"I've been creating 'pictures' ever since I was old enough to grip a crayon and scribble on my parents' living room walls.  I was given my first oil set when I was 12 years old that set me on my destined path to becoming a professional artist.  After graduating with a Fine Arts degree in drawing and painting, I never looked back. Much of my work is still life driven as it affords me total control of setups and lighting. I like working with 'timeless' objects that give a sense of nostalgia to the viewer.

  My still lifes vary in theme from the classical 'old master' set-ups, to the quirkier word play paintings. Titles are important to me as they give the viewer better insight into what I'm trying to convey. Humor also plays out in much of my work and I strive for a narrative that will capture the viewers' attention. My work combines naturalistic detail with quirky offbeat compositions that often juxtapose ordinary objects in ways the viewer doesn't expect". - Barney Levitt

Episode 92-Barney Levitt

Margaret Sheldon shares with Laura not only why, but the process and preparation of a portfolio review.

Episode 93-Porfolio Reviews, How and Why

Remembering his 80’s decade in Europe fondly, Frank and his wife were able to realize the goal of giving their teens the chance to adapt to the European culture, with the goal of enlarging their perspective of life at impressionable ages.  So through July 2019, Frank is living and painting in the South of France, following the light across the seasons and finding inspiration in the stone villages, ordered rows of grapevines and the wild cloud and tree scapes.  Though he loves to be in interesting locations to paint, it is true for Frank that he can find inspiration even in his back yard. Gazing over his bodies of work, one can see how varied subject matter and location are represented in Frank’s oeuvre. Still lifes, figures, landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, interiors, slice of life and the ordinary but magnificent moments of living are celebrated across his canvasses.

Episode 94-Frank Bruckmann

In Episode 95- Margaret and Laura discuss the importance of taking time to reflect on all that was positive in dealing with a pandemic, and keep the best as we move out of it!

Episode 95-The Slow Roll out from a Pandemic

Episode 96-Carl Austin Hyatt

Todd M Casey shares his unrelenting passion for art. His circuitous journey led him to the creative process that gives his artistic soul expression!
Casey shares how he created his first book, "The Art of Still Life", and new works in the making!

Episode 97-Todd M Casey

Whether working in oil, pastel, or encaustic, Robin Thornhill’s atmospheric paintings evoke a sense of stability and peace.  Strongly influenced by John Singer Sargent, the tactile quality of her work makes the timeless beauty of the New England landscape substantially present.  “There is so much chaos in the world that people forget to look for beauty and goodness,” says Robin.  “I want to remind them it’s here – as tangible as the materials I use and as real as I am.”  The sublime becomes grounded by the presence of her hand in the work.  Best known for her landscapes, Robin’s recent experiments with abstraction are also receiving recognition.  In this work, her authorship becomes even more apparent as she utilizes mixed media to develop her exploration of the theme of time.  

 

Robin is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, a juried member of Oil Painters of America and The National Assc. of Women Artists,  a member of the Newburyport Art Association, the Experimental Art Group of Rockport, Massachusetts, and the Pastel Society of Colorado.

Episode 98-Robin Thornhill

As the son of a professional artist, Jason, the oldest of nine children, was completely immersed in all aspects of the artists journey. He observed firsthand the lows and eventual intoxicating highs that come with this life. This unique perspective, strong affinity towards artists and Jason's life as gallery owner for 17 years offers a connection from artist to gallery like no other.

Episode 5-Jason Horejs Xanadu Gallery, Scottsdale AZ

Episode 1 Elaine Miller

Todd Bonita is a well known artist and teacher, who is highly respected in the seacoast area of New Hampshire and beyond. This interview reveals that his quick wit and humor are only to be eclipsed by his generous sharing of the gems he's learned along the way! This master painter and teacher is one of the most genuine and kind humans you will ever meet. Sharpen that pencil and pull up a seat!

Episode 2 Todd Bonita

From teacher to author to fine artist, Jane's soft spoken voice is not to be equated with her powerful paintings and her positive force in the world! In this delightful interview Jane reveals how her journey as an art teacher for 27 years has led to her current career as a fine artist.

Episode 4 Jane Davis Copp

Dennis Poirier grew up in Gloucester, MA. The colors, sights, and sounds of the busy port and fishing fleet of his youth became the inspiration for his masterful seascapes. Listen to find out how he became a part of the long line of Cape Ann’s contribution to American impressionist painters!

