ArtTour International Magazine Winter 2016

EDITOR IN CHIEF VIVIANA PUELLO Founder of ArtTour International Magazine Creator of the ATIM TV Channel and the "ART 2 HEART" Interviews Email vp@arttourinternational.com.

ArtTour International Magazine “The Global Platform for the Artist of Today” Awarded the 2014 Medal of Honor by the National Academy of Fine Arts in Brazil

Colombo-American internationally-acclaimed artist, curator, writer and activist, Viviana Puello is an arts advocate, highly recognized for her active role promoting the arts globally. She has most recently receive the title of Honorary Member and the Medal of Honor by the National Academy of Fine Arts in Brazil, for her relevant contribution to fine arts and culture internationally with her work for ArtTour International Magazine and the Vivid Arts Network.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Puello is also the founder of the Vivid Arts Network, an international art organization that serves as a platform for professional and emerging artists looking to receive international exposure.

In 2011, Puello founded ArtTourInternational Magazine; with the help of her creative team, the first issue of the magazine was published in December 2011 and distributed to fifteen hundred readers. Today, ArtTour International Magazine has over 2 million readers and is present in over 120 countries.

Puello splits her time between Italy and New York, the city in which she gained experience while working for a notable TV Station. After founding ArtTour International Magazine and seeing its success, Viviana founded the ATIM web TV Channel where she uses her experience in journalism and communications to expose contemporary artists through the live broadcasting of events and the “Art 2 heart” interviews she does while traveling with her team.

VIDEO/GRAPHIC DIRECTOR ATIM WEB TV ALAN GRIMANDI Director of the ATIM Web TV Channel Email alan.grimandi@arttourinternational.com

You can find ArtTour International Magazine in all Barnes & Noble Stores in USA, McNally Robinson Booksellers in Canada and over 1200 Independent Bookstores and Newsstands Worldwide!

Director and co-founder of ATIM Web TV, the online broadcasting channel for ArtTourInternational Magazine. With over 15 years of experience in the graphic design and art industry and art industries, Grimandi brings to his work not just the excellent technique and performance of a professional graphic and video producer but also a deep understanding of the art world, with expertise on the broadcast of art events, celebrity interviews, artists and video shooting of artworks. As the video and graphic director of ArtTour International Magazine, Alan keeps on top of the latest technology to create professional state-of-the-art productions and broadcasts of the best quality with the help of his team.

WEB DEVELOPER/GRAPHIC DESIGN Humberto José Orozco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND EDITORS: Cody LaVada, Yadira Roman, Joseph Buchanan, Brook Basil, Carrie O’Bern Joan Campbell, Ph. Martinez, Jamie Burroughs, Claire Dagen, Mark Rabenau PHOTOGRAPHY On this issue: Alan Grimandi, Marco Zanotti, Delphine Conedera, Durga Garcia

This is an interactive publication!

Look for the Art 2 Heart logo: Click on it to watch the video interviews and behind the scene footage of our feature artists. For more information log on to www.atimtv.com

CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Shipping & Orders: info@arttourinternational.com or call USA: 800 807–1167

iTunes, Kindle, Newsstand Applications: Contact customer service: call USA: 310 359 8709 or UK: 208 196 9503. Office hours are 5:00am – 5:00pm PST Monday – Friday.

DISTRIBUTION: USA & Canada Contact: +1 (800) 807–1167 Europe Contact +39 (345) 167–7704 Lebanon Contact Jeker Kerbage Bookshop, Fanar, Jdeideh, Beirut, Lebanon +961–1–896442

Please help us protect visual artists rights.

The copyrights of all published artwork are retained by the artists. Published by Arttour International Publications Inc. 45 Rockefeller Plaza Suite 2000, New York, NY 10111 © Copyright 2015 Arttour International Magazine. All copyrights are reserved by the authors. Reproduction of any published material without the written permission of the magazine's publisher is prohibited by law.

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On the cover!

“Embrace II” by Fabian Perez

A Message From Our Editor In Chief We are now celebrating the fourth anniversary of this amazing project that we all call ArtTour International Magazine. Being a part of a project bigger than yourself means enjoying all those intimate moments that nobody else gets to see. The behind-the-scenes, the jokes, the excitement, the anxiety, the never-ending reviews on the eve of a publishing day...not to mention the work coming in that gets passed around our team of writers, editors, graphic designers, web masters, and bloggers, or our backand-forth banter with the contributors. Behind the scenes, we have an outstanding team of writers and journalists meeting with artists worldwide to create our exclusive interviews and develop our high quality content.

While our editorial team is at work, our ATIM Web T.V. team is also working behind the scenes fulfilling our vision of having an interactive publication where our readers not only read great content but also watch videos and interviews specifically crafted for each issue. When the magazine is published, you get a stimulating visual experience with our print and digital publication, art reviews, events, and articles that come to life through our state-of-the-art video production. Just log on to our ATIMTV.COM channel and enjoy the stories, interviews, and coverage we've put together for you by attending real-life events.

And, of course, we can’t leave out the professional exhibition team that follows us around the world helping us organize events like the Masters Award Ceremony, which is celebrated year after year at a prime location to applaud the awarded artists and our team.

To many, ArtTour International Magazine is a window to the international art scene, a venue for artists to showcase their work around the world, and a great magazine that puts out exciting content issue after issue—that’s what we strive for. We're aiming for a streamlined creative process that produces winning results.

But to me, this magazine is a universe all its own. ArtTour International Magazine represents the collaborations, the meetings with the artists, the hugs and kisses, the Skype chats, the social media messages from our readers, the blog comments, the tears of joy (and frustration), the now, the moment, and the journey. Definitely the journey.

During this year, we have become a family; what started with a few people chasing a vision has grown into a worldwide team. We now have team members in the USA, Colombia, the UK, Italy, the Philippines, and Spain. Our team is made of writers and artists fulfilling the dream of a magazine created by artists for artists—devoted, passionate, crazy artists, people of impeccable principles who make this journey a very fulfilling experience. Some of us meet once or twice, and some of us spend all day online producing and dissecting ideas. Sometimes we get to travel and see each other—after all, my schedule doesn’t allow me to stay in one place for too long. We're traveling to bring you worldwide event broadcasts and interviews.

We’ve come a long way, but we do carry the seed of that initial passion in most of what we do— especially in how we make it our purpose to give artists a voice and provide for them a platform, a bridge to reach the other side of the ocean and to express their message.

Have we accomplish our goal of being of service to the art community and a support system for artists worldwide? We surely hope so. We keep trying.

On the eve of our anniversary, I just want to say thanks for supporting our vision and traveling with us on this journey. Thank you, dear readers, for being there issue after issue. Thanks to our network of artists in over 198 countries for sharing our vision and trusting ArtTour International Magazine as their global platform. And thanks to my A-team, as I call them, for such amazing work, and for always exceeding any expectations. Thanks for their professionalism, devotion, and commitment, and above all, thanks ArtTour International Magazine for all that you represent to all of us. Happy anniversary!

Viviana Puello Editor in Chief Arttour International Magazine Email: vp@arttourinternational.com

• Anne & Karly V • Fiona White • Ruby Purple • Dorothy Slikker • Erzsebet Nagy SAAR • Michael Geudner & Eugen Fass • Garry Harley • Gudrun Alvebro • Hesther van Doornum • Irina Gretchanaia • Marcus Carlsson • Michelle Larsen • Robert Boris Turpin • Sharon Ross • Suzanne Duncan • Svetlana Leuchuk • Tracey Harvey

by Brook Basil Art Tour International Magazine (ATIM), is proud to present “Alzando El Vuelo” the official sculpture for the ATIM Masters Awards. The award recipients are chosen each year from ATIMʼs Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art, a yearly publication that features 60 incredible artists and highlights the best of the best in the contemporary art world. Curated by the internationally acclaimed art personality Viviana Puello, founder and editor-in-chief of ATIM, the publication spotlights top talents from a vast array of artistic forms.

