GLORIOUS COLORCurated by Lorena Kloosterboer

Senseless Color In each dream, she has more color,pigment developing like a Polaroid—lips rust-red now, hair darkening into mocha finger waves. Always laughing, her jaw sharpensas though someone were shading it with pencil lead, and at last she looks so alive that I think

maybe I can touch her.  Leaning in, I repeat my last words,and there is a fleeting membrane of apricot skin against my cheek. I know she exists outside my senses, not quite a memory,not quite my mother’s mother,just a tangle of lovely want. Each time I’m deceived anewby fractals and shapesreconstituted as I dream—there her proud brown eyes, there her lacy fingers and fine white teeth.  Again and againshe comes to me, born on an oceanof light and waves and waves.

Poem | Sarah Bokich

PUBLISHER Didi Menendez

CURATOR & WRITERLorena Kloosterboer

POEM Sarah Bokich

PRINT-ON-DEMANDMagcloud

COVER ARTISTTba

MEMBERSHIP Patreon

www.poetsandartists.com

GOSS183 PUBLISHING HOUSE604 Vale Street Bloomington, Il 61701 USA

Copyright © 2008-2018 All rights are reserved by PoetsArtists, GOSS183, Didi Menendez, and contributing artists, writers. All writings, artwork and images

are copyright of the contributors and may not be reproduced without explicit permission. This publication may not be reproduced electronically, digitally,

in print or any other form, format, or media without the explicit, written permission and approval of the copyright holders. All images and artwork are used

with permission of the authors/creators or their representatives. Unless otherwise noted all sizes are in inches.

NOT AVAILABLE INQUIRE AT ARTSY ARTIST’S GALLERY

Agnès Lefèvre

Alan Larkin

Aleksandra Kalisz

Alvin Richard

Andrea Alvin

Anna Schellberg

Antonio Castello Avilleira

Astrid Ritmeester

Carin Wagner

Cesar Santander

Christiane Vleugels

Christina Ramos

Christopher O’ Connor

Daryl Gortner

Daryl Zang

Diane Dahlke

Dirk Bal

Doug Webb

Elizabeth Selby

Ester Roi

Gemma Di Grazia

Gerd Lieder

Hashim Akib

Heather Arenas

Heather Heitzenrater

Jacques Bodin

John Hyland

Joyce K. Jensen

Kai Lun Qu

Kerra Taylor

Laura Tan

Leonard Koscianski

Lisa Fricker

Lorena Kloosterboer

Lucas Bononi

Margaret Ingles

Megan van Groll

Nancy Depew

Natalie Holland

Pamela Askew

Pieter van Bernebeek

Rachel Linnemeier

Robert Nelson

Sarah Stieber

Shane Scribner

Shannon Fannin

Susannah Martin

Teresa Elliott

Thomas Wharton

Yvonne Melchers

c o n t r i b u t o r s

The Premise

When Didi Menendez, publisher of PoetsArtists, invited me back to curate a special edition for the second time, I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation. Curating Idiosyncratic Monochromes in 2017 was a tremendously enriching experience for me, especially because that issue was so well received.

This time, to juxtapose the previous monochromatic theme, I chose Glorious Color as the starring leitmotif and published a call for submissions asking for paintings and drawings created in vivid, bright, intense colors. My objective: To publish a spectacular anthology of realist artwork expressed in vivaciously flamboyant color schemes that will show the artists’ bold and intrepid use of a variety of polychrome palettes that will wow the reader.

Color and Emotion

As sentient beings, we learn about color through experience, subconsciously associating each color with a personal thought, feeling, or specific memory. This partly explains why we passionately love one color and profoundly dislike another. Despite scientists and artists trying to ascribe universal attributes to specific hues, color preference and meaning remain enigmatically subjective—we all see, feel, describe, and remember color in a very personal way.

In his book Chromophobia, British artist and author David Batchelor reasons that, “in the West, since Antiquity, color has been systematically marginalized, reviled, diminished, and degraded.” He labels this phenomenon “chromophobia”—described as the fear of color marked by a desire to eradicate and/or master the forces of color. Over time it seems intense color has come to be perceived as dangerous, superficial, and potentially contaminating, while white, black, and other neutrals are valued as rational, clean, and controlled.

Of course, every color carries a certain cultural assumption and association, but in today’s world bright colors are often avoided, especially in regards to important investments. We witness this in the color choices we make for our homes and cars. Color psychology is extensively used in marketing

because color influences consumers’ perceptions of goods and services. Commercials show subtle beige interiors as tranquil havens of affluence and black cars as an emblem of importance—moreover, both are easily resalable, while a bright yellow kitchen or a pink car are not.

It seems as if seductive, emotional, and fascinating colors are only acceptable in small doses—we might wear a flamboyant scarf, electric blue nail polish, or paint one accent wall vivid orange. We are afraid we’ll get bored with the bright purple sofa, change our minds about the huge turquoise painting, or that others will feel contempt for our loud, gaudy color choices and label us as kitschy and unsophisticated.

I suggest it’s time we get over our collective chromophobia and embrace color in a big way! We delight in bright colors in nature—think chameleons, parrots, tropical fish, flowers, rainbows—so maybe we should start incorporating more vivid color into our daily lives. And there’s no better place to begin than by delighting in some vibrantly colorful art… and perhaps even hanging it on our walls. And, dare I suggest it, get the couch and curtains to match!

