huihan Liu, Taos NM
2011 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2011 – Astoria Fine Art, Jackson Hole WY
2011 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2011 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CO
2010 – Fine Art Studio Online’s Informed Collector, featured as a Highly Collectible Fine Artist
2010 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2010 – Total Arts Gallery, Taos NM
2010 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2010 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2010 – Astoria Fine Art, Jackson Hole WY
2009 – Astoria Fine Art, Pieces of Wyoming, Jackson Hole WY
2009 – 18th Annual Colorado Governor’s Show Invitational, Loveland Museum, Loveland CO
2009 – Sunset Art Gallery, Life and Leisure Show, Amarillo TX
2009 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2009 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2009 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2009 – Total Arts Gallery, Taos NM
2008 – 17th Annual Colorado Governor’s Show Invitational, Loveland Museum, Loveland CO
2008 – Waterhouse Gallery, Invitational Landscape Show, Santa Barbara CA
2008 – Sunset Art Gallery, Amarillo TX
2008 – Tierney Fine Art, Bozeman MT
2008 – Total Arts Gallery, Quiet Dramas, Taos NM
2008 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2008 – Waterhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2008 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2007 – 16th Annual Colorado Governor’s Show Invitational, Loveland Museum, Loveland CO
2007 – 27th Annual Governor’s Invitational, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, Old Western Museum, Cheyenne WY
2007 – Howard/Mandville Gallery, Love of the Land Invitational, Kirkland WA
2007 – Greenhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara CA
2007 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver CO
2007 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2007 – Wendt Gallery, Landscape Show Invitational, Laguna Beach CA
2007 – Scissortail Gallery of Fine Art, Owasso OK
2006 – 26th Annual Governor’s Invitational, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, Old Western Museum, Cheyenne WY
2006 – Howard/Mandville Gallery, Invitational, Kirkland WA
2006 – Greenhouse Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA
2006 – Gallery A, Taos, NM
2005 – Ernest Fuller Fine Art, Denver, CO
2005 – Willow Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ
2005 – 25th Annual Governor’s Invitational, Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show and Sale, Old Western Museum, Cheyenne, WY
2005 – Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio TX
2005 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2005 – Mad Creek Gallery, Steamboat Springs CO
2004 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2004 – Mad Creek Gallery, Autumn in Portugal, Steamboat Springs CO
2003 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2002 – Scissortail Gallery of Fine Art, Owasso OK
2002 – Gallery A, Taos NM
2001 – Knox Gallery, Denver CO
2001 – Contemporary Southwest Gallery, Santa Fe NM
2001 – Gallery A, Taos NM

Awards
2006 – Society of Master Impressionists International Exhibition, Best of Show, Andy’s Ranch
2006 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, Award of Excellence, Wind
2006 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, Award of Excellence
2005 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, 1st Place, Fall Color
2005 – American Impressionist Society, National Show, Honorable Mention, Conejos River
2005 – Salon International Museum of Contemporary Masters, Award of Excellence, Tributaries
2005 – Salon International, International Museum of Contemporary Masters, Award of Excellence, December on the Rim
2005 – Oil Painters of America, National Show
2004 – Oil Painters of America, National Show, Award of Excellence, On Any Given Day
2003 – Oil Painters of America, National Show, Award of Excellence, Moon Whispers

Publications 
February 2011 – Southwest Art, Landscape Painting issue, My World
Southwest Art article
September 2009 – Western Art Collector, Visions of Wyoming
March-April 2008 – Fine Art Connoisseur, Selecting the Right Frame
July 2008 – American Art Collector, Quiet Dramas
October 2006 – American Artist, Award Winners
December 2005 – Southwest Art, Long Time Coming
July 2003 – International Artist, Award Winners
July 2003 – Art of the West, What’s News
July 2003 – Southwest Art, On the Scene
December 2003 – Southwest Art, Colorado Calling
November 2001 – Southwest Art, Artists to Watch
June 2000 – Southwest Art, Art Event

DVD & Book on Plein Air Painting 
Rick’s DVD, En Plein Air: Painting on the Right Side of Your Brain, is now available, and Chasing Shadows, his instructional book on plein air painting, will be released later in 2011.  Both instructional tools are part of his comprehensive Chasing Shadows Plein Air Painting Program, based out of his studio in Mogote, CO.

Memberships
American Impressionist Society
Art for Endangered Landscapes, Founder
Creede Repertory Theatre (Solo Artist painting for annual event)
Music for Angel Fire (Solo Artist painting for annual event)
Oil Painters of America, Signature Member
Society of Master Impressionists International
The Nature Conservancy

Update on Rick Howell

We were not surprised to hear that Rick passed away from what they call an “enlarged heart”,
he was an immensely kind and generous man who took in lost dogs,
fed stray cats and cared for most everyone who crossed his path.

He read incessantly, seeking a deeper wisdom that he would share only with those close to him.
He opened up his knowledge and gave it to all who would seek it.
Many of his mentoring students would say he changed their lives,
but all of his friends would say their lives were changed too~ from knowing him.
He was a private man, who kept a distance from Art Openings and Shows,
frustrating many of his gallery owners.
But he was always true to himself.

At every moment, of everyday, nature can present herself to the right eye~
with inspiration and emotion.
This was Rick’s greatest gift, he could capture this better than anyone else.

As in his delightful humor,
when you look at a Rick Howell painting~
It can catch your breath, make you pause, and quite possibly…
bring you to tears.

Rick’s works will be on display at the Jefferson County Courts and Administration Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, in the Rotunda, from September 19th to October 9th.

   Centennial Cone Park, “Centennial Cone Hike”, oil on canvas.

   White Ranch Park, “Ralston Buttes”, oil on canvas