Fall/Winter 2023 by Art and Color 365 Magazine

Celebrating Art in Every Aspect of Life

Fall/Winter 2023 | Vol. 1 No. 5

OILS AND FIGURAL COMPETITION EXHIBITIONS SUZANNE VALADON

A Groundbreaking Rebel in Modern Art

BONNY SNOWDON

Overcoming Adversity through Creativity

PYROGRAPHER JULIE BENDER

Creating Art with Heat

CONTEMPORARY COLLAGE One-of-a-Kind Works of Art

Jon Bøe Paulsen and Maxwell Miller

Art Competition Winners 1

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ART AND COLOR 365

FROM THE EDITOR

W

elcome to the new issue of Art and Color 365 Magazine. We’re delighted to present the winners and award recipients for our Figural/People and Oils art competitions. We received hundreds of entries from around the world and the participating artists’ level of talent was outstanding.

This issue we are featuring a story about once-overlooked French artist Suzanne Valadon, who worked as a model in the epicenter of Parisian art in the late 19th century and became an artist herself. Encouraged and mentored by such artistic giants as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Edgar Degas, her bold and impactful paintings opened the door to participating in the most influential art exhibitions of her time.

Her remarkable — and rebellious — story celebrates determination to forge a path forward in an art world dominated by men.

Our article about U.K. colored pencil artist and teacher, Bonny Snowdon, shows how art and creativity can save a person’s soul and sanity, and be the impetus for success.

Our story about Julie Bender’s pyrographic art reveals how harnessing heat and fire can lead to beautiful artistic creations on paper and wood.

The variety and depth of contemporary collage art is on display in our feature about artists Karole Nicholson, Betsy Silverman, Naomi Vona, and Liberty Blake.

Blake is also a co-creator on a series of

collage panels traveling the U.S. and U.K. titled The Work in Progress Mural. Her partner is her mother, noted pop artist Jann Haworth, who co-created the iconic album cover for the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

This intriguing collaborative work is made of 8- x 4-foot panels, each featuring stenciled images of women, past and present, who have made significant contributions to the world. In every community the mural travels, local participants add more panels, so it’s continually growing. There are currently 15 panels with an additional seven commissioned by the London National Portrait Gallery.

As we near the end of 2023 — the year we launched Art and Color 365 Magazine — our mission to celebrate art and artists is ongoing. We are so grateful for all of the artists who have participated in our competitions. It has been a true pleasure to feature their work, as well as that of dozens of other artists whose art we’ve discovered and shared with our readers.

Amid the darkness that seems so prevalent in our world today, it’s good to remember and embrace the fact that art can bring beauty, hope, and light into the world. That is truly worth celebrating.

Enjoy,

Virginia Bayes, Editor

Sign up for our newsletter for free content and monthly features to bring an artistic viewpoint to every aspect of your life. www.artandcolor365.com 3

An artistic rebel who paved the way for female artists

14 Pyrographer Julie Bender Creating art with heat and color

46 Bonny Snowdon Overcoming adversity through creativity

52 Amii Harwood Colored pencil artist

53 Helen Theron Building confidence in drawing

40 Contemporary Collage Karole Nicholson Betsy Silverman Naomi Vona Liberty Blake The Work in Progress Mural

76 Rooted in Beauty Beth Nadler Svetlin Sofroniev Atanas Matsoureff Salma Price-Nell Linda Wilder Amy Evans Sherry Killingsworth Charlie from Coffee Art Karen Israel David Barclay Allison Krajcik

ART COMPETITIONS

6 Suzanne Valadon

COLLECTIONS

71 ART & ARTISTS

CONTENTS

Fall/Winter 2023 | Vol. 1. No. 5

16 2023 Oils Exhibition 30 Maxwell Miller 1st Place

34 Andy Eccleshall 2nd Place

38 Denise Antaya 3rd Place

54 2023 Figural/ People Exhibition 66 Jon Bøe Paulsen 1st Place

70 Linda Lunnon 2nd Place

74 Joel Mitnick 3rd Place

COVER IMAGE: By Denise Antaya, The Ninth Concession, oils.

See our feature story about Antaya's work on page 38.

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40 43 5

HISTORIC ARTIST

Suzanne Valadon, The Blue Room, 1923, oil, Georges Pompidou Center, Paris, WikiArt.org

Suzanne Valadon When Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec recommended to Edgar Degas that he look at some drawings by a young artist he knew, Degas agreed to a meeting. After carefully studying the work, Degas turned to the artist and said, "You are one of us." The artist was Suzanne Valadon.

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Top left: Suzanne Valadon, Portrait of the Painter Maurice Utrillo, (her son) 1921, oil, Musée de Montmartre, Paris, Wikipedia Top right: Suzanne Valadon, Portrait of Monsieur Mori, 1922, oil, Georges Pompidou Center, Paris, WikiArt.org

uzanne Valadon, born MarieClémentine Valadon in 1865 in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France, grew up in poverty. Her mother, an unwed laundress, took five-year-old Valadon and her halfsister to live in Monmartre, known as the bohemian quarter of Paris. Surrounded by artists, creatives, prostitutes and pimps, Valadon grew up with a complete lack of convention, and it suited her well — she felt no stigma for being poor, for not knowing her father's identity, or for living the life of a free spirit.

Even as a child she was independent, rebellious, and hot-tempered, but also sensitive and fun-loving. To help her mother financially, Valadon, left school at the age of 11 to work various jobs, including one she loved the most — working as an acrobat in popular the Molier circus. But a fall when she was 16 ended her dream.

A model for famous painters An attractive young woman, she turned to professional modeling in the 1880s and soon found herself an integral part of the fabled art world of Paris as a model, and in some cases, a close friend and/or lover to many of the most famous painters of her time including Toulouse-Lautrec,

Renoir, and Puvis de Chavannes.

Having proximity to such artistic genius nurtured a passion for art Valadon had as a child when she made drawings on scraps of paper, on the walls, and even on Suzanne Valadon, pavement with pencil 1885, Wikipedia stubs or lumps of coal.

Unable to afford formal art training, she learned from the masters she modeled for, observing their techniques and gaining access to new and exciting developments in art. Using graphite and charcoal, pastel and oil paints, she honed her skills by sketching and painting her family and neighbors, laying the foundation for her groundbreaking career in art.

Valadon's relationship with ToulouseLautrec was particularly close. It was he that suggested she change her name to Suzanne as an amusing reference to the story of Susanna and the Elders because Valadon modeled for many older artists.

They were good friends who became lovers, and he enthusiastically supported

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her artistic endeavors, encouraging her to show her drawings to the highly respected Edgar Degas.

Suzanne Valadon, Genevieve CamaxZoegger, 1936, oil, WikiArt.org

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Mentored by Degas She met with Degas, and in what Valadon described as "the most wonderful moment of my life," he studied her work, turned to her, and said, "Yes, it is true. You are one of us." This affirmation was not just an acknowledgment of Valadon's artistic skill, but also a testament to her worthiness to belong in the predominantly male art world of that time.

Degas' endorsement boosted her

confidence and played a significant role in her artistic development. He not only encouraged her but also tutored her, purchased some of her art, and taught her drawing and etching techniques as she developed her own artistic style. Their deep friendship, comprised of mutual respect and a sincere appreciation for each other's company, lasted until his death.

Valadon lived a carefree lifestyle in Paris.

Unlike most female artists of her time, she did not shy away from Paris nightlife. Due to her upbringing, the cafés, entertainment, and camaraderie with other artists, musicians, and writers appealed to her; she

Suzanne Valadon, The Abandoned Doll, 1921, oil, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C., Wikipedia

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Suzanne Valadon, Woman in White Stockings, 1924, oil, Musée des Beaux Arts de Nancy, France, WikiArt.org

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was completely at ease and very popular.