The Mission

What appeals to me in multicolored artwork is its sense of exhilaration—in a mysterious way it offers joy to the senses. For this PoetsArtists issue I envisioned a sophisticated yet outrageously loud collection of multichromatic paintings that result in a must-have art publication worthy of special edition status.

All selected pieces fit the key principles of what I consider to be brilliant examples of Glorious Color. Some paintings rely on white or neutral backdrops but their focal color palettes are so exciting that I just had to include them. I picked a total of 50 pieces—and yes, I shamelessly added one of my own, just because… hey, I can.

Accompanying each painting, I write a little bit about the artist and also clarify my reasons for including the piece. Independently, each painting stands out for its individual splendor and amazing color. Seen together as a collection, these paintings form a stirring and inspiring survey through the courageous expression of glorious color.

LORENA KLOOSTERBOER

G L O R I O U S C O L O R

Agnès LefèvreAbstraction de Plumes Oil on Canvas 51 ¼ x 37 ¼ inches130 x 97 cm

Agnès Lefèvre is a French Vietnamese artist based in Paris, France, focusing on

contemporary photorealism. Her paintings—typically still lifes showing a variety

of subject matter—are an exploration into the substance, surface textures, and

the character of shapes and colors. She captures her compositions in a highly

realistic manner, often using a vivid palette.

Lefèvre’s striking Abstraction de Plumes draws me because of its joyful polychrome

palette with which she captures the feathers’ lively silhouettes with adept precision,

masterly conveying their weightlessness and softness. Lefèvre beautifully captures

the visually abstract qualities of reality within this highly appealing photorealistic

composition.

Alan LarkinIsabella and The Magic BallPastel on Illustration Board30 x 40 inches76 ¼ x 101 ½ cm

Alan Larkin is an American artist based in South Bend, Indiana, who uses strong

color not only to create dynamic movement but to emphasize important details

within the narrative of his artwork. Larkin’s elegant body of work is filled with

furtive symbolism and inspiring nuances, inviting the viewer to interpret their

meaning through imagery and titles.

Larkin’s sophisticated Isabella and The Magic Ball draws me because of the skillful

handling of the medium and its ardent vibrancy. The layers of crisp bright

colors applied in flowing gestural movements add to the beauty of this wistful

composition. This stylish painting harks back to a time of innocent grace, yet also

seems to hold a darker, more mysterious note.

Aleksandra KaliszTurkish ActOil on Canvas63 x 43 inches160 x 110 cm

Aleksandra Kalisz is a Polish artist based in Guimarães, Portugal, whose preferred

subject matter is the female figure. Kalisz’s series, entitled Act of Pattern, focuses

on cultural traditions in which she unites various sociocultural mores and

ethnicities by combining the Western female nude with highly decorative Middle

Eastern fabrics.

Kalisz’s elegant Turkish Act draws me because of its highly detailed and extravagant

depictions of patterned fabric and backdrop of tiles, which juxtapose beautifully

against the fluid expression of human skin. The eye gets lost in the ornamental

design components until discovery of the living element, which lends this

painting added significance and warmth.

Alvin RichardCrush Bottle on Crushed Crush CansAcrylic on Birch Panel24 x 16 inches61 x 40 ½ cm

Alvin Richard is a Canadian artist based in Moncton, New Brunswick, whose

subject matter focuses on aspects of popular and mass culture. Richard’s

photorealistic paintings capture glimpses of daily life in a skilled and aesthetically

pleasing manner, transforming commonplace themes into delightful still lifes,

often containing symbolic, narrative, or journalistic content.

Richard’s captivating painting, entitled Crush Bottle on Crushed Crush Cans,

draws me because of the intense yet delicate color palette and superb portrayal

of textures—the irregular glass, crumpled metal cans, and cardboard box are

all wonderfully detailed—expertly elevating discarded trash to an epitome of

contemporary fine art.

Andrea AlvinGot a Penny?Oil on Canvas24 x 24 inches 61 x 61 cm

Andrea Alvin is an American artist based in New York’s Hudson Valley, who paints

realistic still lifes capturing the nostalgia of American popular culture, seeking to

evoke pleasant memories of a bygone era. Using fluid loose brushstrokes, Alvin

aims to capture her subject matter in a painterly style that looks photorealistic

from a distance.

Alvin’s joyful painting, entitled Got a Penny?, draws me because it evokes happy

childhood memories of the excitement of grabbing a delicious treat out of the

metal chamber of the iconic gum ball machine. The dreamy quality of the light

surrounding the subject matter infuses this still life with sunlight and emotion,

while its color palette unequivocally alludes to the memorable pigmentation of

1960s Kodachrome photographs.

Anna SchellbergUnited Colors of MarilynOil on Canvas51 inches square130 cm square

Anna Schellberg is a German artist based in Hamburg, Germany, whose

background in journalism inspires her to create large scale portraits depicting

narratives of shattered dreams, lost hopes, and broken personalities. Schellberg

examines what lies beneath the familiar, capturing conflict and imperfection,

creating new beginnings by creative destruction.