Episode 8 - Dennis Poirier

Scott Thorp, a native of Portsmouth, NH has many of the influential seacoast family names in his lineage. The unique way in which he captures the famous landmarks speaks volumes of this lifelong connection to the area. His range of ability to capture the quickly changing New England weather and find beauty in the most "mundane" setting is like no other. Listen to the story which led him to develop these skills and capture amazing moments for all to enjoy!

Episode 13-Scott Thorp-photographer

Cynthia's love of art and artmaking only continues to flourish and expand in retirement! This modest and classy lady opens up about her journey and shares exciting plans for the future!

Episode 12-Cynthia Desando

Christy's interview will brighten your day as much as her colorful paintings! She's vivacious and full of energy and ideas! Listen on the go or while sipping a glass of your favorite drink, you won't be sorry!

Episode 15-Christy Hegarty

See Pamela's duLong Williams' work at the Discover Portsmouth Center in Portsmouth, NH through the end of September as part of the Gertrude Fiske exhibit. This classy lady and top notch oil painter shares her nuggets of wisdom from many years at the easel. Her passion and determination have kept her ever learning and growing and she's still not sitting on her many Laurels! Don't miss it!

Episode 17-Pamela duLong Williams

"If you don't feel good while you're doing it, you're probably not going to feel better when it's finished. There's rarely a happy ending to an unhappy journey-", Dennis Perrin. Have a listen to his journey and how his teaching method has helped thousands to unlock their secret path to painting with freedom and joy!

Episode 18-Dennis Perrin

Maryclare came to art while recuperating from surgery and discovered a most compelling and delightful form of expression through the mediums of watercolor and oil paints. Listen as she compels us to slow down and experience life in all its many daily delights!

Episode 19-Maryclare Heffernan

Susan is a mover and shaker and has a thriving studio in Dover, NH where she also teaches. Listen as she shares how she developed and followed her love of painting into a career!

Episode 21-Susan E. Hanna

Volpe offers a definition of tonalist painting and introduces contemporary tonalist Maurice Sapiro’s “dreamscapes,” situating the genre within the history of 19th century American and French landscape painting.

Artists of New England special, “Painters for Painters” Ep 2, Chris Volpe on-Maurice Sapiro

This was a lovely interview with this beautiful soul, Laura Tryon Jennings. Her vibrant contemporary realism depicts the calm in the midst of our chaotic lives! Her website,  shows the many accomplishments she is reluctant to discuss. www.ltryonjennings.com  She is a member of the Copley Society of Art, The North River Arts Society in Marshfield, MA and has two shows currently running. The first is a group show, "The Figurative Sense" at the Dolphin Gallery, Hingham, MA and a solo show at the Elizabeth Moss Gallery, opening Friday October 11th and running through November 9th, 2019. Check them out!

Episode 59-Laura Tryon Jennings

"Many artists, and those in the art field, feel compelled to label each artist and their style of work. Realist, tonalist, colorist, these are some of the labels that others have assigned to me and to my artwork over the years; I myself at one time called my art representational expressionism. I no longer use that term to explain my art. My art is pretty self explanatory, created from the heart, inspired by my life’s experiences and thus, these days I accept no label other than: 'Artist'" -Jeff Fioravanti

Episode 61-Jeff Fioravanti

Is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Graphic Design. Melanie has been a graphic designer for the last 20 years and worked on the creative team for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. In 1994, she traveled to Japan to teach art at the St. Joseph Int’l School. Her travels throughout Asia has had a great influence on her work and her life. Upon moving to Jackson and starting a family, Melanie wwweloped Jackson Art Exploration as a way to expose young children to art. Since then, she has taught a variety of classes for kids and adults at her studio. Melanie’s interest in printmaking began when she took a class in watercolor monotype at Maine College of Art. She instantly fell in love with the process and has been doing it ever since. Her Asian influence and love of nature are portrayed in her work. She also paints with oils on canvas, plein air style, setting up her easel outside and taking in the beautiful landscape of Mt Washington Valley. Melanie currently resides in Jackson, NH with her husband Daren, and two daughters, Logan and Eden.