A respected and influential artist As time went on, she continued to grow as an artist. In 1894, Valadon showed five drawings at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, where she was the first female artist to have work admitted. The next year, 12 of her intimate etchings of women were exhibited as she began to show her work regularly at the Galerie Bernheim-Jeune in Paris.

Valadon continued to create notable drawings, and started painting as well. In 1911, she started showing her work in solo exhibitions and shows at the Weill Gallery, the Salon d'Automne, and the Salon des Independents.

By the end of World War I, her work was in high demand. She was exhibiting widely, and her reputation continued to grow. As

Paintings of Valadon by Famous Artists Above: Henri de ToulouseLautrec, The Hangover (Suzanne Valadon), 1887-89, oil, Fogg Museum, Harvard University, Wikipedia Left: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Girl Braiding Her Hair (Suzanne Valadon), 1886-87, oil, Museum Langmatt, Baden, Switzerland, Wikipedia

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Suzanne Valadon, Nude with a Striped Blanket, 1922, oil, Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Paris, WikiArt.org

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Suzanne Valadon, Self Portrait, 1893, oil, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Wikipedia

"I had great masters. I took the best of them, of their teachings, of their examples.

I found myself, I made myself, and I said what I had to say."

- Suzanne Valadon

Suzanne Valadon, Self Portrait, 1927, oil, Collection of the City of Sannois, Val d’Oise, France

she entered her sixties, she was acclaimed and respected by peers and critics alike.

Valadon passed away on April 7, 1938, in Paris. She had experienced extremes in her unconventional lifestyle with marriages, love affairs, finances, and anxiety stemming from the mental illness and alcohol abuse of her son, Maurice Utrillo, a highly successful artist in his own right.

But when all was said and done, she was an important artist who carved her own path in the male-dominated art world she lived in, creating a diverse body of work that included extraordinary female nudes, portraits of women, still lifes, and landscapes.

Painting the female body without idealism Valadon's artistic style was distinctive and groundbreaking. Her technique and observational style had much in common with the French and English PostImpressionists; however, her thematic edge, which focused on gender, sex, and aging, were her unique contribution.

Known for her bold line drawings and

paintings characterized by powerful composition and vivid colors, her candid depictions of female nudes were particularly revolutionary. She was one of the few women artists of that time who dared to explore this subject, doing so with an unorthodox frankness and realism.

She eschewed the idealized version of women rendered by most male artists. She depicted the female body as it really was in everyday, and often intimate, poses. She challenged the conventions of the nude and carved out a new critical space for considering a woman's body.

A profound legacy Valadon's legacy as a female artist is profound. She was a pioneer in breaking the traditionsh of art, paving the way for future generations of unconventional female artists. Today, Valadon is considered one of the greatest artists of her time and her work can be found in museums and private and public collections.

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PYROGRAPHY

Julie Bender From its Greek root, pyrography literally translates to "writing with fire." Pyrographer Julie Bender combines the intense heat of hot metal with paintbrushes filled with color to create scenes depicting Colorado's diverse landscape and wildlife.

Award-winning artist Julie Bender is passionate about pyrography, which she calls "painting with heat." She says, "It's my life calling. Heat is my substance. Hot metal tips and paint brushes are my tools and source of inspiration. Paper is my canvas.

Discovering innovative ways to express my artistic vision through heat and color is my greatest challenge and reward."

Based in Loveland, Colorado, Bender has loved art and drawing animals for as long as she can remember. Expecting to teach art, she received a bachelor of fine arts and a bachelor of science in art education from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

After graduating, Bender's career path took an unexpected turn as she got caught

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up in the computer graphics field and then as a project manager with web and software development firms. Later she worked for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta for 30 years.

Rediscovering art Two events during this time steered her life toward artistic expression. The first was when Bender's beloved dog passed away.

To ease her sense of loss, she decided to decorate a cherry wood urn. Through that process, Bender discovered pyrography. She had never worked in the medium before but threw herself into it, burning a realistic portrait of her friend. The second was being laid off from the CDC due to funding cuts.

Table for Two, pyrography and acrylic on paper

All images © Julie Bender, shared with permission

Bender took this as a sign that it was time to devote herself to pyrography.

She moved to Colorado where she found inspiration in the state's wildlife and natural beauty. As a wildlife artist and photographer, she spends as much time in the field with her camera as she does in the studio producing her art. "Learning and understanding animal behavior," she says, "allows me to tell the most interesting visual stories possible."

Breaking through stereotypes As her reputation grew and her innovative work was recognized, Bender helped to break through the fine art community's traditional opinion that pyrography is a lesser art form. She began selling her art internationally to collectors and museums, found gallery representation, exhibited widely, and has been featured in numerous art publications. She is a Signature member of the Society of Animal Artists and a member of the International Guild of Realism.

She also teaches pyrography.

A challenging medium For Bender, the challenges and rewards of pyrography are all part of her artistic process. "I enjoy the risks that are inherent in this medium; its unforgiving nature," she says. "Once a mark is burned, it's always there. Working with a hot metal tip on paper was very trial and error in the beginning. I first used a paper that was too thin and my burn went straight through. Then I found a 300-pound hot-pressed watercolor paper that works very well and doesn't leave a mark on the opposite side of the paper.

"Subtle values are important in creating a life-like image, so getting those tones and values just right is a constant challenge — but also the greatest reward.

I enjoy trying new ways to burn, using new tools, and having happy accidents. I push my boundaries with each piece. Accuracy, style, and imagination are key in creating evocative art."

See more of Bender's art at www.juliebender.com and @julie_bender_art.

Top left: Wild Thing, pyrography and acrylic on wood Top right: On the Alert, pyrography on maple wood Bottom right: All Hands on Deck, pyrography on maple wood

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We are thrilled to present the winners and award recipients of our 2023 Oils Competition. We received more than 400 entries from the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Norway, Italy, New Zealand, Belgium, Turkey, Russia, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

We want to thank all of the artists who entered. Enjoy the exhibition.

All images from the exhibition are under copyright and shared with permission of the artists.

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | WINNERS

1st Place Winning Entry Maxwell G. Miller The Tale of the Curious Oysters, Oil on Panel www.maxwellgmiller.com | @maxwellfineart See our feature story about the artist on page 30 17

2023 OILS COMPETITION | WINNERS

2nd Place Winning Entry Andy Eccleshall Rialto Sky, Oils www.andyeccleshall.com | @andyeccleshall See our feature story about Eccleshall's art on page 34

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | WINNERS

3rd Place Winning Entry Denise Antaya The Ninth Concession, Oils www.deniseantaya.com | @denise8096 Read our feature story about Antaya on page 38

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT Special Merit Chen Yang Chan Picking Tea, Oils @andy415620 "I discovered that in the world of nature, there are thousands of shapes and colors, and they all have their own language and personality. They can be as intoxicating as the melody of music!"

Special Merit Chris Bell Portodi Bari, Oils @chrisbellfineart "I am drawn to dramatic lighting, typically in the early morning or late in the afternoon. I love to see the light raking across a building, cloud, or field. As a compositional element, I tend to favor a foreground in shadow that draws the viewer into the painting, towards an illuminated element."

Special Merit Christopher Forrest A Whale of a Tail, Oils @chris.forrest.art "I am inspired, thrilled, and humbled by the challenges involved in depicting our wilderness areas and wildlife. I thoroughly enjoy the process from initially wandering in nature, planning a painting, the craft of applying paint, receiving my wife’s spot on critiques, making oh so many adjustments, to finally applying the varnish."