Schellberg’s eye-catching portrait, entitled United Colors of Marilyn, draws

me because it’s a highly recognizable portrait despite the ravaged paint and

psychedelic color palette. The results of Schellberg’s brave painting method

disavow the public’s romantic ideas of celebrities by emblematically exposing

their dark side and private truths.

Antonio Castello AvilleiraSin TituloOil on Linen27 ½ x 39 ¼ inches70 x 100 cm

Antonio Castello Avilleira is a Spanish painter based in Toledo, Spain, whose

highly detailed realist paintings have a timeless yet modern-day quality. He

creates both still life and figure paintings, seamlessly unifying classical painting

methods with a contemporary photographic approach expressed with meticulous

proficiency.

Castello Avilleira’s exquisite still life, Sin Titulo, draws me because of its diffuse

light, beautiful compelling colors, and extraordinary attention to detail. This

portrait of tropical fruit at the height of ripeness and fragility is so much more

than a memento mori—it excites the senses and feasts the eyes on the magnificent

splendor of nature.

Astrid RitmeesterMake BelieveOil on Canvas32 inches square80 cm square

Astrid Ritmeester is a Dutch portrait painter based in Bussum, the Netherlands,

whose background in theater costume design inspires a dramatic touch in her

bright, contemporary portraits. Ritmeester applies 17th Century Dutch and

Flemish painting methods, skillfully using subtle, loose brush strokes with a

gifted eye for color, values, and beautiful soft edges.

Ritmeester’s remarkable portrait, entitled Make Believe, draws me because of

the ingenious placement of intense color expressed through elegant painterly

brushstrokes which capture recognizable textures so well. The direct gaze of the

young girl—both innocent and knowing at the same time—seem to question the

authenticity of the world around her.

Carin WagnerSky XIOil on Linen24 inches square61 cm square

Carin Wagner is an American realist artist based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,

who paints landscapes, skyscapes, and closeups of nature. Her paintings convey

the idea of mutually beneficial responsibility, in that the valuable cycle sustaining

life on earth can only endure if we respect, safeguard, and preserve the delicate

ecological system.

Wagner’s beautiful cloudscape, entitled Sky XI, draws me because of its tranquil

beauty and euphoric color palette which is both peaceful and powerful at once.

The expression of light is superb within this highly recognizable abstraction.

Evocative of summer evenings, these soothing clouds encourage meditation on

the things that are most important.

Cesar SantanderBox of Sixty-fourAcrylic on Panel42 x 64 inches106 ½ x 162 ½ cm

Cesar Santander is a Spanish artist based in New York City, whose iconic

photorealistic paintings bring both familiar as well as unexpected and humorous

subject matter to life. Santander is best known for his detailed still lifes depicting

intricate compositions of assemblages of popular vintage toys, cartoon characters,

and metal robots.

Santander’s delightful painting, entitled Box of Sixty-four, draws me because of its

amazing attention to detail in color, form, and texture. This polychromatic close-

up of waxy crayons in their cardboard box evokes blissful childhood memories—

one can almost smell them—bringing this beloved, legendary subject matter to

life.

Christiane VleugelsBrown SugarOil on Canvas63 x 51 inches160 x 130 cm

Christiane Vleugels is a Flemish artist based in Schoten, Belgium, whose large-

scale hyperrealist oil paintings reveal delightfully complex, contemporary

compositions that seem to capture the enigmatic allure of a bygone era. Vleugels’

highly attractive paintings are based on undeniable technical skills with respect

to composition and expression.

Vleugels’ elegant portrait, entitled Brown Sugar, draws me because of the

incredibly opulent skin tones which juxtapose so well with the vibrantly intense

colors of the multifaceted ethnic jewelry. The dark backdrop and subtle lighting

enhance the elegant features of the figure as well as the details of the amulets and

peacock feathers, infusing this painting with sophistication.

Christina RamosThe Critic Acrylic on Canvas48 x 24 inches122 x 61 cm

Christina Ramos is an American artist based in Mission Hills, California, who

paints portraits and the human figure using acrylics. Often combining realism

with more graphic or abstract elements, her work frequently shows the humorous

side of more serious content.

Ramos’ eye-catching portrait, entitled The Critic, draws me because of its bright

red backdrop, lighthearted graphics, unexpected compositional format, and the

delicate depiction of the figure. The young boy—the artist’s son—personifies

everyone who views art and becomes a critic in one way or another. Subtle

brushstrokes skillfully capture the delicate lighting on skin and fabric, which

contrast smartly against the playful background.

Christopher O’ConnorArtifact No. 31 - 46Acrylic on Canvas8 inches square each20 ¼ cm square each

Christopher O’Connor is an Irish painter based in Westbrook, Maine, whose

paintings have a strong compositional sense and a vibrant quality. His subject

matter includes still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. O’Connor’s recent series,

entitled Artifacts, is painted with restrained intensity, illuminating the beauty of

everyday objects against lively backgrounds.

O’Connor’s dazzling collection of 16 small paintings, entitled Artifact No. 31 -

46, draws me because of its contemporary take on scale, format, composition,

and spectacular color palette. While these paintings can be enjoyed separately,

their charm is enhanced by seeing them all together within a grid, forming an

exciting singular piece.

Daryl GortnerSweet SensationsOil on Canvas48 x 36 inches122 x 91 ½ cm

Daryl Gortner is an American artist based in Fullerton, California, who creates

photorealist paintings that celebrate the beauty of ordinary objects and highlights

their charm through stunning use of color, light, and detailed textures. Gortner

is especially interested in painting the ephemeral world of reflections mirrored

in metal and glass.