The top 60 artists each year receive a masterʼs certificate, and selected artists receive the ATIM Masters Award. In addition, the artistsʼ works are featured in the magazine and several other projects.

The winners of the ATIM Masters Award. receive reproductions of a beautiful sculpture created by Puello. The elegant, stunning sculpture entitled “Alzando el Vuelo.”, it is a 25-cm angellike figure with magnificent open wings and extended arms. A famous Italian porcelain company located in Nove, Italy creates the reproductions in porcelain and then plate them with 24carat gold. This unique, spectacular sculpture embodies everything ATIM stands for.

Viviana Puello grew up in Cartagena, Colombia, where she began painting at the young age of 12. After working for 20 years as a successful artist and curator, Puello started ATIM with the goal of introducing exceptional talents and creating a long-lasting impact in the world of fine arts. With the help of her team, she published the first issue in December 2011. Over the past four and a half years, the magazine has gained immense popularity, and it now reaches over two million readers in 135 nations. Puello splits her time between Italy and New York, the city in which she gained experience while working for a notable TV Station.

After founding ArtTour International Magazine and seeing its great success, she founded the ATIM Web TV Channel where she uses her past experience in journalism and communications to expose contemporary artists through the live broadcasting of events and interviews artists on the program “Art 2 Heart.” She recently received the Grand Medal of Honor from the National Academy of Fine Arts of Brazil.

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For information about the “ATIM’S TOP 60 Masters of Contemporary Art “ publication or the ATIM’s Masters Award email: info@arttourinternational.com or call USA +1 800 807-1167 Ext 107 - Italy +39 345 1677704 WWW.ARTTOURINTERNATIONAL.COM www.arttourinternational.com

A Message From The Artist

“The ATIM Masters Award originated with the ATIM’s Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art publication. We have presented this award to artists since 2013. The ATIM Masters Awards recognize the work of master artists and emerging talent in the international artistic scene. The artists who receive the ATIM Masters Awards are given the awards during a special award ceremony we celebrate once a year.

After the publication of this year’s ATIM Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art, I was very inspired by the works of the artists. We presented an amazing selection of art in the pages of the publication, and each work is very special in its own way. My heart led me to propose the idea of creating an original piece of art that would be presented to our awardwinning artists. This piece would be something special, created from the heart, and full of loving, creative, joyful energy. That is how “Alzando el Vuelo” was born!

For a few days, thanks to a great team of assistants, I was able to step away from work and immerse myself in the wonderful art of sculpting.

“Alzando el Vuelo,” which can be translated as “Taking Off,” is about that special moment in time when you leave everything behind, forget everything else, and decide to believe in yourself. At that moment, we feel free to spread our wings and open our arms to receive all that life has to offer to us. “Alzando el Vuelo” reflects not only the power of our dreams but also our own inner power. Once we discover that power and let loose, we are never the same. I hope this message comes across through my art.

To all the artists who have received this piece of art or will receive it in the future, and to all artists out there looking for that push, that moment, that something you’ve looked for outside yourselves for so long, I say this: look into your heart and set yourself free to dream. Forget what you know, what you think, what you were told, and forget your old beliefs. Start believing in what you think is unbelievable, impossible, crazy, or out of proportion.

Believe in dreaming big and let your heart fly. Stay inspired, enjoy the ride!

Viviana Puelo Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

www.arttourinternational.com

Photography ArtTour International Magazine. Copyright 2015 © All rights reserved by ArtTour International Publications 45 Rockefeller Plaza Suite 2000, New York, NY 10111 Tel 1 800 807-1167.

Fall 2015

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“A Night To Remember”

The ATIM MASTERS AWARD CEREMONY

Enclosed in the spectacular walls of one of the most incredible monumental beauties of the Italian tourist itinerary, ArtTour International Magazine celebrated one of the most expected events of the year.

by Brook Basil On the eve of the fourth anniversary, ArtTour I n t e r n a t i o n a l M a g a z i n e o rg a n i ze d a spectacular award ceremony, the ATIM Masters Awards, to celebrate both upcoming and mature talents of the industry. A numbers of awards were given to artists from different genres. The high-energy show was a clear hit.

No better place could have hosted this year’s ATIM Masters Award ceremony than the magnificent Castello Estense in Ferrara.

Enclosed in the spectacular walls of one of the most incredible monumental beauties of the Italian tourist itinerary, the 2015 ATIM Masters Award was one of the most expected events of this year. It took place on August 23,

halfway through the “Rise” international e x h i b i t i o n o r g a n i z e d b y A r t To u r International Magazine and Vivid Arts Network, which ran from August 22 to August 29. Viviana Puello, editor-in-chief of ArtTour I n t e r n a t i o n a l M a g a z i n e, p e r s o n a l l y presented the ATIM Masters Awards to selected artists to honor their achievements, celebrate the excellence of their work, and recognize their contributions to the arts.

Nothing could make these marvels of modern art stand out more than the beautiful Renaissance atmosphere of the Castello Estense, an incredible castle built by Bartolino da Novara in 1385.

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Artist Cheefali Asija, UK/India, recipient of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

The award recipients were chosen from ATIM’s Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art, a yearly publication that features 60 incredible artists and highlights the best of the best in the contemporary art world. The publication is curated by the internationally acclaimed art personality Viviana Puello, founder and editor-in-chief of ArtTour Inter national Ma gazine, and g raphic direction is provided by recognized video producer Alan Grimandi, director of ATIMTV.COM, the well-known web TV channel of ArtTour Inter national. It spotlights top talents from a vast array of artistic forms. The top 60 artists each year receive a master’s certificate, and the top five

artists receive the ATIM’s Masters Award. In addition, the artists’ works are featured in the magazine and several other projects.

People can also watch interviews with the artists on ATIMTV.COM. The recipients of the ATIM Masters Awards received reproductions of a beautiful sculpture created by Puello. The elegant, stunning sculpture is entitled “Alzando el Vuelo” (Taking Off). It is a 25-cm angel-like figure with magnificent open wings and extended arms. A famous Italian porcelain company located in Nove, Italy created the Cont. Next Page

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

reproductions in porcelain which were then plated with 24-carat gold. This unique, spectacular sculpture embodies everything ATIM stands for.

Puello stated, "The sculpture represents the moment when you decide to open your wings and fly, which is a moment of liberation. My message to the artists is to stay inspired, keep dreaming, and never give up. We are divine creatures, capable of much more than we give ourselves credit for. I hope ‘Alzando el Vuelo’ can bring that message closer to their hearts."

The ATIM Masters Award winners are a diverse group of artists chosen for their immense, unprecedented contributions to fine arts.

Award winning internationally recognized fine art photographer Durga Garcia, a US artist, was chosen for her remarkable, curious photographic project “The Air We Breathe.”

LeRoi Callwell Johnson of Buffalo, New York a has been recognized for his “Electric Primitive” artistry.

Most of his paintings can be considered as a modern revision of expressionism, with innovative geometric patterns that recall African colors and forms in a perfect blend of modernism and ethnic art.

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Artist Sharon Ross (UK) recipient of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

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ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

Sharon T. Ross from UK was a nurse for some 30 years before starting her career as a painter. She’s an incredibly prolific expressionist painter that fills her pen and ink, or oil works with elements of abstractism that she explains, are a part of her inner self used to help her Zen meditation. “My long career as a nurse, coupled with the death of my mother in my childhood has had a profound influence on me”, she explained “Not only as growing up from a child to a woman, but also spiritually as part of my life journey”. Her works reflect her exploration of the human mind through several repetitive patterns, shades and tones that aim at stripping out the mask of everyday life.