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT Special Merit Richard Rodriguez Two of a Kind, Oils @richardrodriguezartist "My work is inspired by the fleeting beauty of the overlooked that delivers an unexpected grace to the everyday. It is about bringing that ordinary beauty to the forefront. Beyond the technical aspects of my work is an intangible, but equally important quality: honesty. I don't glamorize what I see to keep my work relatable and refreshing."

Special Merit Suzanne Sheran Boyngo, Oils @worksofarfportraits "My paintings are realistic, but they are loose, alive, and informal. They are happy. They can be silly. They are energetic. They are full of love and memories. My goal is to find the soul in everything I paint, from animals to still life."

Special Merit Julie Mello Hawke's Bay Barn, Oils @juliemelloart "I am constantly inspired by the beautiful landscapes and coastlines of New Zealand. Creating artworks that connect people both here at home and from around the world to a special place or time that they have experienced in this amazing country is my ultimate goal. If I can achieve that through my paintings, then my job is done."

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT Special Merit Edoardo Petracca I Got Lost, Oils @edoardopetracca "I'm inspired by the world around us. My idea is not to replicate a photo, but create a life-like painting that gives to the viewer the sensation of watching a real scene and not a painting. We live in a world where everything is altered, modified, fake, and with filters, so I just paint the reality as it is, perfectly imperfect, leaving the things as they are and not as they should be."

Special Merit Diane LaMere Red Barn for Sale, Oils www.dianelamere.com "I am a realist painter but I try not to be too tight with my paintings. I am not trying to make a photographic copy of nature but rather a painting that expresses how I felt while standing in front of that image. My purpose is to express to the viewer the beauty of what I see."

Special Merit Brian Belfield Redoubt, Oils @brianbelfield "I specialize in oil paintings of landscapes and seascapes painted in the style of impressionistic realism. I find myself intrigued by the great volumes of shadow created by sea cliffs, the chaos and complexity of a sycamore tree, and the incessant motion of ocean waves."

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT

Special Merit Helen Harris Dunescape, Oils @pineshorestudio

"I use a painterly approach of loose brush work and palette knife application in oils to satisfy my need to create a textural surface rich in color. Walter Sickert's words guide my work: 'Start like a bricklayer, end like a jeweler.' Each day is an opportunity to step into places that did not exist until I start painting. I can run through a field , climb a tree, meditate by the sea, or splash through a wave."

Special Merit Sharon Bignell Serenity, Oils @bignell.sharon

Special Merit Kate Tooke Gandalf, Oils @k8tooke

"I am inspired by the beauty of nature, especially the shape and form of flowers. I want to share happiness and beauty through my art. In a world with so much sadness and unrest, I want my art to be uplifting and create feelings of peace and beauty."

"Painting feels like communicating in a language of pure love, beyond words, that speaks on a soul level. Learning to express in paint the beauty of what we can experience in the moment feels like the most compelling way I could possibly imagine spending my time. I focus on wildlife in my work and when I can successfully express the breadth and soul of a subject, it’s as though we all become more open to experiencing this beauty in ourselves."

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT

Special Merit Ksenia Sandesko Winter, Oils @sandesko "My art revolves around the exploration of self-identity and self-revelation. I am deeply fascinated by the intricate psychological processes that occur within an individual's inner world, more so than the external happenings. Within my art, I contemplate a myriad of themes, such as identity, the realm of emotions and sensations, and the intricate interplay between one's personality and the surrounding environment."

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Special Merit Wilfrid Moizan D'un Continent L'autre, Oils, Charcoal, Photograph www.saatchiart.com/WilfridMoizan "My work is strongly influenced by the practice of engraving, using multiple layers and sanding the paper so that it creates a worn space. I'm obsessed by the idea of time, death, and memory. That's why I use old pictures to establish a bridge between the past and the present. In a way, I try to give new life to forgotten people.

I mix together bodies, faces, landscape, chairs, painting, photographs, colors, to evoke the fragility of existence.

The result of the technical process is an image on the verge of disappearing and reappearing. It is all about an equilibrium between death and birth."

2023 OILS COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT

Special Merit Michele Norman Point of View, Oils @mishanorman "My childhood was filled with strong emotional images of war and love, that made my imagination wander between drama, sadness, hope, and beauty. From those experiences I learned that beauty is hope, always present in the midst of suffering. Hope is always present in my paintings, not only to be understood, but to be felt."

Special Merit Lesley Anne Derks Tower Bridge from the Shard, Oils and Enamel @lesley_anne_derks_artist_

"I am inspired by light and always looking for new ways to represent it in my work. I work predominantly in oils but love to combine them with different materials too. As a result, my work varies in media depending on what I’m trying to depict. My aim is to produce work that allows the viewer to experience the subtleties of movement, light, and sound that I experience when producing the work."

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2023 OILS COMPETITION | ARTISTIC RECOGNITION

Artistic Recognition Manon Germain Jelly Beans Oils @manongermain_portraits_art

Artistic Recognition Mijin Kwon Sunset Falls on Ellis Street Oils @mmm.jin.art0a0

Artistic Recognition Jamie Muller Nauset Lighthouse, Oils @jmuller2161

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Artistic Recognition Renata Bosnjak Grandma, Oils @renata_rebernik_bosnjak_art

Artistic Recognition Andrea Rodriguez Bouquet of Wildflowers, Oils @andrearodriguezgallery

2023 OILS COMPETITION | ARTISTIC RECOGNITION Artistic Recognition Jacqueline Dunster Biter of Hands Oils @j_dunster

Artistic Recognition Walter Dermul Let's Dance Oils @walterdermul

Artistic Recognition Teresa Brown Balsam Root and Lupine Oils @tkbrown_art

Artistic Recognition Peter Tinkler Portrait Study of Andrew Oils @petertinklerartist

Artistic Recognition Jayshree Vakil Picasso's Studio, Oils @jvfinearts

Artistic Recognition Susi Gardner Golden Lion, Oils @susi_gardner_artist

Artistic Recognition Vidya Lakshmi Musing 1, Oils @vidyaartstudio 27

2023 OILS COMPETITION | ARTISTIC RECOGNITION

Artistic Recognition Libby Gilpatric Pennsylvania Horse Farm Oils @libbygilpatricart

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Artistic Recognition Sharon Hernly Joshua Tree National Park Oils @sharonhernlyartist

Artistic Recognition Aaron Krone Stepping Stones Oils @kroneaaron

Artistic Recognition Jules Hirschkorn Untitled Oils @jules_art7733

Artistic Recognition Tatiana Roulin Monmartre at Night Oils @tatroulin

2023 OILS COMPETITION | HONORABLE MENTION

Honorable Mention Linda Briesacher Comin' Through!

Oils @lindabriesacher

Honorable Mention Jackie Bleisch Sunset at Carmel Beach, Oils @canvasfootsteps

Honorable Mention Amanda D'Agostino Unapologetic, Oils @amandadagostinoart

Honorable Mention Avril Haubrich Cano Cristales Columbia, Oils and Marble Powder @avrilhaubrichart

Honorable Mention Jamie Derr Full Stop Ahead, Oils @jamiederrart

Honorable Mention Elaine Porter All In a Days Work, Oils @elaine_porter_art

Honorable Mention Abby Miner Born in the Echoes, Oils @runaway_lines

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2023 Oils Competition

Maxwell Miller

1st Place Winner

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n 2017, Maxwell Miller went from working in the theatrical arts to creating remarkably realistic paintings and drawings that have garnered international recognition throughout the fine art community.