Gortner’s delightful painting, entitled Sweet Sensations, draws me because of its

crisp brightness, festival of happy colors, and the skillful handling of her painting

methods. The portrayal of subtle transparencies within the cellophane wrappers

and glass jar are marvelous, and the distortions of the multicolored candy add to

the vibrancy of the image.

Daryl ZangSurfaceOil on Canvas34 x 44 inches86 ¼ x 111 ¾ cm

Daryl Zang is an American artist based in Newtown, Connecticut, who creates

still lifes and figure paintings that are inspired by her own life experiences, serving

as a visual journal of her most personal thoughts. Zang’s artwork is infused with

the memories and emotions associated with the subject matter, aiming to spark a

sense of recognition and nostalgia.

Zang’s vivacious painting, entitled Surface, draws me because of its celebration

of sunlight and summer play. The vibrant color palette enhances the strong

composition, expressed in a skillful—almost graphic—painting style which

cleverly juxtaposes the cool transparency of the water against youthful tanned

skin, shiny board, and wet fabric.

Diane DahlkeLobster on a Silver PlatterOil on Panel36 x 30 inches91 ½ x 76 ¼ cm

Diane Dahlke is an American artist based in Cumberland, Maine, who creates

realist oil paintings with a variety of subject matter, including the human figure,

still lifes, and landscapes. Highly influenced by Dutch vanitas still lifes of the

17th Century, her paintings present subtle beauty as both visually appealing and

as a reminder of mortality.

Dahlke’s elegant painting, entitled Lobster on a Silver Platter, draws me because of

the surprising subject matter, beautiful interpretation, and interesting crop. With

its opulent oranges and delicate turquoise hues, this piece hovers between being

a still life and a portrait, exploring the splendor and complexity of nature and its

ephemeral character.

Dirk BalFigs on Fire (Vijgenvuur)Oil on Panel16 x 24 inches40 ½ x 61 cm

Dirk Bal is a Dutch artist based in Berg en Terblijt, the Netherlands, who not

only paints realist still lifes, figures, and portraits but also sculpts. His work is

highly inspired by Johannes Vermeer. Based on strict classical painting methods,

he seeks to capture a sense of unpretentious beauty in which harmony and

stillness are center stage.

Bal’s exquisite still life, entitled Figs on Fire, draws me because of the impact of

light and intense color within an overall pale setting. Well balanced, peaceful,

and elegant, this arrangement of figs is a visual feast—inviting closer examination

of the plumpness and distinctive surface textures of these tender, delectable fruits.

Doug WebbThe Allure of OppositesAcrylic on Linen16 x 12 inches40 ½ x 30 ½ cm

Doug Webb is an American painter based in Calabasas, California, who is known

for creating a hybrid of surrealism by altering scale and placing unexpected

oversized objects within surprising panoramas. Webb’s hyperrealist paintings

always contain meaningful metaphors delineating interesting narratives that

often denote historic or sociocultural events.

Webb’s extraordinary painting, entitled The Allure of Opposites, draws me because

of its meticulous detail and unexpected whimsy. There’s something blatantly

suggestive about New York’s Chrysler Building surrounded by gigantic roses. The

ephemeral blue of the sky and the intense pink of the flowers beautifully frame

the faithfully detailed skyscraper.

Elizabeth SelbyWarm EnoughOil on Linen30 inches square76 ¼ cm square

Elizabeth Selby is an American artist based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who

creates whimsical large-scale portraits in a realist style. Her compositions are

inspired by her background in counseling, which fuels a desire to understand

human nature and thoughtfully survey it through the creative act of painting.

Selby’s inspirational painting, entitled Warm Enough, draws me because of its

ingenious use of color, strident juxtaposition between values, and its moving

elegance. Esthetically pleasing and emotionally profound, there’s a dreamlike

quality to the young woman whose expression seems to convey an eager sense of

idealism and hope.

Ester RoiSocial NetworkColored Pencil and Wax Pastel on Paper mounted on Panel22 x 28 inches55 ¾ x 71 cm

Ester Roi is an Italian artist based in San Juan Capistrano, California, who

creates flamboyant artwork using dry and wax-based media to depict river stones,

pebbles, and flowers. Water and wetness play important roles in her compositions.

Inspired by nature, she creatively integrates realistic imagery and abstraction with

a superb flair for color and technical skill.

Roi’s gorgeous piece, entitled Social Network, draws me because of its sheer

color intensity, flowing lines, and dramatic visuals. The expressive color palette

enhances the detailed realism of smooth wet rocks and flowing water. Both

composition and title suggest harmonious interconnectedness, adding emphasis

to the deeper meaning of this artwork.

Gemma Di GraziaRazzle-DazzleSoft Pastel on Paper34 x 35 inches86 ¼ x 89 cm

Gemma Di Grazia is an American artist based in New York City, who creates

representational paintings of flowers and fruits using soft pastels. By skillfully

joining formal aesthetic elements with a bright, vibrant color palette, Di Grazia

breathes energy and excitement into her graceful compositions that celebrate the

life-affirming beauty inherent in the natural world.