Kenneth Bender’s from Sweden work “Mr. and Mrs. Bates Joy,” which are both acrylic on canvas, earned this artist top spot, for Bender art can be life-changing as he states "I think it’s wrong that people think art is just this lifeless object that hangs on a wall. I’m out to show, that art can be inspirational and life-changing when it’s seen every day.”

Suzanne Duncan is an Australian photographer and creative director, that has worked for several famous fashion magazines such as Vogue Italy, Elle and Cosmopolitan. She focuses on strong, vibrant images of powerful and inspirational women of all ages.

Cont. Next Page

Artist Leroi Johnson (USA) recipient of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

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Artist Ivan Hidalgo (Spain) recipient of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

Artist Kenth Bender (Sweden) recipient of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

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ArtTour International Magazine also recognized selected artists participating in the ATIM Masters International Exhibition “Rise�, which displayed the works of 33 international artists from across the globe. ATIM Masters Awards were presented to artists Sheffali Asija from the UK, Michael Geudner and Eugen Fass from Germany, Ivan Hidalgo from Spain and Cristina Ilinca from Romania. ATIM Timeless Awards, given to an artist in recognition for excellence in the arts for a specific work or body of works, were presented to artists John Nieman and Michael Lam. The ATIM Choice Award, which is given to the artist selected by the public through a social media campaign, was presented this year to Margaret Chiwoloska from Canada.

The ATIM Masters Award evening was one many people will cherish for years. The show was a big hit.

ArtTour International Magazine has earned an incomparable reputation over time, and this award ceremony adds another feather to the cap.

Artist Cristina Ilinca (Romania), recipient of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

For more information about the ATIM Masters Awards flip to page 46 or log on to: www.arttourinternational.com/top60

Watch our video presentation of this event! Log on to www.atimtv.com

Artists Michael Geudner & Eugen Fass (Germany), recipients of the ATIM Masters Award 2015.

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

Fabian Perez

“Intimate Moments” An Exclusive Interview

“Portrait of Pope Francis”, Acrylic on Canvas by Fabian Perez

by Yadira Roman

Feelings of allure, intimacy, and warmth come to fore when standing in front of Fabian Perez's pieces. The gifted artist's strong personality shines through in his humble studio — a quiet space where he keeps balance and maintains consistency. Cont. Next page www.arttourinternational.com

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ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016 “Black Phone”, Acrylic on Canvas by Fabian Perez

Fabian has created a daily routine revolved around the time he can dedicate to his family. He wakes up at 8 to paint, handle marketing, and plan what he will move forward with the next day. Afternoons are spent with his children -- he states this with a respectful conviction.

"No one wants a lazy artist," Fabian says. "If you paint, studios make money; if you don’t paint, they don’t make money.

If you make the decision to work with galleries, you need to understand people want prolific artists. I also think it's good for you as an artist to be in the studio often. It helps you grow, and understand yourself."

Fabian remembers when the demand for his art was not as high. "It was very laid-back, very relaxed," he says. "If I wanted to paint one piece every once in a while, it was fine. No one was depending on me."

“Practice, discipline and belief in one's self are all crucial elements to reaching one's goals”, Fabian says. Earlier this year, his focus gave him the opportunity to reach one of his own: meet Pope Francis.

Now Fabian holds a lot of responsibility as an artist in high demand. For many studios, his work is what brings heavy traffic. He's a very focused individual who understands both sides of the canvas: business and art.

Fabian felt there was something different about this pontiff. He decided he would paint Pope Francis and give him the piece himself. "I put it out there that this was my goal," Fabian says. With the help of various connections, Fabian met someone who was able to set up a meeting. Cont. Next page

The Embrace by Fabian Perez

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“English Rose VI�, Acrylic on Canvas by Fabian Perez

Humbled and ecstatic, Fabian flew out to Rome within five days of hearing the news. However, his first interaction with the Pope was as part of a group of 300 people. Having imagined a much more intimate moment, he smiles and says, "I didn't want to let go of the painting."

The experience left him with an empty feeling, but he did not give up. Fabian got ahold of the Pope's right-hand man and was able to arrange another

meeting within a week. He heard from the Pope's private secretary that Francis was so fond of the piece that he did not hang it in the Vatican as originally planned. He wanted it all to himself.

Fabian's second encounter with the Pope was grand. Francis walked up to Fabian and spoke to him one-on-one. "When I see this painting, I see myself; I see an expression that only I have seen," the Pope said.

“Nocturnal Surprise”, Acrylic on Canvas by Fabian Perez

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Fabian Perez

by Cody LaVada Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 2nd, 1967, Pérez has always had an interest in the arts. He worked with watercolors and tempera at the age of eight, and began to create portraits of friends, family members and celebrities which he kept in an album.

Working at the encouragement of his mother, Edua Herreria, who he lists as a major inspiration in his life throughout the creative process, he delved into the world of art at a young age, fully dedicated to his endeavors.

This is one of many examples of the strong essence Fabian is able to paint onto a canvas.

Putting all of him into each one of his pieces, his strong energy is felt in every stroke. This energy transcends and it reaches to every one of our hearts. It is not his technique that has gained him fame; but the intimate, pure and raw moments he creates for every eye that lands on his work.

To learn more about Fabián Pérez, his artwork, exhibitions and up-coming projects, you may visit his website

www.fabianperez.com

Watch our video interview to this artist! Log on to www.atimtv.com

Another inspiration to him was his father, Antonio Pérez, and the life that he lived. The youngest of the four Pérez children, Fabián Pérez frequently spent time with his father and witnessed his difficult and often unconventional lifestyle.

Antonio Pérez was the owner of several nightclubs and bordellos in the area, which were frequently closed down by the police. Fabian says that his paintings often include likenesses of his father, depicted as “the cool guy” outside the clubs. As a child, Fabian was motivated by these locations and the “ladies of the night” that existed within their ethereal realms – the beautiful women who could seduce a man by “simply lighting a cigarette.” As a result of this fascination with the women he observed and the demimonde in which they dwelt, Pérez often includes such characters in his paintings, paying tribute to his childhood and the splendor that he experienced in those years.

When he was sixteen years old, his mother died followed by his father three years later. Grieving at the passing of two major supports and inspirations in his life, Pérez found solace in one of the greatest motivators of his life: Sensei Oscar Higa, whom he met in 1984. With this paternal figure, Pérez learned martial arts, and managed to channel his despair and emptiness into yet another creative outlet, using the discipline of karate to fill his time. With the sensei, Pérez found a friend, teacher and incredible influence; he also found strength and inner peace with himself, and eventually left Argentina to embark on a journey of global proportions which lasts to this day; he moved to Italy at the age of 22, where he resided for seven years. He filled his time by collecting various forms of artistic encouragement and studying with Oscar Higa.

While in Italy, Perez picked up several new artistic techniques and also gathered the inspirations for a book: “Reflections of a Dream”. He has since written two others: “Waiting for the Romance to Come Back” and “All the Romance We Leave Behind”.

Perez then lived in Japan for a year, during which time his paintings amassed some critical acclaim. From Japan, Perez decided to explore the United States, and he took up life in Los Angeles.

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Best Of International Arts 2015

A fascinating visual experience!