His background in theatrical storytelling lends itself well to his artwork, giving visual clues about the story behind each piece so the viewer can solve its mystery.

This inspiration for Miller's winning entry, The Tale of the Curious Oysters, comes from a poem from Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass which tells of the Walrus and the Carpenter inviting shoe-wearing oysters to stroll with them along the seashore and includes the famous verse: "The time has come," the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes — and ships — and sealing wax — Of cabbages — and kings — And why the sea is boiling hot — And whether pigs have wings."

"I had a good time with this one," Miller laughed.

When he began to pursue visual art, Miller worked to refine his technique. He became an apprentice to master artist Anthony Waichulis at the ÀNI Art Academy, completing his apprenticeship in 2022. He now serves as dean at ÀNI Art Academies Dominicana in Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic.

"There is a revival of realism happening now that I strive to be a part of, and I hope to significantly contribute to it through a lifelong artistic career," Miller says. "Realism gives me the ability to clearly communicate through recognizable imagery. My main source of inspiration is in theatrical arts and puppetry, but also in other artistic media that focuses on storytelling — music, movies, TV shows, folklore, and mythology."

Maxwell's work has received awards and recognition from leading art competitions and major arts publications including The Art Renewal Center, The Boynes Artist Award, National Art League, The FiKVA Foundation, The Artist's Network, and Southwest Art Magazine. He won 2nd Place in Art and Color 365's Drawing Competition for his charcoal piece, The Eternal Garden. www.maxwellgmiller.com WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: @maxwellfineart

All images © Maxwell Miller, shared with permission.

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Maxwell Miller | 2023 Oils Competition, 1st Place Winner Clockwise from Left:

1st Place Winning Entry

Maxwell Miller, The Tale of the Curious Oysters, Oils (See full-size image on page 17) Maxwell Miller, Portrait of Olive,Oils Maxwell Miller, The Journeyman,Oils

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Maxwell Miller | 2023 Oils Competition, 1st Place Winner

Below: Maxwell Miller Behind the Curtain, Charcoal

Above: Maxwell Miller Self Portrait, Charcoal

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Maxwell Miller | 2023 Oils Competition, 1st Place Winner

Left: Maxwell Miller, Spellbound, Oils Below: Maxwell Miller, The Eternal Garden, Oils

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2023 Oils Competition

Andy Eccleshall 2nd Place Winner

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ndy Eccleshall's landscapes are all about light, mood, and atmosphere. He wants the viewer to feel his paintings — the sky, wind, rain, clouds, and mist — to feel as if they are experiencing the scene.

"When someone looks at one of my paintings and says 'I know what that day feels like,' I know I've succeeded in what I'm trying to capture," Eccleshall says.

"My work is about atmospheric, representational landscapes. I'm inspired by drama in nature and contrasts in light and form. I'm fascinated by atmosphere, light, and weather, and the moods they create," he says.

Eccleshall's visceral connection to nature stems from his childhood. His work shows the influence of growing up in Stafford, England, a landscape of rolling hills, pastoral beauty, and mist enshrouding farmlands, pastures, and moors. These were a constant source of inspiration to the young artist.

He became a professional artist at the age of 16, specializing in architectural illustration and landscape painting, and graduated with honors in illustration

from the University of Plymouth (Exeter).

Eccleshall moved to the U.S. in 1994, eventually settling in Edmond, Washington. He travelled extensively, taking in the natural beauty everywhere he went. "I was dazzled by the enormous contrasts in the landscapes across the country," he says, "and the beauty of the changing seasons against the neverending and ever-changing landscape. This country, and especially the Pacific Northwest where I live and work, provides a wealth of inspiration."

His process begins with plein air color studies and sketches which serve as the basis for paintings he creates in his studio. "I try to transfer the energy and accuracy from my work in the field to my studio work, to convey the same sense from one to the other."

He has been featured in numerous art publications including American Art Collector, International Artist Magazine, and Southwest Art Magazine. He has participated in solo and group shows and exhibitions, and his award-winning work can be found in public and private collections. His painting, Above it All, won 2nd Place in Art and Color 365's 2023 Landscapes Competition. www.andyeccleshall.com WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: @andyeccleshall

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All images © Andy Eccleshall, shared with permission.

Andy Eccleshall | 2023 Oils Competition, 2nd Place Winner

Left:

2nd Place Winning Entry

Rialto Sky, Oils (See full-size image on page 18) Middle: Andy Eccleshall, Chesaw Winter, Oils Bottom: Andy Eccleshall, Farmstead, Oils

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Andy Eccleshall | 2023 Oils Competition, 2nd Place Winner

Andy Eccleshall, Aqueous, Oils

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Andy Eccleshall | 2023 Oils Competition, 2nd Place Winner

Andy Eccleshall, Fir Island Mood, Oils

Andy Eccleshall, Independent Thinker, Oils 37

Photography by David Leyes

2023 Oils Competition

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Denise Antaya

3rd Place Winner

andscape artist, Denise Antaya, draws inspiration for her paintings from her rural upbringing in Windsor, Ontario. Being far removed from the frenetic pace of more populous areas instilled in her a profound love for the serenity of country roads, the unhurried rhythm of rural life, and taking the time to enjoy open fields, sunshine, and clouds.

She had a 31-year career in the advertising field, painting in her spare time, but after her husband passed away, Antaya decided to pursue a lifelong dream of attending art school and becoming a full-time artist.

She studied figure and still life paintings at an atelier, but never felt satisfied until she took classes with noted landscape painters and began to understand the nuances of light and value through plein air painting.

She had found a way to express her love of nature.

For Antaya, landscape painting is not merely an appreciation of nature, it serves as a historical record, documenting the world "as it was" in the

face of constant change that threatens to erase old barns, century-old trees, and entire farms. Her work is a visual testament to our past, and a poignant commentary on our future.

Antaya's work reflects her fascination with the power of light to transform what might have been an overlooked scene. "I strive to take an everyday scene and present it in a new light," she says, "and to capture a fleeting moment that will evoke memories of a simpler, peaceful time. If I can make the viewer feel the warmth of the sunshine, the coolness of the shadows, the dancing of light across the fields, or the heaviness of the air preceding a storm, then I have achieved my goal. If I can make the audience feel the magic of nature, then this journey is all worthwhile."

Antaya has been recognized in dozens of shows and exhibitions across Canada and the U.S., where she has won numerous awards for her work. In 2019, she was a finalist in the Canadian reality TV show, Landscape Artist of the Year Canada, which aired in 2020.

WEBSITE: www.deniseantaya.com INSTAGRAM: @denise8096

All art images © Denise Antaya, shared with permission. Photography by Will Kuryluk.

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Denise Antaya | 2023 Oils Competition, 3rd Place Winner

Top Left:

3rd Place Winning Entry

The Ninth Concession, Oils (See full-size image on page 19) Top Right:

Denise Antaya, Where the Deer Run, Oils

Bottom:

Denise Antaya, Under the Red Sky, Oils

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PA P E R A RT S

Karole Nicholson, Eternal Indigo, mixed media.

Collage Collage is best known for its huge impact on Pop Art in the 1960s, but it has been an integral part of modern art since the early twentieth century when it started appearing in the work of some of the biggest names in fine art: Cubists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Surrealist and Dada artists Hannah Höch, Kurt Schwitters, and Joseph Cornell, and Pop artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Contemporary collage artists express themselves through an amazing variety of techniques. Like our featured artists, they are a diverse group, but with a common thread — they transform found materials into striking, one-of-a-kind works of art.

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Karole Nicholson New England artist, Karole Nicholson, dreamed of being an artist ever since she was a small child. In pursuit of that dream, she studied graphic and advertising design at the Rhode Island School of Design and continued her art education through many master level workshops in the U.S., U.K., and Europe.