Di Grazia’s vivacious piece, entitled Razzle-Dazzle, draws me because of its

stimulating luminosity, its sheer splendor, and the skillful arrangement of both

true-to-life and abstract elements. This delightful composition entices the senses

through scale, gesture, ambiance, and especially its jubilant, organic palette.

Gerd LiederDinerOil on Canvas51 x 78 ¾ inches 130 x 200 cm

Gerd Lieder is a German artist based in Bremen, Germany, who creates

photorealistic paintings in a wide variety of subject matter. As a recurring theme,

Lieder paints reflective surfaces as an encryption of reality to understand life from

a different perspective. Inspired by his travels to major metropolitan cities, he

adeptly captures fragmented aspects of contemporary life.

Lieder’s captivating painting, entitled Diner, draws me because of its intense

color palette that skillfully captures reflections, bright neon, and the fascinating

tangle of straight and twisted design elements. As an ode to Ralph Goings, this

Miami Beach diner certainly has the caliber of the best traditional photorealism.

Hashim AkibCircusAcrylic on Canvas31 ½ x 39 ¼ inches80 x 100 cm

Hashim Akib is a British artist based in Southend-on-Sea, the United Kingdom,

who paints intricate cityscapes, seascapes, landscapes, and the human figure in

a highly recognizable signature style. His extensive experience as an illustrator

clearly shapes and influences his interesting conceptual ideas and exceptional

painting methods.

Akib’s lively painting, entitled Circus, draws me because of its sculptural

brushstrokes, vividly expressive flecks of color, and sheer energy of the subject

matter. Akib masterfully captures the busy crowd in London’s Piccadilly Circus,

balancing detail with abstraction, and translating it in an exciting palette of cool

and warm hues.

Heather ArenasIf I could flyOil on Birch Panel12 x 20 inches30 ½ x 50 ¾ cm

Heather Arenas is an American artist based in North Port, Florida, who paints

a variety of subject matter using vibrant, expressive brushstrokes. Finding

inspiration in everyday objects, places, nature, and the human figure, Arenas

adeptly captures an impression of reality in a loose, abstracted, and seductively

intangible manner.

Arenas’ delightful painting, entitled If I could fly, draws me because of its glowing

impression of light, sense of movement, and graceful subject matter. The young

woman waving feathers in a theatrical motion conveys a sense of joy, which

is reinforced by both the radiant color palette as well as the vivacious flow of

brushstrokes.

Heather HeitzenraterHindsightOil on Panel18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm

Heather Heitzenrater is an American artist, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

who paints the human figure in settings surrounded by Mylar which highlights

distorted shapes and bizarre reflections. Inspired by science fiction and fantasy

novels, she creates mysterious and enchanting new worlds in which emotions and

color play leading roles.

Heitzenrater’s thought-provoking painting, entitled Hindsight—part of her series

Thresholds—draws me because of its intriguing subject matter, superb impression

of reflective surfaces, and the strong local color cast onto nearby surfaces.

Balloons surround a young woman lost in thought, her face expressing emotion,

beautifully articulated in deep, scrumptious, highly dramatic colors.

Jacques BodinRepaire de DionysosOil on Canvas46 ½ x 43 ¼ inches118 x 110 cm

Jacques Bodin is a French hyperrealist artist based in Levallois Perret, France,

whose highly detailed subject matter ranges from grass, fruit, and hair, to still

lifes, landscapes, and fascinating close-ups of nature. Within his body of work,

Bodin seeks to capture a dynamic form in a static pose in order to convey a

sense of energy and movement.

Bodin’s exquisite still life, entitled Repaire de Dionysos, draws me because of its

technical mastery, intriguing multifocal range, and attractive subject matter.

The colored pencils in the cracked jar are truly eye-catching, and the glass

objects are both translucent and reflective, disclosing a furtively hidden world

beyond the scene.

John HylandThis Same Flower That Smiles TodayOil on Canvas8 inches square 20 ¼ cm square

John Hyland is an American artist based in New York City, who uses oils and

dry media to paint a variety of subject matter ranging from portraits, figures, and

still-lifes to landscapes, seascapes, and interiors. His background in journalism

influences his artwork in which the underlying narrative aligns beautifully with

an unrestricted yet meticulous execution.

Hyland’s stylish painting, entitled This Same Flower That Smiles Today, draws

me because of its fabulous color palette capturing the essence and beauty of this

quintessential Tiffany lampshade. Sharing Hyland’s love for Tiffany’s leaded glass

objets d’art, this painting stands out for its bold yet unpretentious statement and

the delicate rendering and luminosity of handmade glass.

Joyce K. JensenSilver Bowl ReflectionsWatercolor20 x 28 inches52 x 71 cm

Joyce K. Jensen is an American artist based in Zionsville, Indiana, whose artworks

are known for their powerful color palette and strikingly intricate and patently

distinct subject matter. While Jensen’s work is realistic, it ingeniously relies on

elaborate abstract shapes, patterns, and reflections through the skillful use of her

medium.

Jensen’s watercolor, entitled Silver Bowl Reflections, draws me because of its strong

composition, boldness in both palette as well as outline, and its jubilant and

sunny vivacity. The balance between cool and warm hues creates a stunning

visual, which is both true to life as well as illustrative, exalting the vintage silver

bowl to its rightful stardom.