Episode 67-Melanie Levitt

Sam Vokey shares his journey from his "Boston School" training to present techniques as well as some lively plein air adventures! As someone who has been in the game for many years he has endured through both good and bad times all for the love of making art!

Episode 69 - Sam Vokey-oil painter from Hampton, NH

Making my art allows me to tap into levels of myself, becoming more aware, more conscious, & more grateful.
I’ve loved photography my entire life. This brings a tender sensitivity to one’s surroundings. 
An eye. 
Sometimes, I look with intention, focusing on everything with the possibility of creating a composition. And sometimes it just happens. A quick glance becomes the image for a future work.
These moments are my well, my source. 
I hope to bring that energy into my art making, to communicate the positive. 
When I work, I allow and encourage a collaborative process with spirit or that mind-boggling principle of the universe. Creation gives me ideas. My passion is to put them into art. 
My art are my prayers.

Episode 72-Wen Redmond

Judith McKenna paints seascapes, landscapes, and wildlife in pastels, oils and watercolors. She majored in fine arts at the University of Miami and received a master’s degree in Communications from Boston University. Her career included positions in advertising, marketing and graphic design followed by a teaching position at Southern New Hampshire University. Upon leaving academia, Judith returned to her first love – painting. She has since won awards for pastels and oils in a number of juried competitions.

Episode 73-Judith McKenna

I am a conservation photographer, filmmaker, and writer, and while I have written ten books and directed a feature-length documentary film, you will usually find me shooting nature and outdoor lifestyle photography and video for non-profit, editorial, and commercial clients. I’ll shoot anywhere, though I most often shoot in New England, especially in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. My images, books, and films have told adventure- and conservation-themed stories for more than 20 years for clients such as The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Adventure, L.L. Bean, and Timberland. With my wife Marcy I run EcoPhotography, our Portsmouth, New Hampshire based stock and assignment photo business and video production company.

Episode 75- Jerry Monkman

ARTIST STATEMENT
As an artist, my job is to observe as much as to create. With every second that passes, light changes, colors adjust, and the slightest physical shift occurs in nature. Each piece is based on a real place, a moment that I have experienced and been inspired by. There is something unique about being alone with nature—a quiet that connects me like no other. It is only this solitude, whether outside or in the studio, that the landscape reveals itself to me. Living by the coast has provided me with numerous days studying the earth and sky. It is my hope that this work allows the viewer to reflect on the intimacy and peace this land has to offer.

Episode 76-Margaret Gerding

I work both in studio and outdoors. I adhere to the old adage "light is the bringer of beauty" and my work has a strong emphasis on light. "Chasing the light" best describes my journey.

I attended UMass Dartmouth courtesy of the GI Bill. For thirty years I was an art instructor and Department Chair at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Mass. I also taught painting through Northeastern U. Professional Development Institute for seven years.

I maintain Studio 204 at 450 Harrison Ave. in the SoWa Arts District and currently show at Gallery 31 in Orleans, Mass. My work has been on display at the Yellow Barn Galley in Maryland, Pearl Street Gallery in Chelsea, Ma, Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston, just to name a few.

My wife of 48 years and I currently reside in Marina Bay Quincy, Mass.

Episode 79-Arnie Casavant

Daniel Faiella is a New England based painter whose work explores the light, landscape, and people of his native region.  

His work can be found in private collections around the Northeastern United States, and Dan himself can usually be found as a barely discernible speck in the far off distance of the New England landscape.

Episode 80-Daniel Faiella

I have painted still life, flowers, and landscape for as long as I have been an artist.  The three genres have always interested me, mainly because I use nature as a vehicle, or an excuse, to paint, and I enjoy painting places and things in which I am familiar or curious. With my interiors, still life and landscape are often paired together, as both influence one another equally, in my mind.  These subjects are strongly related, since the kinds of still life objects I often choose to paint are themselves directly derived from the landscape: flowers; leaves; fruits and vegetables; bird's nests, etc. I also enjoy painting flowers and food on their own.  All images are painted rapidly, in an effort to capture the changing nature of organic forms.

My landscape paintings are also a way to record and enjoy the region where I reside.   The seacoast region  is made up of varying vistas: small neighborhoods; cities; towns; woods; some beautiful and some ugly.   My world is representative of many similar places in the United States, yet it is special to me.   I enjoy being outside and painting, whatever the image, as I am immersed with the places in which I am most familiar.