Nicholson feels a deep connection to the natural beauty around her. "As someone who finds inspiration by communing with the local environment, either on a wooded path, by a roadside field, or discovering a hidden marsh," she says, "it is clear to see that these are the scenes that spark my starting point at the easel."

Working with mixed media, pastel, and collage, Nicholson develops each piece of art she creates with a focus on texture and a contemporary abstract style. Her process is complex. "I often incorporate the use of various collage materials such as newspapers, maps, dress patterns, blueprints, cardboard, sandpaper, handmade papers, tissue paper, rice paper, music sheets, and old catalogs," she says. "Then these archival, recycled materials are coupled with acrylic paints, inks, transparent washes, and water-based pencils, and the final canvas is sealed with matte medium and varnished."

Her paintings have appeared in many national juried exhibitions and international competitions. She holds exhibiting artist memberships in the Collage Artists of America, Abstract'd Art Collective, Providence Art Club, Pawtucket Arts Collaborative and the Attleboro Arts Museum. Past memberships include the Pastel Society of America, Pastel Painters of Cape Cod, Connecticut Pastel Society, and the New Hampshire Pastel Society.

To see Nicholson's work visit her website at www.karolenicholson.com, @karolenicholsonart on Instagram, or www.facebook.com/karole.nicholson.

Karole Nicholson, Playing It Cool, mixed media.

Karole Nicholson, The Gathering, mixed media.

All images © Karole Nicholson, shared with permission.

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Betsy Silverman, Grist Mill, collage.

Betsy Silverman Betsy Silverman, Clam Shells!, collage.

Betsy Silverman, Beacon Hill, collage.

All images © Betsy Silverman, shared with permission.

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Using nothing but recycled magazines and adhesive, Boston artist Betsy Silverman takes collage to impressive heights. Large in scale, her works are highly detailed cityscapes, landscapes, people, animals, and everyday items.

Silverman had always been interested in art, but she developed a fascination for paper as a medium while working toward a master's degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

"While paper is inherently fragile in nature, it can be torn or cut, folded or creased, layered and twisted, and ultimately transformed to represent a concept," she says. "My love of paper has branched into different outlets. Its tactile quality and physicality provide limitless opportunities for new and intuitive creations; and as a medium, it is readily accessible and inexpensive."

Silverman uses only recycled paper in her work.

Friends and neighbors save their magazines for her, and she is delighted to take something that might have ended up in the trash and turn it into art.

"Instead of paint tubes, my palette is a cabinet loaded with magazines."

Each realistically depicted piece can take weeks to complete, requiring an intensive search through dozens of magazines to find pages with just the right color, value, saturation, and text that enable her to create — with only pieces of cut paper — the detailed images in her work.

Silverman says, "My works are artistic expressions of a moment in time recreated through photorealism. I love the challenge of transforming a printed image into a new image while preserving bits and pieces of the original representation, like preserving a memory."

Find out more at www.betsysilverman.com, @betsysilvermancollage, and facebook.com/ betsysilvermancollage.

Naomi Vona, Telling Lies Collection - Masking.

Naomi Vona, Telling Lies Collection - The Touch.

Naomi Vona London-based Italian artist, Naomi Vona, combines her interest in photography, collage, and illustration to alter vintage and contemporary images, resulting in a completely new version of the originals.

Describing herself as an "archival pest, with no bad intentions," Vona's manipulation of photographs with pens, paper, washi tape, and stickers, transforms them into expressions of her unique style and artistic interpretation.

Vona thoughtfully includes three vital elements in each piece: aspects of her life background and experience, her inspirations, and her subconscious. Vona says this aesthetic is "the glue that pulls all of my work together."

This approach to her collages is seen in Vona's many collections, each containing correlated imagery. In her Selling Lies Project, she transforms every page of a fashion magazine into a personalized art diary, revising the original magazine ads to reflect her point of view about the fashion industry. This popular collection is now one of her art classes.

Vona received a degree in design and photography from Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy. In addition to her original art and prints, she offers diverse online and offline classes and workshops, and works with companies to collaborate on publishing, advertising, projects, and events.

To find out more about Vona's art and classes, visit naomivona.art , @mariko_koda, and at www.facebook.com/ naomivonart.

All images © Naomi Vona, shared with permission.

Naomi Vona, Telling Lies Collection - All in All. 43

Liberty Blake

Liberty Blake, Dalton Wash Road, collage on panel.

Liberty Blake, Glass Fire - Oathill Mine Trail, collage on panel.

Abstract collage artist, Liberty Blake, creates thought-provoking works of art that explore themes of the natural world and the human condition. "I like the challenge of visually describing an environment with geometric shapes of paper," she says.

"The production of paper Liberty Blake, The Meadow itself directly impacts the After the Climb, collage on natural world and so I use panel. mostly found and salvaged paper. Scavenging becomes an important part of the process, underscoring the theme and message of the work."

Originally from London, Blake has been based in Utah since 1997. Both of her parents, Jann Haworth and Peter Blake, are noted pop artists who co-designed the album cover for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Blake remembers growing up in an alternative, artscentric environment that encouraged self-expression and creativity. "I was very lucky to grow up in a family of artists, so I had support and access to art materials from an early age," she says.

She discovered her passion for collage later. "When I was a full-time mum and worked from home," Blake says, "I switched from oil painting to collage to keep our house free from the turps and paint fumes. I fell in love with its convenience and tactile quality and never stopped."

Her collages are divided into series, each a kind of journal, some documenting the wild natural places and neglected urban environments of Utah and Northern California, others expressing more personal themes.

Wildfire Series draws inspiration from the California wildfires and her childhood fear of fire. "Each collage in the series depicts an actual wildfire that has impacted either a person or place that has personal significance for me," she says. "Other series came about in response to the pandemic lockdowns and isolation which lead me to an inward journey of self-reflection, emotional growth, and personal responsibility."

The Work in Progress Mural is, inarguably, her most ambitious collage series. This mobile, community-based exhibit, which is the brainchild of artist Jann Haworth, celebrates women who have changed the world, past and future, in monumental or smaller ways. As the exhibit travels the world, local artists and non-artists add to its content. (See story on facing page.)

Blake has shown extensively in Utah and her work is housed in private collections across the U.S., Europe, and Canada. She has a show with 20 new pieces opening on January 19, at the Phillips Gallery in Salt Lake City, Utah, www.phillips-gallery.com.

Discover more about Blake's work at www.libertyblakecollage.com and @libertyblakecollage.

All images © Liberty Blake, shared with permission.

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Photography by Alex Johnstone

The Work in Progress Mural In 2016, noted pop artist Jann Haworth and her daughter, collage artist Liberty Blake, co-created the Work in Progress Mural, inspired by an iconic work of collage that Haworth co-created in 1967 — the album cover for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

An ongoing, collaborative work of art, The Work in Progress Mural celebrates the contributions of women, past and present, who have been catalysts for change in the world, shining a light on their often marginalized accomplishments.

Comprised of individual 8- x 4-foot panels, each collaged with stenciled portraits of the women being honored, the mural has traveled across the U.S. and U.K. With each new venue, Haworth and Blake set up workshops to teach invited participants (some of whom are professional artists, but most are non-artists) how to create stencils of women chosen to be added to the mural. After the portraits are completed, Blake

assembles them on the panels to create the finished collaged murals.

In each community, the collaboration of participants becomes part of the process and their stories become a part of the whole. As Haworth says, "Each portrait is the story of the person who is depicted, but it's also the story of the person creating it, which is why so many stories are woven into the exhibit."