Kai Lun QuAshtonOil on Linen11 x 14 inches28 x 35 ½ cm

Kai Lun Qu is a Chinese artist based in Baltimore, Maryland, whose paintings

capture a variety of subject matter expressed in a tempestuous, untamed style.

In his artwork he seeks to explore the unrestrained application of paint and

intentionally avoids an overly polished outcome by constructing his paintings in

a highly sculptural manner.

Lun Qu’s impressive portrait, entitled Ashton, draws me because of its masterful

handling of light through color, the exciting turbulent brushstrokes, and the

exploratory look of the finished piece. There’s a sense of gallantry in the expression

of the figure, skillfully supported by the areas of bright red background that form

an essential part of the composition.

Kerra TaylorKids Go Bump in the NightOil on Canvas43 ¾ x 37 ¼ inches111 x 94 ½ cm

Kerra Taylor is an American artist based in Springfield, Missouri, who paints

theatrical paintings creating an exaggerated reality that stretches beyond the

ordinary. Taylor aims to encourage viewers to interpret the narrative of her

unusual compositions through their own experiences by representing highly

detailed and lively scenarios.

Taylor’s idiosyncratic painting, entitled Kids Go Bump in the Night, draws me

because of its humorous and perplexing subject matter, festive color palette, and

the amazing wealth of interesting details and textures within the scene. The rowdy

tableau triggers the imagination and piques our curiosity while we scrutinize the

wealth of interweaving minutiae.

Laura Tan3 SheetsOil on wood38 x 28 inches96 ½ x 71 cm

Laura Tan is an American artist based in Miami, Florida, whose body of work

chronicles three decades of expressive self-portraits that record how she feels and

sees herself in an unfiltered response toward particular moments in her life. Tan

portrays herself without frills, bluntly presenting herself as she is, usually gazing

directly at the viewer.

Tan’s powerful self-portrait, entitled 3 Sheets, draws me because of its honesty,

thought-provoking expression, and beautiful application of intense, recurrent

colors. The lack of self-consciousness and the solemn attitude celebrate the plight

of contemporary womanhood, sending a powerful message of self-acceptance,

inner strength, and purpose.

Leonard KoscianskiJeremiadOil on Canvas42 x 26 inches106 ½ x 66 cm

Leonard Koscianski is an American artist based in Annapolis, Maryland, whose

unique creative style and intense, psychologically charged paintings are highly

recognizable for their sharp color palette, whimsical subject matter, and distorted

perspectives. His artwork often alludes to the dark emotional turmoil of suburbia,

which is manifestly present in both content and form.

Koscianski’s magnificent painting, entitled Jeremiad, draws me because of its

bizarre imagery, deep and sophisticated colors, and exceptional composition.

Although unsettling, there’s genuine beauty in the strongly illuminated subject

matter and its myriad of arresting details which expertly convey a dark, threatening

atmosphere that simultaneously frightens and fascinates.

Lisa Fricker3 Darts $5Pastel on Panel24 x 30 inches61 x 76 ¼ cm

Lisa Fricker is an American artist based in Denver, Colorado, whose colorful

impressionistic artwork focuses on figures and florals. Highly inspired by

encounters with strangers, she eloquently explores the pictorial complexities of

scenes found in public places which she captures in her pastel series entitled

Encounters at the Fair.

Fricker’s outstanding piece, entitled 3 Darts $5, draws me because of its exquisite

multichromatic palette, superb application of the medium, and fascinating,

energetic scene. The wonderful abstractions of the setting juxtapose beautifully

against the more in-depth depiction of the jaded young woman waiting for her

next customer.

Lorena KloosterboerTempus ad Requiem XXIIAcrylic on Panel28 x 22 cm71 x 55 ¾ cm

Lorena Kloosterboer is a Dutch artist based in Antwerp, Belgium, whose still

lifes range from photorealistic close-ups to timeless compositions featuring birds,

aiming to eulogize the beauty of contrasting textures and colors. Her compositions

are steeped in symbolism, furtively conveying stillness, self-reflection, wisdom,

and serenity.

I chose to include this uplifting painting, entitled Tempus ad Requiem

XXII, because it is a departure from my more widely known blue and white

compositions showing Dutch and Asian ceramics. The color palette is bright and

exciting, highlighting the splendor of the bee-eater, the beautiful vintage glass,

and the sparkling water droplets.

Lucas BononiUnveiledOil18 x 24 inches 45 ¾ x 61 cm

Lucas Bononi is an American artist based in Long Island City, New York, whose

artwork explores the mystery of ontology through discovery and interaction. His

painting style is based on classical realism, yet the subject matter is skillfully

enhanced by loose brushwork within an imaginative context, which gives his

work a refreshing contemporary look.

Bononi’s remarkable painting, entitled Unveiled, draws me because of its

curiously whimsical subject matter, masterful expression of shapes and textures,

and sophisticated color palette. The skillful representation of movement supports

this enigmatic portrait of a vintage household appliance within a strangely

ambiguous situation, tending daringly towards surrealism.

Margaret InglesThe Art of ReflectionOil on Canvas35 ½ inches square90 cm square

Margaret Ingles is an Australian realist artist based in Brisbane, Australia, whose

paintings and photography are inspired by her relocations and travels through

the Asia-Pacific region. The artistic celebration of cultural diversity found within

her work forms the gateway to understanding and interpreting both her inner

world as well as her outward look on life.