Episode 81-Amy Brnger

“I love the same things you do about New England. I just reflect on them in a different light.”

As a lifelong resident of New England I understand the visual and spiritual beauty of this place we call home. I feel connected to the varied landscapes from the ocean edge to inland forests and waterways. Our beautiful environments are so valuable to protect and appreciate to provide the same memorable experiences for our children and grandchildren. I’d love for them have the same sense of awe I have experienced as they treasure the landscape in their own way.

My art-making process results in a semi abstract approach to developing a painting. I take notes by sketching both on-site and in my studio, taking photos, and by simply looking in order to collect images and feelings about particular places or relationships. I then develop these by working in sketchbooks to cull the most important aspects and recombine them into designs that speak to me and hopefully to my followers and fans as well.

I intentionally work in a different/unexpected manner to develop a fresh way of presenting commonly seen views and situations–interpreting them through my personal filter of color, line, and design–to create something new that resonates with viewers. I hope to reflect a unique idea about the things that capture my attention.

I admire many historic and contemporary painters, craftsmen, and styles including Fairfield Porter, Andrew Wyeth, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, Tomie DiPaola, Ludwig Bemelmans, Henry Moore sculptures, Inuit sculptures, Aboriginal art, and current artists Paul Resika, Eric Aho, Danny McCaw, Wolf Khan, Emily Mason, Nicholas Wilton and many more. Each has influenced my work in a way that can be difficult to define but I remember being intensely influenced by their work while trying to find my own voice.

Episode 82-Ann Trainor Domingue

When I'm not in the studio, I do my best to attend to my website and to post to my blog.  I'm fortunate in that I co-host Artists Helping Artists with Leslie Saeta, and  (nearly) every week we talk about the life of an artist and the practice of art.  

Haven't met an artist yet that I didn't like and wished I could get to know better.

Episode 84 - Margaret Sheldon

After receiving a gold medal from the National Scholastic Art Awards in 1975, Paul attended Boston University School of Fine Arts. Contrary to the trends of that time, Boston University provided an
educational foundation that emphasized the fundamentals of classical art training: anatomy and form, color, composition and draftsmanship. His professors included Joseph Ablow, David Aronson, and John Wilson. He received his BFA degree in painting in 1979.

In the 1980s and ‘90s Paul created artwork for publication. His work won many awards and has appeared and been published worldwide. Former clients include: Digital, Cigna, Fidelity, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Sunoco, TIME, U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street
Journal, Cahners, Prentice Hall, Houghton Mifflin and Ziff-Davis.

 

Paul now lives and paints primarily in Massachusetts, in the outer parts of Cape Cod. He was featured as the cover artist on the July 2007 issue of American Art Collector magazine, and was also featured in June 2009 and June 2010. He has had two solo shows at the Cape Cod Museum of Art. In 2004 Paul was awarded a one month residency at the Fine Art Work Center in Provincetown, MA. He is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society and the Salmagundi Club in NYC.

Episode 88-Paul Schulenburg oil painter, Cape Cod, MA

Margaret Sheldon completed four "thirty days of painting" challenges and I'm completing my first! We talk about the myriad ways it helps artists of all levels, as well as the best work arounds to the challenges!

Episode 89-Challenges and Triumphs of Daily Painting

Robyn E. Thompson-Duong is a contemporary realist painter  and teacher who lives and works in Boston, MA, working mostly in acrylics.

Robyn is a lover of nature and all things magical, which is represented in her figurative paintings including mysterious landscapes and magical realism.

Her small work still-life's are a glimpse into the beauty and simplicity of every day life and activities. 

Robyn has participated in several juried, non juried, and solo shows in and around the Boston area.  She has been a participant of Dorchester Open studios for several years. 

Her work is included in private collections and she has created many commissioned works of art.

Episode 90-Robyn Thompson Duong

In Episode 91 Margaret Sheldon and I discuss managing the multiple venues artists use for growth and inspiration! We also tackle personality types, goals and some common pitfalls to avoid!

Episode 91-Budgeting Time, Training and Resources

A podcast sharing the joys and struggles of visual artists living and working in New England!

Artists of New England

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