The ongoing nature of the mural is one of its most exciting elements. With each venue, the mural grows.

There are currently 15 panels in the U.S., making it 60-feet long to date, with another 28-feet — seven panels — recently commissioned by London's National Portrait Gallery for their permanent collection, bringing the total number of women represented to approximately 400. The mural has no completion time frame, it simply continues to grow, year after year.

Learn more about the Work in Progress Mural at www.npg.org.uk and www.granaryarts.org.

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INSPIRING ARTISTS

Bonny Snowdon — Overcoming Adversity through Creativity This Yorkshire, U.K. artist overcame debt, an abusive marriage, divorce, and the painful loss of her ex-husband to suicide by discovering the regenerative power of creating art.

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Bonny Snowdon, Elsa, colored pencils

B

Bonny Snowdon, Bee, colored pencils

onny Snowdon’s artistic journey illustrates what can happen when adversity meets resilience.

Today, as a well-known colored pencil art teacher and mentor to thousands of students worldwide, she heads up the Bonny Snowdon Academy, a $1.2 million a year company with a membership of 3,000 students, all learning to draw in a realistic style and many starting their own art businesses.

But it wasn’t always this way. Just a few years ago, Snowdon was mired in the trauma of financial struggles and, sequentially, an abusive marriage, painful divorce, and the devastating loss of her ex-husband to suicide. But it was through these hardships that she discovered the transformative power of creativity.

Facing Page: Bonny Snowdon, Bay Arab, colored pencils All images © Bonny Snowdon, shared with permission

Finding peace through creativity It was 2015 when things were at a low point for this mother of three living in Yorkshire, U.K., but an unexpected coping mechanism appeared in the form of a coloring book and colored pencils that her daughter gave her as a gift. For Snowdon, even though she’d been told at 17 that she wasn’t good enough to be an artist and hadn’t drawn for 30 years, the gift was a lifesaver.

“Coloring enabled me to empty my mind, basically,” says Snowdon.

“Everything just sort of disappeared, and it gave me a space to not have negative things going around in my head all of Bonny Snowdon the time.” In fact, coloring with colored pencils became a type of mindful art practice that allowed her to focus on drawing instead of all the difficulties going on in her life.

“It was wonderful to see the colors and the feel of the pencil against the paper.

It gave me peace of mind and a sense of quietness.” She didn’t know it, but it was the beginning of her creative journey and a flourishing art career.

Becoming a professional artist When she first discovered coloring books and drawing, Snowdon would stay up late each night working at her kitchen table to make sure she drew every day. As her skills and techniques improved, she began selling pet portraits, completing eight to nine drawings every month.

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Bonny Snowdon, Carmargue Horses, colored pencils

“When I first started, I was drawing 10 hours a day. I didn’t have a business as such, I was just drawing. As I progressed, I started to focus on social media to sell my art, so my days were equally divided between marketing and drawing,” Snowdon said.

To learn more about art marketing, she signed up for Ann Kullberg’s “Shine Video Series” which teaches artists how to set up a commission-based art business.

“Ann provided great information about pricing so when I went into art full time, I knew I needed to set higher prices for my artwork. Gradually, as I increased the cost of my portraits, I could complete far fewer commissioned drawings, but earn more.”

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In late 2016, Snowdon’s older sister encouraged her to quit her regular job and become a full-time artist, and that’s exactly what she did, officially beginning her career in early 2017.

“It’s funny, people often ask me if I was scared to go into art full-time, but I honestly don’t think I ever was,” Snowdon says. “I made the decision that this was what I was going to do for the rest of my life, no matter what, and had faith that it would all work out for the better.”

The Bonny Snowdon Academy As Snowdon progressed with her pet portrait business, she broadened her art

Bonny Snowdon, Man in a Flat Cap, colored pencils

services to include teaching art tutorials through Patreon. As the popularity of her Patreon classes steadily grew, she decided to establish the Bonny Snowdon Academy.

In addition to the solid drawing fundamentals and colored pencil techniques she teaches through the Academy, Snowdon has found that many artists have their own challenges with mental health or relationship issues, so she includes confidencebuilding as part of her teaching style.

She’s a voracious consumer of lectures, classes, and books by self-help and selfimprovement experts, and she applies her expanding knowledge to help her students through any mental obstacles or challenges they face in their artistic pursuits.

“Many of my students start picking up on the habit I teach for them to have a healthier, more confident, mindset when they approach their art.” She encourages them to turn around negative patterns in how they think about themselves or their talent, and replace them with a positive

Bonny Snowdon, Girl in the Daffodils, colored pencils

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Bonny Snowdon, Bay Mare, colored pencils

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approach to their work.

Snowdon has some students who didn’t have the self-assurance to switch on the video during a Zoom tutorial but who, after working with her for a few months, were able to turn on the video and speak live to a 2,000-person Zoom meeting. “I mean, that’s incredible,” Snowdon says, “because those are usually very longstanding mental walls to break through.”

Snowdon feels strongly that if anyone has faced mental health issues, those struggles are not their true identity. She says, “People can change their beliefs about who they are, especially through art and creativity.”

She even goes so far as to say she doesn’t really think her classes are about colored pencils, or even drawing. “As an artist, if you really love what you do, regardless of what is in front of you on the paper, you can enjoy the whole wonderful process of creativity that makes you feel joy and makes you feel amazing,” says Snowdon. “The process is what it’s all about.”

Bonny Snowdon, Young Deer, colored pencils

The power of resilience Through all of the trials Snowdon has faced, one thing that kept her going was a deep sense of resilience. She credits her family for instilling the belief that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to, and this enabled her to move toward becoming a professional artist based on her newfound love of art and creativity.

As she explains, “My family taught me that life is for living and that you should do whatever your heart desires, and that has helped me so much with my confidence and self-esteem over the years. Knowing I had their backing and support was such a great help, and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

Find out more about Snowdon’s teaching at www.bonnysnowdonacademy.com. She offers a range of resources for artists on the website including in-depth tutorials and episodes of her podcast, “It’s a Bonny Old Life.” n Bonny Snowdon, Christie, colored pencils

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Amii Harwood, Stuck Inside, colored pencils

BONNY SNOWDON ACADEMY MEMBER

AMII HARWOOD

A

mii Harwood is a colored pencil artist from Norfolk, U.K. As a child, she loved to draw and paint, but took a break from art that lasted more than 20 years to pursue her career as an academic.

A year ago, she found a tutorial of how to draw a cat’s eye online that she thought would keep her six-year-old occupied for an afternoon. She drew alongside her child and quickly remembered how much she loved creating art. She soon stopped bringing work home and replaced it with artbooks, archival paper and colored pencils.

Looking for colored pencil tutorials on YouTube, Harwood found Bonny Snowdon’s video. She joined the Bonny Snowdon Academy where she found great value in Snowdon’s mentoring and a wealth of positivity and support when she shared her drawings with the Academy’s online community.

Today, Harwood is working on a

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Amii Harwood, Whisker Focus, colored pencils

marketing strategy for her artwork and continually strengthening her colored pencil artistry and technique.

To see more of her work, visit @amiiharwood_artist on Instagram.

BONNY SNOWDON ACADEMY MEMBER

HELEN THERON

Helen Theron, Panda, colored pencils

A

Helen Theron, The Flax King, colored pencils

fter years of being told by teachers that she wasn’t talented enough to succeed in art, Helen Theron, a South African artist now living in New Zealand, had little confidence when she started taking drawing classes through the Bonny Snowdon Academy.

But everything changed when she started working with Snowdon.