Ingles’ graceful painting, entitled The Art of Reflection, draws me because of its

fluid contours, vivid subaquatic atmosphere, and compositional depth. There’s a

sense of weightless serenity and emotional wellbeing that beautifully conveys the

luxurious comfort and uplifting solace of the lithe solitary female figure floating

in a silent body of water.

Megan van GrollCrushOil on Canvas24 inches square61 cm square

Megan van Groll is an American figurative painter based in Dallas, Texas, who

explores identity, gender, and psychology through her portraits and narrative

paintings of the female form. She seeks to bare the essential and intuitive aspects

of the female experience—the emotional, psychological, and sociocultural forces

that shape contemporary womanhood.

Van Groll’s exceptional painting, entitled Crush, draws me because of its

compelling use of color, poignant depiction of skin textures, and ambiguous

and provocative narrative. The adept exploration of contrasts and paradoxes

cleverly embrace ugliness and beauty, darkness and light, discomfort and ease—

provoking a visceral contemplation of our deepest emotions.

Nancy DepewMergeOil on Canvas40 x 60 inches101 ½ x 152 ½ cm

Nancy Depew is an American artist based in Storrs, Connecticut, who paints

figures, still lifes, and landscapes in a style she describes as, “three-dimensionally

believable images.” Uninterested in documenting reality, Depew aims to

communicate the complexities of life by exploring the intuitive aspects of a

subject and disclosing the nature of the experience.

Depew’s dreamy painting, entitled Merge, draws me because of its fusion

of traditional painting techniques with a more contemporary approach, its

sophisticated, whimsical essence, and gorgeous variety of pinks, reds, and oranges.

This masterly orchestrated survey of an imaginary metaphysical environment

grants us a delightful exploration of form, texture, and emotion.

Natalie HollandLight WarriorsOil on Dibond20 x 24 inches50 ¾ x 61 cm

Natalie Holland is a Russian-Norwegian artist based in London, United

Kingdom, whose realist paintings—namely portraits, figure paintings, animals,

and still lifes—are based on classical painting methods. Her subject matter

focuses on contemporary societal narratives such as feminism, human rights,

religion, and contemporary sociopolitical challenges.

Holland’s poignant painting, entitled Light Warriors, draws me because of its

exquisite color contrasts, great balance between realist and graphic elements,

and its highly compelling subject matter. The figures’ body language and facial

expressions convey a strong sense of guardianship, mutual devotion, and trust, as

well as a wonderful sense of quiet dignity.

Pamela AskewYellow TreeOil on Canvas18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm

Pamela Askew is an American artist based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who creates

landscapes, still lifes, and animal paintings in a classical yet loose style. In her

work she seeks to highlight the fragile beauty of nature as an indispensable source

of peace and inspiration, hoping to encourage enhanced stewardship of our

precious wildlife and its habitat.

Askew’s extraordinary painting, entitled Yellow Tree, draws me because of its

superb light and complementary color palette, skillful expression of natural

shapes and textures, and its meditative atmosphere. It captures an enchanting

view of a forest when the light momentarily strikes the changing foliage—a sight

that takes the breath away.

Pieter van BernebeekGele Sierappeltjes op Rode OndergrondOil on Panel27 ½ x 35 ½ inches70 x 90 cm

Pieter van Bernebeek is a Dutch artist based in Ravenstein, the Netherlands, who

paints realist still lifes and portraits using a classical method in which color and

light play leading roles. Within his paintings he seeks to create warm, harmonious

atmospheres through the beauty of form and refined detail that express a sense

of understated solemnity.

Van Bernebeek’s tranquil painting, entitled Gele Sierappeltjes op Rode Ondergrond,

draws me because of its unassuming humility, the richness and depth of distinct

colors, and the uncomplicated composition. There’s a feeling of gravity and

strength in this still life of yellow crabapples which articulates the beauty of

natural simplicity.

Rachel LinnemeierBlew MoodOil on Aluminum18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm

Rachel Linnemeier is an American artist based in Tucson, Arizona, whose

narrative paintings portray young women engrossed in situations that evoke

a certain tension between the idea of contemporary adulthood and residual

childhood. Linnemeier’s compositions include well-defined details as well as out-

of-focus perspectives, expressed in bright, vivid color palettes.

Linnemeier’s exuberant painting, entitled Blew Mood, draws me because of its

gorgeous balance between warm and cool hues, and its great descriptive qualities

and sense of spirited playfulness. The exquisite details—such as the reflective

sunglasses, the jewelry, the little jar of soapy water, and the patterned fabric—are

a feast for the eye.

Robert NelsonAwakenings 4Graphite, White Pencil and Acrylic on Wood28 x 28 inches71 x 71 cm

Robert Nelson is an American artist based in Whittier, California, whose work is

highly defined by his experience as a Graphic Designer. Based on his perception

regarding the conflicting and changing values held by individuals, he examines

the contrasts between ideas such as innocence versus corruption, the infinite

versus the finite, past versus future, and good versus evil.

Nelson’s exceptional painting, Awakenings 4, draws me because of its eye-

catching and sophisticated composition, strong and exciting color palette, and

its stimulating, thought-provoking essence. The chemistry between detailed,

recognizable subject matter and graphic elements creates a highly compelling,

theatrical, and idiosyncratic vision.

