At the risk of sounding like a teenager... the OC Studio Tour was
awesome! We met so many talented people and saw some enviable studios. There were 50 participating artists but there was no way that we could have possibly done even 10 of them. Here are a few of the highlights:
First, we stopped at the
Newburgh Art Supply where there was a very substantial inventory and the manager was very knowledgeable and happy to share all the information on local galleries and artist submissions. There currently is a call for submissions to the
4th Annual World's Smallest stretched canvas painting competition with a $500 prize. It's offered at the Hudson Valley Gallery, Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Next we stopped in to see
'Meadow', from Wood Rock Studios, a very talented mixed media artist.
We had a great chat with her, only to find out that she lives very close by and we are going to get together soon. It's always exciting to meet new artists and get caught up in their enthusiasm for their work.
Off to Warwick, N.Y. to the
Strazza Gallery, located in the Clock Tower. What a gorgeous building and impressive studio with both Lisa Strazza's paintings and her husband's photographs. I particularly liked her 'Fish' series which she was kind enough to let me photograph.
Very dynamic and exciting work!
Right in the Clock Tower were two other artists, Femi Ford and Steven Kenny.
Femi Ford is also mixed media and her work is fascinating. Some paintings appear to be textiles when in fact they are painted, others are very subtle and dreamy with great attention to detail.
We had a lovely visit with Femi and headed back to see
Steven Kenny. I had seen Steven's work before and it took my breath away. In conversation we learned that he had spent time studying his art in Rome which I find very apparent in his style. I have never seen such beauty in surrealism before and I think you will agree. Amazing work! This is just one of all my favorites of his paintings.
We spent quite a lot of time in Steven's studio just absorbing all the magic of his paintings, feeling the stories and so appreciating his talent in conveying those stories. Have a look at his website and previous works, you won't be disappointed.
Leaving the Clock Tower we headed over to see
Lisa Zukowski's studio. Imagine driving up a country lane to find a magic cottage.. that's what it was like seeing her studio. Walking on a stone walkway through her gardens we entered a studio that any artist would love, love, love to be able to create in. Her work is very diverse, yet you can see favorite themes throughout. We were fascinated by all the varied techniques that she uses and also teaches in workshops. Have a look!
Unfortunately the day had disappeared and we had to head home. It was one of those whirlwind days that you lay in bed at night and absorb in all its detail.
I hope you enjoyed your mini tour and you will follow the links to the individual artist's sites who were generous in opening their studios to us. Thank you!
Best... Canace