A contemporary art selection of timeless beautfy

A Digital Exhibition Presented by ArtTour International Magazine

BOOTH F112 www.arttourinternational.com info@arttourinternational.com Tel +1 800 807-1167 “Summer Reverie� - Mixed Media by Diana Whiley

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Best Of International Arts Agata Padol Page 26 Alex Slingenberg Page 27 Barbara Moore Page 28 Blandine Girerd Page 29 Carolynn Barnhart Page 29 Dashuai Sun Page 30 David Whitfield Page 31 Denisa Prochazka Page 31 Diana Whiley Page 32 Donna Bonin Page 33 Dorothy Slikker Page 32 Durga Garcia Page 34 Eliora Bousquet Page 34 Eric Wiles Page 35 Erzsebet Nagy SAAR Page 35

Fiona White Page 36 Fleur Le Gros Page 37 Gabi Domenig Page 37 Garegin Sngryan Page 39 Garry Harley Page 38 Gudrun Alvebro Page 40 Helene DeSerres Page 41 Hesther van Doornum Page 42 Irina Gretchanaia Page 42 Jim Fitzpatrick Page 44 John Nieman Page 43 Karly Et Anne V Page 50 Katrin Alvarez Page 46 Kay Griffith Page 52 Lis Engel Page53

2015

Lisa Levasseur Page 53 Luca Cappai Page 55 Manuella Muerner Marioni Page 55 Marc Mirkovitch Page 59 Marc Vander Leeden Page 54 Marcela Carvalho Page 52 Marcus Carlsson Page 56 Megan Vun Wong Page 56 Michael Lam Page 57 Michelle Larsen Page 58 Nerea del Teso Page 58 Olesya Lanovitch Page 60 Robert Boris Turpin Page 61 Rollande Dufault Page 62 Rosalyn Engelman Page 63

Ruby Purple Page 62 Rumen Sazdov Page 64 Sarah Powers Page 64 SanSan Page 65 Sharon Ross Page 66 Shelbatra Jashari Page 67 Sherrard Grauer Page 67 Sima Fisher Page 68 Sirenes Page 70 Svetlana Leuchuk Page 71 Thomas Thomas Page 72 Tracey Harvey Page 73 Tricia Rissmann Page 71 Zhihong Wei Page 74 Zhou Kang Page 75

BEST Of International Arts

AGATA PADOL CIECHANOWSKA “I frequently paint in cycles. The cycles are formed as a result of observing the world around me. The topic is important but much more important is the thought hidden in the phenomenon, person, thing or experience. T hese experiences, emotions, observations have inspired me to develop a new form of painting. I am currently focus on a new project ‘People’. This is a very personal project because it focuses on people who are close to me, those from the real world but also those I have not had the opportunity to meet personally and yet had an impact in my life. I dedicate much attention to the expression on human faces, human eyes, the variation of facial expressions from one moment to the next. The mystery of what lies in human faces is like heaven, impossible to grasp by anyone on earth and yet the sky and face are visually different and not comparable.” www.agatapadol.netgaleria.eu

“Marlyn” 2015 - Acrylic on Canvas, 21.7" x 18.1"

“The Boy In Blue Glasses” 2015 - Acrylic on Canvas,

“Joan” 2015 - Acrylic on Canvas, 15.7" x 19.7"

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BEST Of International Arts

ALEX SLINGENBERG

“My passion for art and wildlife in particular has come from many sources and influences it is an on going journey of self discovery a joyful learning process that fires and feeds my soul, and that which I hope to share with others.” Nature, beauty and art have always been part of Alex’s life.

As a child she traveled throughout the Far East Middle-America and the U.S. with her Diplomat parents, who were also avid art collectors. Surrounded by the lush vegetation of the tropics with its bright colored wildlife combined with the exquisite antiques her parents collected, beauty was everywhere. China, Thailand, The USA and Mexico, the different cultures and native wildlife instilled in her a love of al things beautiful and a strong desire to express her self creatively.

As a child she drew instinctively and later won prizes in school competitions with her natural talent. All this made an indelible impression upon her mind, thus shaping the future artist. Trained initially as a Goldsmith, she graduated as a Designer Craftsman in the UK, and then moved on to work as a photography stylist. Native American culture and art captivated her to the extent that it became a serious interest and subject of study. Silk being her favorite fabric, she started researching ways to paint on it and soon developed her own formula, medium and technique to suit that specific textile. From there on, she started experimenting with painting on leather.” www.natureartists.com/alex_slingenberg.asp

“Serendipity” Oil on Canvas Panel, 23.6” x 31.5”

“Want To Play” Oil on Canvas, 27.5” x 35.5”

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BARBARA MOORE

BEST Of International Arts

“Road 13” - HD Photograph on Gloss Aluminum Float Mount, 30” X 46"

barb@barbmoorefineartphotography.com www.barbmoorefineartphotography.com

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BEST Of International Arts

BLANDINE GIRERD

“I paint in search of contrasts, vibrations and mystery. I love feeling the vibrations. I like bringing out the color off the canvas. Sometimes my hand creates by itself. Above all, I try to create without preconceptions.

I am fascinated by colors, and surprised by their impact on visitors of my first exhibitions, I have followed a Color Therapy training.. I now understand that we love the colors we need. Colors are linked to our bodies , our health, our emotions and our minds. However I use several mediums, and I try to invent new ways of translating insights. I use plexiglas, collages, I mix acrylics with inks and oils...

I like to meet other cultures. I have been told that I create rhythmic and musicians paintings.” www.blandine-girerd.com

“Duo Rouge Et Bleu” Acrylic Painting and Mix Techn 10F “Elephant Marin” Acrylic painting 10F

CAROLYNN BARNHART

“Coastal Impressions Monaco” 2015 Acrylic on Canvas, 16" x 20"

BEST Of International Arts

“Coastal Impressions Nice” 2015 Acrylic on Canvas, 16" x 20"

"Nature is a vibrant vehicle which has become a constant influence in my paintings; almost a pre-requisite, but now there is a distinct edge to that inner expression. Globalization reveals the complexities and diversity of life which results in a universal awareness of ideas and concepts. Dialogue continues to be the heart of all human interaction whether expressed in paint, poetry or music." www.carolynnbarnhartvisualartist.com www.arttourinternational.com

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DASHUAI SUN

BEST Of International Arts

“Auspicious Mongolia”- Watercolor on Paper, 33”x 47"

“My personal experiences are the source of my artistic creations. I pay attention to work details, win viewers’ attention with the unique angle of view and the narration way, creating a work with eastern charm classicism spirit devoting.”

Dashuani Sun is a very recognized an award winning artist, major awards include : Best Painting In Show at the American Artists Professional League Grand National Exhibition, NY ; Great Art Award at the United Kingdom Patchings Open Competition, Gold Medal, Silver Medal and Bronze Medal; First, Second and Third Place, among others. www.dashuaisun.com

“God, Do You Know My Feeling Now? II” Watercolor on Paper, 46” x 33”

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“Morning” Watercolor on Paper, 29” x 22”

“Immigrants United” Watercolor on Paper, 40” x 30”

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ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

DAVID WHITFIELD

“Untitled” - Acrylic, 40” x 30”

BEST Of International Arts

“Untitled” - Acrylic, 40” x 30”

“I attempt to produce a painting rather than a photographic representational picture.

The subject matter revolves around the hidden psyche of individuals and their interaction with others in a group.

Each individual often poses behind a superficial social mask which may hide a different personality.

What really goes on within the group, intellectually and emotionally may be completely different from that perceived by each individual.” davidwwhitfield.com

DENISA_PROCHAZKA

BEST Of International Arts

Denisa Prochazka specializes in the creation of large relief sculptures combining classical and contemporary materials and techniques. Large and imposing while poetic and feminine, Prochazka's art is intended to be spiritually healing and powerful in its symbolic intension. Using clay as the canvas on which she communicates, the artist offers us imagery that is vibrant with mystical and historical elements. She puts forward an iconography that is timeless and strongly feminine, while rich in technique and intention.

“Celtic Goddess” - Aqua-Resin, Through her work, she Hydrostone, Aluminum, 6’ x 8’ offers a very personal look into the necessity to contrast past with present, personal with universal, reality with dream state.

“My philosophy is to bring positive, healing, spiritual force through my art. The use of symbolism and icons drawn from historical and cultural backgrounds help me question the spiritual void I feel in the art of our time. I am interested in creating a series of sculpted visions as symbols that transcend individual nations, faiths and ethnicities evoking alternate meaning and belief systems in our present time.”