“I found her teaching methods and coaching style made me feel more positive

about my artwork,” Theron said. “I learned so much, not just about art, but also about setting up an art business as well.”

As she progressed, she was able to build confidence in her ability to draw, learned helpful drawing techniques, and started winning awards for her pet and wildlife drawings.

See more of Theron’s art on Facebook, www.facebook.com/helentheronfinearts.

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We're very happy to present the winners, special merit, artistic recognition, and honorable mention award recipients from our 2023 Figural/People Competition. Our heartfelt thanks to all of the artists who sent entries from Canada, Scotland, England, Australia, Norway, Latvia, Turkey, Italy, New Zealand, Belgium, France, and across the U.S. We hope you enjoy the artwork from these talented artists.

All images from the exhibition are under copyright and shared with permission of the artists.

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2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | WINNERS

1st Place Winning Entry Jon Bøe Paulsen The Guests Arrive, Oils @jonbøepaulsen See our feature story about the artist on page 66

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2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | WINNERS

2nd Place Winning Entry Linda Lunnon Nancy, Scratchboard @lindalunnonillustrations | www.lindalunnon.com See our feature story about Lunnon's art on page 70 56

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | WINNERS

3rd Place Winning Entry Joel Mitnick Portrait of Joe, Oils @joelmitnick | www.joelmitnick.com See our feature story about Mitnick's art on page 74 57

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT Special Merit Louise Renée Buddy, Pastels @louiserenee3844 "Since my retirement in 2017, I have been painting almost full-time. I work in soft pastels because I love their luminosity and intensity. I'm most inspired by beauty and feeling. As Picasso said, 'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.' I love art because it brings me to a place of peace that I'd like to share with others."

Special Merit Xiong Yanteng Blue Sweater, Colored Pencils @xiongyanteng.art "I am fascinated by colored pencil portraiture and am grateful to have had my work recognized by several art publications."

Special Merit Sheryl Unwin Beautiful Japan, Oils @sherylunwinartist "Since 2005, I've been focusing on a medium that has become my passion and trademark: scratchboard. I love the beauty of Florida and the Gulf Coast which inspire me to draw subjects I concentrate on: culture, wildlife, and pet portraiture."

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Special Merit Felicia Feldman The Devil Within, Oils @paintings_fmf "For me, inspiration is solitude and reverie. Pairing quiet moments in everyday life with elements of the surreal, I strive to give each painting a personal meaning that's subjective to every viewer."

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT Special Merit Ksenia Sandesko Collective Organism, Oils @sandesko "My art revolves around the exploration of self-identity and self-revelation. I am deeply fascinated by the intricate psychological processes that occur within an individual's inner world, more so than the external happenings. Within my art, I contemplate a myriad of themes, such as selfidentity, the realm of emotions and sensations, and the intricate interplay between one's personality and the surrounding environment."

Special Merit Jacqueline Dunster The Greek Artist, Oils @j_dunster

Special Merit Linda McCord Yellow Gown, Oils @fineartbymccord

"I've loved art since I was a little girl. I started taking oil painting lessons in my early teens, and selling portraits not too long after. My aim is to explore a variety of subjects, focusing on portraits and figure painting as well as animals (especially cats!). I see beauty all around me and I love the excitement of the creative process."

"Art didn't come easy for me. In fact, my husband said 'Honey, art is obviously not your thing, so why don't you find another hobby.' This only made me determined to try harder. Once I drew a face, I knew where I belonged.

It took five years and a lot of hard work but, I was finally able to sell my art. Today I work in realism and I'm also exploring abstracts."

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2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT Special Merit Jill Storey Nobody Said There'd Be Line Dancing, Pastels @jillstoreyart "I'm inspired by all of the things that go into making a great portrait: the light, of course, and the reflection of mood and emotion. Capturing a fleeting moment in time. To me, the shadow of a cloud moving across the foothills is the same as an expression flashing across a face, and in any urban scene, the lines and planes of architecture are as fundamental as muscle and bone. I consider the act of translating what I see from life to paper to be portraiture, no matter what I choose to draw."

Special Merit Renee Reid No Skin Teeth, Colored Pencils @reneereidcreations "I love to draw a variety of subjects, from people to landscapes to geometrical shapes. I only know which subject I will use once I see a photo or a face that draws me in. In other words, I feel a connection to the image, and at that moment I have a strong urge to create with the hope that the result will be able to translate the emotions I cannot express with words."

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Special Merit Heidi Brueckner Dracena, Oils, Fabric, Buttons, Recycled Bubble Mailers @heidi.brueckner "My work at its core is about humankind’s understanding of itself, studying human nature, and its relationship to storytelling. I envelop my figures with color and pattern because the work venerates the individual with the ultimate sentiment that we try to live in a more socially and environmentally just world, encouraging people to appreciate and love one another, and to, in turn, understand the importance of social justice and respect for our earth and all its creatures."

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | SPECIAL MERIT

Special Merit Cher Pruys Awesome Sloan, Acrylic @cherpruys "I find inspiration everywhere! I look for beauty in everyday objects that most people take for granted or just don’t truly see them as they are. The seemingly boring and mundane subjects can truly be like magnets if portrayed in the right light. My goal is to take my inner visions and create a work of art for the viewer. That is the ultimate in self expression."

Special Merit Aneka Ingold Hiberna, Mixed Media @anekaingold "When I draw women, what I am most interested in is confronting and dismantling a history of societal expectations that keep women from being the complicated, complex and ambiguous individuals that they are today and always have been. I intuitively tell the stories that are not just my own, but that of my mother, my grandmother, and the women that have permeated my life. These women are my friends and family members, but they are also women I identify with from history. Stories I’ve encountered that investigate female experiences throughout different time periods, cultures, and political and social milieus trickle into my narratives. "

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2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | ARTISTIC RECOGNITION

Artistic Recognition Jeanne O'Leary Michelangelo's Pieta Watercolor @watercolors_by_jeanne_oleary_

Artistic Recognition Robert Quimby Cowboy Cool, Watercolor @robertquimbyart

Artistic Recognition Ilgonis Rinkis In the Meadow, Oils @ilgonis.rinkis 62

Artistic Recognition Rochelle Oberholser On the Farm, Graphite www.facebook.com/shelley.althouseoberholser

Artistic Recognition Linda Briesacher New Boots, Oils @lindabriesacher

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | ARTISTIC RECOGNITION Artistic Recognition Kat Block A Woman of Heart and Mind Mixed Media Collage @kat.block

Artistic Recognition Victoria Twomey Dream with Me, Colored Pencils & Acrylic @victoria_twomey_art

Artistic Recognition Ed Bilsoy Play It Again, Graphite @edbilsoyart

Artistic Recognition Pauline Clay Drinking It All In, Colored Pencils @pauline.clay.art

Artistic Recognition John Hanley Soulful Eyes, Graphite @john.hanley.art

Artistic Recognition Michelle Sullivan Stepping Out, Acrylic @michellesullivanartist

Artistic Recognition Laurie Basham A Conversation Between Chairs, Pastels @lolliartworks 63

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | ARTISTIC RECOGNITION

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Artistic Recognition Justin White Grief, Oils @justinwhiteartist

Artistic Recognition Annette Alessi Ballerina Looking Out, Oils @annettealessi

Artistic Recognition Ann Heilbron Souers du Soleil, Acrylic @anniemonkee

Artistic Recognition Jamie Derr Lianna, Oils @jamiederrart

2023 FIGURAL/PEOPLE COMPETITION | HONORABLE MENTION

Honorable Mention Hend Al-Rijab Cosmopolitan Femme, Acrylic @hend_alrijab

Honorable Mention Rebecca Jones Love, Graphite & Colored Pencils @rebeccajonesshenanigans