Sarah StieberMarriageOil on Canvas54 x 78 inches137 ¼ x 198 cm

Sarah Stieber is an American artist based in San Diego, California, whose

electrifying style amplifies real life, using a bejeweled palette of brilliant hues and

haunting energy to explore reality. Her highly saturated paintings magnify the

human experience and present an idealized wishful world in which happiness

and color rule.

Stieber’s remarkable painting, entitled Marriage, draws me because it personifies

the concept of Glorious Color in palette, atmosphere, and composition. This

portrait captures the very best of human relationships—friendship, intimacy,

security, and shared love—where pleasure and joy are found in togetherness.

Everything about this piece makes me smile.

Shane ScribnerAngie in ColorOil on Panel18 x 24 inches45 ¾ x 61 cm

Shane Scribner is an American artist based in Enid, Oklahoma, whose expressive

paintings capture the traditional female figure in a contemporary light. Scribner

masterly replaces flesh tones with strong, vivid hues, combining fully saturated

colors with distinct poses that allow him to capture a wide range of beautifully

expressive emotions.

Scribner’s fabulous painting, entitled Angie in Color, draws me because of its

fresh, vibrant colors, subtle representation of the grace of the subject’s silhouette,

and its statement of simplicity. The empty whiteness turns the background into

pure light, emphasizing the jewel-toned rainbow of colors which reflect a capti-

vating range of emotions of the gorgeous nude.

Shannon Fannin 1959 Cadillac Coupe deVille Red Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 24 inches 91 ½ x 61 cm

Shannon Fannin is an American realist vehicle painter based in Austin, Texas,

whose elaborate paintings capture the fascinating personality of cars, motorcy-

cles, and other means of transport. She aims to spark childhood memories or

long-held dreams of ownership through the portrayal of perfectly polished enam-

el, highly reflective chrome, and fascinating bodywork.

Fannin’s exciting painting, entitled 1959 Cadillac Coupe deVille Red, draws me

because of its deep contrasts, imaginatively cropped composition, and beautiful

photorealistic expression. This captivating piece draws the eye through its myriad

of alluring details—both of surfaces as well as the reflections of the surrounding

world—created by loose brushstrokes and finger-painting.

Susannah Martin Play DateOil on Linen20 x 20 inches 50 ¾ x 50 ¾ cm

Susannah Martin is an American artist based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany,

who paints unselfconscious lively nudes within natural sceneries that often

include animals. Martin seeks to examine our estrangement from nature by

showing two extremes of identity—the natural and the artificial—giving food

for thought regarding our behavior, conventions, and beliefs.

Martin’s dynamic painting, entitled Play Date, draws me because of its whimsical

subject matter, wonderfully vivid palette, and its powerful metaphors. The

ingenious disparity between nature and synthetic objects creates an added

dimension of psychological tension, provoking questions regarding our addictive

attraction to man-made products known to poison our environment.

Teresa ElliottBrewsterOil on Canvas24 x 48 inches61 x 122 cm

Teresa Elliott is an American artist based in Lakeway, Texas, who paints

masterful realist portraits of bovines and figure paintings set in the beautiful

rural environment of the Southwest. Her background in illustration and graphic

design underpin her flair for creating dramatic compositions using highly

saturated colors and poignantly engaging content.

Elliott’s alluring painting, entitled Brewster, draws me because of its gentle

candor, exquisite handling of light and texture, as well as its elegant atmosphere.

Elliott avoids all the common pitfalls of portraying an animal during sunset,

instead presenting an attractive, respectful representation that emphasizes the

bull’s stately personality and the magnificence of nature.

Thomas Wharton Song of the Shell Oil on Linen36 x 36 inches91 ½ x 91 ½ cm

Thomas Wharton is an American artist based in Wheeling, West Virginia, whose

impressive body of work includes a variety of subject matter—nudes, portraits,

seascapes, and still lifes—articulated through an accomplished classical painting

method which honors the tenets of realism and captures light and color through

thoughtful brushstrokes.

Wharton’s exultant painting, entitled Song of the Shell, draws me because of its

masterful expression of luminescence, its simplicity in form, and energizing

beauty. The complementary hues provoke an alluring radiance, elevating the

humble melon shell to its rightful position: a calcium carbonate miracle which

has delighted humankind since our earliest beginnings.

Yvonne MelchersRoom with a View - Summer in StresaOil on Linen15 ¾ x 15 ¾ inches40 x 40 cm

Yvonne Melchers is a Dutch artist based in Diemen, The Netherlands, who

paints a wide range of subject matter, including portraits, beachscapes, interiors,

and still lifes, using Claude Monet’s limited palette. Although her style is realist,

Melchers embellishes her signature paintings by applying impressionist-like

brushstrokes that create a sense of dynamic strength.

Melchers’ quixotic painting, entitled Summer in Stresa, draws me because of its

romantic atmosphere, superb attention to detail, and vibrant multichromatic

palette. This piece elegantly captures a moment of blissful intimacy by linking an

opulent private space with the world beyond—both equally enticing and inviting

in their potential promises.

Prepared by MagCloud for Pieter van Bernebeek. Get more at lorenakloosterboer.magcloud.com.