“Embrace Of Indigenous Wisdom” Aqua-Resin, Hydrostone, Aluminum, 5’ x 5’

www.denisaprochazka.com Winter 2016

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DIANA WHILEY

“Autumn Muse 1” - Mixed Media

BEST Of International Arts

“Summer Reverie” - Mixed Media

“My inspiration comes from nature and its symphony of color, of season and time, and I consider its impact on our body and psyche as it transforms. I like to bring elements of texture into my art. As a fantasy writer I look to our sense of the past and how it impacts on our present; our dreams.” dizwhiley@hotmail.com

DOROTHY SLIKKER

BEST Of International Arts

“I paint using a soft orange canvas and do a black study using a flat black acrylic paint for the under study. I use prima oils on the painting. I like to paint nature and scenery. Lately I have added people to my work, giving them life. I use my children and family to show what our lives are today in the 21st century. That is what always impressed me with the old masters. You could envision what their lives were like in that time frame.” www.slikkersfineart.com

“Blue Vase” - 2008 Oil on canvas, 24” x 18”

Artwork on the left: “Another Day at the Office” - 2015 Oil on canvas, 20” x 16”

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DONNA BONIN

BEST Of International Arts

www.donnabonin.ca

A native of Hamilton On., and a graduate of Queen's University, Donna taught Physical Education, English, and Art at Moira Secondary School in Belleville for 34 years. Since retirement in 1999, she has become a full time artist, watercolor instructor, avid traveller, and leader of artists' travel vacation workshops.

Donna's paintings have been shown to critical acclaim in numerous juried shows, galleries, and art festivals throughout Eastern Ontario. Her style gives the impression of realism and is best known for attention to detail and bold use of colour. Subject matter is inspired by many life-long passions. She has been "Artist-in-the Park" at both Sandbanks and Presqu'ile Provincial Parks and loves to paint in Algonquin as well as in the tranquility of her garden. Travel has inspired many paintings from Europe to the High Arctic. Years of experience with boats and horses allows for accurate rendering of these within a composition. Horse and pet portraits are a specialty.

In some of her more recent paintings, Donna has emphasized pattern and design bordering on semiabstract through use of unusual colours and juxtapositions. This allows the viewers a flight into fantasy and individual interpretation.

"Natural Harmony" - Watercolor

“Mist In the Mountains” - Watercolor, 30”x 24"

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DURGA GARCIA

BEST Of International Arts

Named "People Photographer of the year 2014" by the Museo LatinAmericano de Fotografia Contemporanea, Uruguay, internationally acknowledged photographer durga Gacia has earned numerous awards from major competitions.

Garcia is a popular speaker to art and photography groups, and has been the judge in several photographic competitions. durga Garcia is a photographer of commissioned portraits, living between USA and the Netherlands. Specialties: Portraits, Fine Art figural

Photography.

“In my latest “Black & Blue” figural Series, each figure seems to be in a desperate position, yet the presence of fresh leaves and/or flowers assure a hope for the future.

The light, shadows, often with the unexpected, hopefully make a thought provoking image the viewer will want to look at more closely, to notice the subtle nuances.” www.durgagarcia.com

“Blue Series 3” Fine Art Photography Left: “Reunion” Fine Art Photography

ELIORA BOUSQUET

BEST Of International Arts

“The Winged Cradle of The World” Acrylic on Canvas, 27.5” x 19.7”

“My paintings seek to convey both an energetic, instinctive, spontaneous almost automatic style, with emphasis on movement and gestures and sensitivity, emotion, awe and reflection. Shadows are virtually absent, as I like to think of light as omnipresent, emanating from all things at all times, a supreme force in the universe.”

“The Mount of Emeralds” Acrylic on Canvas, 19.7 x 27.5”

www.e-bousquet.com

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ERIC WILES

BEST Of International Arts

“Born in Chicago IL. USA amidst great architectural and old world surroundings, I groomed an eye for the beauty of art and the creativity of photography. As a world traveler at an early age the appreciation of natural beauty and the allure of man made objects sparked my creative imagination. Photography allows me the opportunity to capture moments in time and share this expression of beauty through Still Life and Fine Art imaging.” www.ew-photo.com “AON” Photography, 30” x 20” “Bubblefoot” Photography 24” x 7.50”

ERZSEBET NAGY SAAR

BEST Of International Arts

www.saar-art.com

As an artist, Erzsebet Nagy SAAR stands in a row of women whose themes are derived from their own personalities, experiences, from self-observation and their own accentuated view of events. But her methods of self-inspection and self-reflection are, in a contemporary sense, traditional in nature. In addition to the microcosm of the details depicted she needs the grand gesture of painting itself, of spontaneity and concealment.

“Chet Baker” Decollage on Canvas 79” x 79” “Road” Photo Collage on Paper, 8” x 12”

Winter 2016

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FIONA WHITE

BEST Of International Arts

www.fionawhiteart.com

Fiona White is a figurative artist from Sydney Australia; her work has been inspired by people from all corners of the globe.

Challenging and moving, each enigmatic portrait relays a fragmented intimate story, commenting on the human condition while evoking enlivened emotional responses. The artwork brings together a group of individuals, all interacting in their own unique worlds.

The use of mixed media means her work is never static. The figures are drawn in com- pressed charcoal, while the remainder of the artistic process is applied in thick layers of acrylic to which several layers of lacquer are added for a high gloss finish that is rich in texture.

Fiona’s work has been included in the Korean International Art Fair, London Olympics Art show, BHP Billiton Collection, and was a Winner of the “Human Justice Award” for The Blake Prize. Her work is included in private collections in USA, Italy, UK and Hong Kong.

“Blue Hat” Compressed Charcol, Oil Pastel, Acrylic Paint, Lacquer on Board 36” x 28.5”

“Before You Leave” Compressed Charcol, Acrylic Paint, Lacquer on Board 33.5” x 29”

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FLEUR LE GROS

BEST Of International Arts

Fleur Le Gros was born in 1989 in Holland. When she was 18 she got a little camera from her grandfather and from that moment on she became passionate with photography. She wants to lay down all the beautiful things she sees and is witnessing. For Fleur it is essential that her photos are emotional and mysterious.

During her wanderings she records all that attracts her, in nature, people and objects.

Fleur has an eye for detail and light reinforces all her images. When she holds her camera she can get easily into a flow and then the world stands still around her. She wants to invite you on a journey of experience through her photos. www.littlefaith.nl

“The Philosopher” - Photography

GABI DOMENIG

BEST Of International Arts

www.domenigartdesign.at

Gabi Domenig is a through and through figurative Austrian artist.

She paints mostly with acrylics and concerns herself primarily with the representation of women. Her characters send out varied emotions. Her figures are mostly located in a particular environment cutout. Flowers, plants, animals, patterns and landscape sections are decorative parts and usually situated in the background.

She aims to capture moments and build up emotional tensions. Her works evoke in the viewer a sense for the artist’s passion and energy. For Domenig, art should be life-affirming and beautiful, touching and connecting. A language without words.

Gabi Domenig has participated in many national and international exhibitions in Austria, Germany, France, Italy United Kingdom, Brazil and USA.

“Birdgarden III” - Acrylic on canvas, 31.5” x 47” x 0.8”

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“Black Butterflies” - Acrylic on canvas, 39” x 55” x 0.8”

Winter 2016

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GARRY HARLEY

BEST Of International Arts

Harley studied Architecture at the University of Nebraska and University of Pennsylvania and now works from an art studio located in Lowell, Massachusetts (west of Boston). His work was recently selected as First-round Winner in the NYC Judging Group of the Art Olympia International Open Art Competition. His digital print was also included in the PRINTHOUSTON NEXT Show at the Nicole Longnecker Gallery in Houston, Texas.