Honorable Mention Valeria Parada Self Portrait 3, Charcoal

Honorable Mention Wayne Chunat A Tribute to John SeereyLester 1945-2020, Acrylic @waynechunat

Honorable Mention Lizzie Jayne Worship, Watercolor @artbylizziejayne

Honorable Mention Kathy Bowles Rowan, Colored Pencils and Pan Pastels @kathy.bowles.543

Honorable Mention Brad Heckman Glenn Gould, Mixed Media @hecksign

Honorable Mention Amy Szwaya Sidewalk Chalk, Graphite & Colored Pencils @amyvkszwaya

Honorable Mention Teresa Brown Sophie, Acrylic @tkbrown_art

Honorable Mention Lauren Walker All the Small Things, Acrylic @theartistwithin86

Honorable Mention Susan Boudman Beach Boy, Oils @suzqdart

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2023 Figural/People Competition

Jon Bøe Paulsen

1st Place Winner

I

nternationally acclaimed artist, Jon Bøe Paulsen of Oslo, Norway, is a master of neo-realism. "I consider myself to be an artist belonging to the group of new realists where the human form is looked upon in a new light and painted with strong figurative elements."

Paulsen studied art at the Norwegian State Art Academy located in Norway, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts.

His portraits weave multiple narratives into a single image, with the strong interplay of light and dark using a technique known as "Clair Obscure" ("chiaroscuro" in Italian), which accentuates striking contrasts between light and dark, creating a dramatic effect.

As Paulsen explains, "Classical paintings which use the Clair Obscure technique, have a stronger impact on the viewer because of their restricted use of color.

This is why I try to work with only a few earth tone colors in each piece."

Paulsen's process includes photographing tableaus and models to work from in his final paintings. He says, "It would be impossible for models to hold their poses over extended periods while maintaining the precise light I want to create. I believe your art must go in a direction where the photograph cannot follow!"

Paulsen's award-winning work has been included in more than 60 solo and group exhibitions, featured in numerous art publications, and is in public and private collections around the world. www.artrenewal.org/Artist/Index/7440 WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM: @jonbøepaulsen

All images © Jon Bøe Paulsen, shared with permission.

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Jon Bøe Paulsen | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 1st Place Winner

1st Place Winning Entry

Jon Bøe Paulsen, The Guests Arrive, Oils (See full-size image on page 55)

Jon Bøe Paulsen, Fatal Attraction, Oils 67

Jon Bøe Paulsen | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 1st Place Winner

Jon Bøe Paulsen, The Blue Hour, Oils

Jon Bøe Paulsen, Towards Kløvningen, Oils 68

Jon Bøe Paulsen, Olivia, Oils

Jon Bøe Paulsen | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 1st Place Winner

Jon Bøe Paulsen, Indian Summer, Oils

Jon Bøe Paulsen, The Last Letter, Oils 69

2023 Figural/People Competition

Linda Lunnon

2nd Place Winner

I

n the rural landscapes of Australia, Linda Lunnon was sketching the flora and fauna that surrounded her when she was just a child.

Her most cherished possessions were a tin of Derwent Artist pencils and an expansive book about Australian birds.

Her love for nature led Lunnon to pursue a career in environmental science. Upon discovering that the University of Newcastle offered a Natural History Illustration degree, she entered the program and was awarded the prestigious Margaret Senior Wildlife Illustration Award during her final year of study.

Lunnon works in a variety of media, but her first choice is scratchboard, and she has attained the title Master Scratchboard Artist in the International Society of Scratchboard Artists. While she leaves many of her pieces in black and white, she will also

add colored inks to an artwork creating a beautiful combination of scratchboard and color.

She finds inspiration in her travels and observations of nature, crafting portraits of animals and people that encapsulate their unique character, emotions, and momentary expressions.

"My love for the natural world means that most of my pieces are wildlife and botanical illustrations, though I do enjoy drawing people. I love capturing the essence and character of my subjects, and the medium of scratchboard provides a good base for creating drama and detail," she says.

Lunnon's work has won numerous awards, garnered recognition both nationally and internationally, and been included in numerous exhibitions. Her pieces are held in private collections in Australia, the U.K., Canada, and the U.S. WEBSITE: www.lindalunnon.com INSTAGRAM: @lindalunnonillustrations

All images © Linda Lunnon, shared with permission.

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Linda Lunnon | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 2nd Place Winner 2nd Place Winning Entry

Linda Lunnon Nancy Scratchboard (See full-size image on page 56)

Linda Lunnon, Bed of Blossoms, Scratchboard 71

Linda Lunnon | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 2nd Place Winner Linda Lunnon, Angniq, Scratchboard

Linda Lunnon, Coppertails and Flannel Flowers, Scratchboard 72

Linda Lunnon | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 2nd Place Winner

Linda Lunnon, Treecreeping, Scratchboard

Linda Lunnon, Ruffled, Scratchboard 73

2023 Figural/People Competition

Joel Mitnick

3rd Place Winner

N

ew Jersey artist, Joel Mitnick, paints his oil portraits from life in a single sitting, using the "alla prima" or wet on wet painting technique. "I love working this way because it's so spontaneous, fresh, and exciting," he explains. "The challenge lies in bringing the character, essence, and likeness of each subject to life in a simple and uncomplicated style. It's extraordinarily stimulating and very rewarding."

In his formative years as an artist, Mitnick found inspiration in the works of masters like Rembrandt and John Singer Sargent. Their adept manipulation of light and shadow fascinated him, spurring him to

delve deeper into the study of painting and hone his skills.

A graduate of the Pratt Institute, he worked as an adjunct professor at the school teaching graphic design and visual communications for several years.

During that time, he established Joel Mitnick Design Inc., a graphic design firm based in Englewood, New Jersey. He currently teaches portraiture and figure oil painting at Ridgewood Art Institute in New Jersey.

Mitnick has received many awards for his work, including several "Red Dot" awards from the Art Students League in New York for excellence in portraiture.

WEBSITE: www.joelmitnick.com INSTAGRAM: @joelmitnick

All images © Joel Mitnick, shared with permission.

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Joel Mitnick | 2023 Figural/People Competition, 3rd Place Winner

3rd Place Winning Entry

Joel Mitnick, Portrait of Joe Oils (See full-size image on page 57)

Joel Mitnick, Portrait of Max, Oils Joel Mitnick Apples, Cutting Board and Knife Oils

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INSPIRING ART

Rooted in Beauty The beauty of trees has been depicted in art through the ages, from the weeping willows in Monet’s Japanese Bridge and Water Lily Pond, to Cypresses by Van Gogh, and The Tree of Life by Klimt. Artists have rendered countless trees in their work, in every medium and style, each an expression of one of nature’s most perfect creations. Here are some examples of beautiful and inspiring tree art on Instagram.

Charlie from Coffee Art, Tree Series, ink on paper @_charlie_13

Beth Nadler, Tree of a Thousand Colors, acrylic @bethnadlerart

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Svetlin Sofroniev, Untitled, watercolor @sofroniev.art

Atanas Matsoureff, Cut Tree, watercolor @matsoureff

Salma Price-Nell, Tree of Duality, ink on paper @thesalsacreative

Linda Wilder, Pretty in Pink, acrylic @lindawilderart

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Amy Evans, In Its Glory, oil @amyevansart

Sherry Killingsworth, Forest Walk, pastel @sherrykillingsworthartist

David Barclay, Atkins Reservoir, oil @davidbarclayart

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Karen Israel, In February's Clutches, pastel @karenisraelpastel

Allison Krajcik, Untitled, oil @colorwhisperer1

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