“Unfolding Series Red & Purple No. 20” Archival Pigment Ink on Paper

“Yellow Morning Grey Sky” Archival Pigment Ink on Paper

“Grey Crevice #3” Archival Pigment Ink on Paper

“Hard Edge Red At Sunrise” Archival Pigment on Canvas

“The creative tools I used in this work are digital, the printing method is digital using archival pigment ink on paper or canvas, all print images on paper are original and issued in limited editions, all digital paintings are supported by certification as to uniqueness (there is only one copy).

Graham Wallas (The Art of Thought) suggests that the creation process includes… preparation, incubation, inspiration, and elaboration. Of these, my work has been inspired by the works of Josef Albers, Anuszkiewicz, Birren, Mondrian and others and rests on the foundation set forth in The Principals of Harmony and Contrast of Colors and Their Application to the Arts (1855), by Michel E. Chevreul and Charles Martel.

I am searching for new compositions producing visual movement resulting from use of intense color and economy of form, the color planes are smooth so such movement must result from use of color adjacency, proportion, shade and tint.

This original application and contemporary visual presentation in this work, is my own personal version of beauty and perfection – the work is from my own experience, capability, efforts and soul. The viewer must bring his or her own intellect and emotions to make the final connection and find meaning.” www.garry-harley-studios.com 38

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GAREGIN SNGRYAN

BEST Of International Arts

sngryan.com

“I don’t like definitions, as I believe that they narrow thinking and dictate perception, which would cause stereotypes and clichés which are alien to me and to my work.In my art, I use vivid colors. As for paint, in this respect I show generosity. I never use paint thinner; I prefer to mix and find the desired color on the canvas.

You can often see in my paintings mixtures of colors that most people consider clashing. But I still manage to find a harmony.

Another feature of my paintings, which is difficult not to notice, is that women have a dominant place in them. Why women?

It’s because women are the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen in my life. I have had many women in my life. Each of them hides a secret which I try to explain in my paintings. It’s up to you whether I succeed in it or not. However, nothing else fascinates me as much as that divine vessel where heavenly pleasures and torments of hell merge.

I portray souls, which means Soul. I portray Anima in its pure form, free of sense, the way it was originally intended to be. Anima lives in every creature called Man.”

“Pure Love” - Oil on canvas, 39” x 27.5”

“Daemon In Love” - Oil on canvas, 27.5 x 39”

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“Morning Degustation ” - Oil on canvas, 27.5 x 39”

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GUDRUN ALVEBRO

BEST Of International Arts

www.gudrunalvebro.com

When I paint, whether it is oil painting or collograph, I try to find my way back to the joy and spontaneity I had as a child. I ask myself: What is it that I want to express from within?

I try to find that inner flow. Like the child that paints with no pretension, I try to make way for the picture that freely emerges. During my creative process I also get my inspiration from listening to music.

I chose oil painting because it dries slowly. I can process it with brushes, scrapes or cotton cloths for days.

After a while I can even start over with the creative process and elaborate on the painting, until I feel that it corresponds well with my inner feeling, and what I want to convey. I work a lot with the existential questions in my art. A painting can be och become a prayer.

During the process, one name comes up, but it is sometimes changed in the end, because it does not correspond well with the finished painting. I want to give my paintings names that are unclear and allow the viewer to think himself. Sometimes the painting asks a question. I also want people to be able to hang my paintings on their wall, enjoy it and discover it little by little.

I want my paintings to convey a little bit of naivism to create space for the viewer, and let them meet something that is not perfect. I want to convey hope and good thoughts to the viewer – that there is not always a clear cut answer, but there is always a way.

“Gratitude” - Oil on Canvas

“Home Beside Water” - Collograph

“The Way Home” - Oil on Canvas

“The Bleu Collograph” - Oil on Canvas

Winter 2016

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HELENE DE SERRES

BEST Of International Arts

www.hdeserres.com

Hélène De Serres has embarked on a mission: exhibiting artwork with a purpose in support of awareness efforts made to preserve and protect nature in its splendor!

“I have always nurtured unconditional love towards all living beings. Animals are part of us and we, are part of them. They play a vital role in our lives and so does nature. My heart stops each time I witness atrocities done to animals, whether they live closer to me or in remote regions of the world like elephants or whales, two magnificent species we should cherish and protect. Painting for them, with them close to my heart has become a life journey for me”.

Vanishing Elephants, Surging Whale and Fragile Coral are part of the Environment my life my heart collection the artist presents as an ode to life in its diversity.

Vanising Elephants

2015, mix media, measures 61cm X 76cm

Elephants have been on this planet for millions of years and today experts agree those iconic creatures could disappear in a little more than a decade due to poaching bloodbath! “My trip in Kenya and Tanzania was awe inspiring; I took hundreds of photographs; I was particularity taken by the dignity of the elephants, the way they congregate and move with such a grace from one feeding ground to another.

While proud and erect they remain fragile and exposed to unscrupulous hunters. This duality, this vision stayed with me when completing this painting.”

Surging Whale

2015, acrylic measures 76cmX 110cm

I am appalled by the fact that whales have been the center of overexploitation by the whaling industry for so long; despite progress made, so much remains to be done to protect them. This sentiment of urgency stays with me always. “I applied lays of acrylic and other medium and suddenly a silhouette emerged, jumping to safety, covered with blood, like a cry in the night. And there she was: a beautiful humpback whale asking to come forward”.

Fragile Coral

2015, mix media, 76cmX 76cm

One-third of the reef-building corals is in pressing need of conservation action. Worldwide, sea surface warming is subjecting reef corals to severe stresses resulting in diseases and ultimately, decline. Meanwhile those silent creatures sit quietly at the bottom of oceans threatened by human activities. “When diving I was in awe at the beauty of this incredible world !I am worried how long they will survive…”

With her new collection focusing on her relation with endangered species, the artist wants to raise awareness amongst people. “People have a life, they have a heart, I can’t believe they can remain silent for ever in front of this absurd circus of cruelty; this gives me an incentive to continue. But above all, I feel ashamed and at times, helpless; my way to express those feelings is to paint. Paint for elephants to walk freely, for whales to jump joyously and for corals never to disappear !”

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HESTHER VAN DOORNUM

BEST Of International Arts

“Powerful, sensual women who are not frightened to show their vulnerability. These are the women on her canvases. You can say that for Hesther these faces are her canvasses; the landscape of women.”

Hesther van Doornum (1973) is an Independent Contemporary Artist. Her work is included in both business and private collections around the world.People, particularly women, are a key element in her paintings. The choice of subject, expressive use of paint, composition and clearly visible strokes make her work a symbiosis of reason, feeling and symbolism. www.hesthervandoornum.com

“All Mine” Acrylic on linen 59” x 31.5” x 1.7” “The Crow” Acrylic on linen 51” x 43” x 1.7”

IRINA GRETCHANAIA

BEST Of International Arts

Born in Moldova in 1975, Irina’s work is often compared to Georgia O’Keefe’s and it’s no surprise, since she was her very first inspiration and the reason Irina became a painter. After mastering different media and subject matter, flowers are her true expression of passion and femininity.

Her delicate flowing strokes with the use of vibrant colors have captured the hearts of collectors and art enthusiasts around the world. www.irinagretchanaia.com

“Pure Energy” - Oil on Canvas, 40” x 60”

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“Romance ” - Oil on Canvas, 48” x 48”

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JOHN NIEMAN John Nieman is a multi-tasking artist. He loves creating bold indelible images, but also revels in what he calls “the residual m e n t a l t i c k l e ” O f t e n , h e accomplishes this with a combination of wit, drama, and a sense of artistic contradiction.

You can see this amalgam in many of his pieces that combine art with words. For over a decade, he created scores of paintings under the general heading “Art of Lists.” This series combines a self-composed printed list (such as cowboys, favorite movie musicals, comedians, nest eggs, guilty pleasures, etc. etc. etc.)

Overlaying this litany, Nieman paints an anchoring visual that has ample power to attract admiration on its own. It has resulted in four books: Art of Lists, Art of More Lists, Art of Even More Lists, and Art of Lists IV.

He has also created an entire series that combines art with music. In this series, he combines the sheet music of pop hits with an often surprising and engaging visual. Example: the song “Sweet Dreams.” which he highlighted with a vivid depiction of delicious chocolate-covered strawberries.

His latest incarnation is a group of paintings he dubs, “The bottom line.” In this group, he simple pays off the painting with an often ironic and sometimes sarcastic bottom line of very few words. According to Nieman, the caption at the bottom is not intended to summarize the picture, but rather add or impact additional information that expands the viewer’s experience.

Speaking of expanding the experience, Nieman has recently combined his visual art with accompanying short stories. As a former actor and longtime writer,,

BEST Of International Arts

www. johnnieman.com he has recorded many of these stories, which can be accessed in a gallery with a QR code, and enjoyed in conjuction with the artwork. In addition, he has published many of these art/fiction compilations in two books: Art with a Story, and Art with a Story 2.

The result of all this? Nieman has been in over 80 exhibitions over the past decade. His artwork has

“Cowboys ” - Watercolor, 36” x 23”

been shown in every region of the US…and enjoyed exposure in Canada, Asia, and many venues of Europe—Italy, Germany, Austria, Paris, Belgium, Spain, Ireland. He is thankful that he has won many ribbons, and had 8 solo shows in the past few years, and enjoyed commissioned sales in London, New York, Vermont, Miami, and many other venues.

Mr. Nieman spent more than two decades in the world of advertising, where he probably learned the value of combing art with words. He lives in the village of Dobbs Ferry, NY and is the proud father of five children.

“An Apple A Day ” - Watercolor, 36” x 17”

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JIM FITZPATRICK

BEST Of International Arts

jim-fitzpatrick.artistwebsites.com

Born in Moldova in 1975, Irina’s work is often compared to Georgia O’Keefe’s and it’s no surprise, since she was her very first inspiration and the reason Irina became a painter. After mastering different media and subject matter, flowers are her true expression of passion and femininity.

Her delicate flowing strokes with the use of vibrant colors have captured the hearts of collectors and art enthusiasts around the world.

“The Vietnam War” - Mixed Media Drawing and Color photos Digitally Altered “My Drawing Of A Beauty Coming Alive II” Mixed Media Drawing and Color photos Digitally Altered

“De Niro And Crews: Two People You Don’t Want To Mess With” - Mixed Media Drawing and Color photo Digitally Altered

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KATRIN ALVAREZ

BEST Of International Arts

Reflections Of Surrealist Dreams

by Viviana Puello

“Genesis” Oil on canvas, 128 X 128 cm - 2015

People looking at Katrin Alvarez’s artwork would say that her paintings are sometimes troubling, provoking yet soothing, intimate. Technically speaking, they are perfectly balanced compositions created with excellence craftsmanship, a very unique style which makes the work of this artist recognizable to a point, yet not always possible to interpret completely.

As stated by the artist, her paintings are “reports from deep inside”, “full of visions, stories, daydreams, nightmares.

They’re waiting to be revealed, to be made visual…” These are words used by this master surrealist to describe the magnificent creations that have earned her a great 46

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reputation in the international art scene as one of the most influential surrealist artists of our times. When appreciating her works, one can only recognize in Katrin Alvarez an artist destined for greatness. Her Cont. Next Page www.arttourinternational.com

“Horus” Oil on canvas & Object, 106 X 126 cm - 2015

“Her brushwork is seamless and her subjects elegantly staged and dramatically portrayed, replicating with precision and very skilled accuracy her visions and dreams, successfully mixing together that which is real with that which is unreal, inviting the viewer to new, higher levels of awareness.”

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

“Parasiten” (Parasites) Oil on canvas 125 x 105 x 4.5 cm - 2011

works are an open window that gives us insight into the artist’s personal life history depicted in her art, created with great virtuosity that results in striking oils and mixed media, three dimensional paintings. Her brushwork is seamless and her subjects elegantly staged and dramatically portrayed, replicating with precision and very skilled accuracy her visions and dreams, successfully mixing together that which is real with that which is unreal, inviting the viewer to new, higher levels of awareness.

Born in Güstrow, Germany, in July 1944, Katrin Alvarez has gained an international reputation for her realistic surreal works. She has won several awards for her work, which has been exhibited in Austria, Canada, Israel, Switzerland, the United States, France and China.

“Vorahnung” (Premonition) Oil on canvas 125 x 105 cm - 2014

wider audience and impressed the public with her masterful drawing skills.

Katrin Alvarez has won several important awards throughout her career, including the Allan Edwards Award from the Federation of Canadian Painters in Vancouver in 2007. One of her works was selected for the Museum of Fantastic Art in Vienna in 2011, she received the Vivid Arts Network Award "Onore Allá Creativá E L’eccelenza Nella Arti" in 2011, the Grande Médaille d'Or MCA Azur at Cannes, and the Leonardo Prize in 2012, among others.

As a surrealist painter, Alvarez combines elements of Dada and cubism to create something unknown and eccentric, portraying unique techniques and ideas of great originality. As a self-taught artist and inspired by

Growing up on a country estate, she developed a love for nature and animals, and these very animals and nature inspired and launched Katrin Alvarez into an illustrious and successful artistic career. She was still just a child when she discovered she could create wonderful colorful drawings and paintings to showcase what she saw in animals and nature. Today, after all these years, she says, "I see myself as a journalist who describes life not in words but in colours."

In 1969 the young, budding artist received a degree in law from the University of Cologne and initiated a career in journalism. Alvarez spent two years as a volunteer journalist and has published satirical poems and a novel. Years later, Katrin Alvarez left behind her career as a journalist to focus solely on her artistic career and devote her time to painting and drawing.

In 1976, Alvarez's portrait of Lilli Palmer was chosen for the cover of the German Jewish actress's autobiography "Change Lobster and Dance", which became a bestseller. Alvarez caught the attention of a

“Verloren” (Lost) Oil on canvas, 65 x 75 cm - 2015

“In Nomine Patris Et Filii Et Spiritus Sancti” Oil on canvas , 65 X 75 cm - 2012

Michaelangelo, Pieter Breughel and Dali, and with a background in writing and journalism, her artwork soon began to appeal to the public and international recognition followed. The public found itself identifying with the issues depicted by the artist in her works, the very same issues that a society in denial prefers to keep silenced.

The viewer finds in her narrative the love and compassion that only one who can truly understand is able to offer and present to the world in the form of masterpieces created and delivered from a divine source of inspiration, transcending the barriers of human limitations that the ego imposes on each one of us, and reaching out to the highest and innermost places of one's being. A sense of oneness is evident in Alvarez's works, which leave a lot open for interpretation, evoking emotions and creating for the viewer a unique and unforgettable experience.

There are many symbols in Katrin's work, which motivates her to create stories on canvas. In more recent times, she has blended technology with the old because of the influence of the cyber world on our day-to-day lives.

It seems as though Katrin Alvarez's art shows us how to look at the demons that each one of us harbors, so that we are able to transcend any threatening dangers and arrive at the realization of self-acceptance and self-love.

Some of Alvarez’s oil and mixed media paintings, like “In nomine Patris et filii et spiritus sancti” (featured above), suggest the message that children are in trouble and enduring traumatic times. She herself has said that the sexual abuse of children makes her extremely angry and that a large part of her work reveals her feelings about this issue. She believes that every artist has a duty to express some of the dark issues of humanity.

Alvarez’s artwork certainly draws attention to issues that cripple our society and serves as a magistral tool to inspire us to take a proactive role as individuals who want to create a better world.

www.katrin-alvarez.de

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

KARLY ET ANNE V

BEST Of International Arts

The Collaborative Art of Karly et Anne V

by Jully Two Artists Karly et Anne interacting “Passage” Mixed Media.

Karly and Anne V. are two very different people who have come together to collaborate on amazing artwork, each offering her expertise to the project. Karly has a Phd in cognitive psychology and her research focuses on color saliency in art pieces. Anne is trained as an artist and cabinet maker, and they both share an interest in quantum p hy s i c s and often depict such cosmological objects as wormholes or black holes in their pieces. Together they produce artwork that makes you think. That makes you stare and dream.

They have three main ideas. Cube games, Vortex walls, or raised chassis, and each piece is an exquisite example of how science and arts can come together in a beautiful way. The artists’ conception of time is that of an elastic band that relaxes and tightens. They don’t believe in a linear sense of time and so their work reflects their concept of a malleable and changing structure of time. By working together with different mediums, wood versus metal, they can express the varying tempo of time. The slowness and calm of working with the wood, and the fast paced industrial feel of the metal, contrasting each other and allowing you to feel time in different ways. All

“Dolce Vita” Mixed Media.

"Délivrance" Mixed Media.

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of their work has a street art feel to it and the use of color and angles draw you in.

Their interest in quantum physics is what brought them together as collaborators, and it plays a large role in the look of their finished works. Having studies such physicists as Steven Hawking and Alexander Freidman they keep those works in their minds as they create their pieces. The aim is to make the observer want to play within these fields of time and space and to become connected to the universe. Opening doors to other dimensions and enticing the observer to step through and experience space time in a different way.

The works of Karly Anne V. can be seen in exhibitions across Europe.

They are based in Paris and Champagne where they live and work.

They receive great reviews for their shows from art critics across Europe. Michel Benard, and art critic and poet is quoted as saying about Karly Anne V; “These two artists behind the exhibition, have a more interesting approach, quite unusual, even unique because they combine their talents to work in pairs most often in mixed media.

Wood, fabrics, various pigments, lacerations, volume media”. If you ever have a chance to view one of their shows, you will discover a whole new world of art.

“Fai Furia” Mixed Media.

karly-annev.artisteo.com

Watch our video interview to this artist! Log on to www.atimtv.com

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KAY GRIFFITH

BEST Of International Arts

Along the way Griffith has sought out technical training — a course on color and design, basic oil painting and high-level technical training for detailed oil painting. She merges technical training with what she naturally does as an artist to create her own brand of abstract work. The result is stunning. A high level of technical skill, interesting use of color and individuality of style yields paintings that seem to transcend the sum of their parts.

Griffith’s abstracts know no cultural or geographic boundaries; they connect to commonality deep within us.

Not wanting to direct the interaction between viewer and art, Griffith seldom names a painting beyond an identifying number. She insists that the viewer’s interaction with the paintings is far more important than her relationship to the art. She shows in the U.S.A., Europe and Canada. This year (2015) Art Tour International Magazine named Griffith as one of the “Top 60 Contemporary Masters” in the world. Griffith has been chosen to represent the U.S.A. at the 2015 Art of The Americas Exhibition being held in Toronto, Canada,during the Pan Am Games. In 2014 Griffith showed in the Arte en Capital Exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, France. www.griffithfineartgallery.com

“Abstract U-306”

“Abstract U-323”

MARCELA CARVALHO

BEST Of International Arts

Marcela Carvalho is a stelar Brazilian artist who's works have been in museums and galleries around the globe. “During many visits to the Côte D'Azur I discovered the works of Hans Hartung. I experienced an emotional connection when viewing the beauty captured of moments from nature. Birch Series Collection is part of that continuation in which I'd like to inspire the viewer to connect with nature's beauty.”

Marcela Carvalho launched her hand painted glowing effect handbags line inspired from her Birch series paintings.

“My art is an expression of the essence of emotions, feelings caused by a subject in mind whether through the abstract or figurative forms.” marcela4arts.com/shop

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BEST Of International Arts

LIS ENGEL I see art as a way of investigating the creative dimensions of life.

Interweaving action, faith, hope and love as strongest transformational practices of LIFE & ART. Latest invited and censured exhibitions: I Segnalati in EDINBURGH, 14-16 november, 2015Biennale Chianciano, Art Museum of Chianciano, 5 sept-13 september, 2015 Art Expo, Future Memories, Venice, Italy, 18 august-29 august, 2015Solo exhibition at Marziart Hamburg, dec 2014-jan 2015″Salon Gustave Eiffel”- La Grande Exposition Universelle 2014, curated

by Salvatore Russo and Francesco Saverio Russo.

L ́Agostiniana Galleria, Rome, nominated as a candidate to Leonardo meets Canova, 2014, with two paintings “paradise 1, 2” 1st Italian Biennale of Creativity, Palaexpo, Verona 2014, represented with two paintings “The Path to Tihar” and “Angel of Light”.Monreale Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art, Sicily, 2014 – invitedas a candidate to the 1. Trinacria Award 2014 with the painting “In-between heaven& earth”.Galleria Tondinelli, invited as a representative for Denmark by Curator Floriana Tondinelli and art professor Aldo G. Jatosti to the Nordic Exhibition “Roses, Gardens and Ancient Symbols” Rome 2013, supported by the Danish, Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish Ambassady.Museum of Americas, 2011, Firenze Biennalen, 2011, Gallery Broadway, New York, 2011,Nyart Beijing Project, 2011.

“Octobersong” - Acrylic on Canvas, 47” x 35.5”

www.lisengel.com www.cybergalleriet.dk/190

“Waterblues” - Oil on Canvas, 47” x 35.5”

LISA LEVASSEUR

BEST Of International Arts

www.paletteart.org

Emerging artist, Lisa J Levasseur is a Canadian born Emerging artist and business woman.

She began expressing her talent obsessively drawing horses as a child. Growing up she was drawn to animals, crawling into a stockyard full of cattle as a baby and sneaking out of bed to sleep with the dog.

She left home at twelve with her parents support, determined to pursue a career training horses in California. Eight years later, after the death of her trainer, she returned home. In 1989, she opened a horse training facility in Stony Plain, AB in partnership with her dad. By age 23, injuries and health issues threatened to cripple Lisa for life. Today Lisa lives fairly divorced from society in the rocky mountain wilderness not far from Jasper. Somewhat of a workaholic, she loves running Terracana Ranch Resort. Still battling health issues, surrounded by so many great adventures, she’s felt imprisoned. Even with very dedicated staff, years of hospitality experience and hard work, the resort had yet to fulfill her vision.

“New York Bash” - PaletteArt™ Acrylic on canvas, 16” x 20”

“Take Another Piece” - PaletteArt™ Acrylic on canvas, 16” x 20”

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MARC VAN DER LEEDEN

BEST Of International Arts

After completing medical school, Marc van der Leeden took local art classes, but is largely a self-taught artist. In addition to actively painting, he continues to practice medicine full time. His work has been shown nationally in solo shows in New York City and Vermont, as well as internationally in Italy. He was featured in Watercolor magazine in Fall 2000, as well as a book entitled How did you paint that? 100 Ways to Paint Landscapes, Vol. 1.

Marc van der Leeden’s paintings are seen as impressionistic expression rather than strict representation of architectural and landscape subjects. Utilizing a limited palette with graphite outlines and simplicity of design, he creates watercolors that are clearly his own. www.marcvanderleeden.com

“Abstract Bridge I” - Watercolor and graphite, 18” x 38”

“Sunset in Florida” - Watercolor and graphite, 18” x 38”

“Fairy Tale Tree” - Watercolor and graphite, 18” x 38”

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LUCA CAPPAI

BEST Of International Arts

www.lucacappai.it

Luca Cappai is an award winning artist who has received many recognitions all around Europe and USA, including the nomination of Top 60 Masters in the world 2014 by Art Tour International Magazine from New York.

In December 2014 Luca got nominated 'Best 25 international emerging artists' by Effetto arte magazine, Italy. He has exhibited around the world in museums such as Louvre in Paris and has been feature in publications in England, USA and Italy.

“Under The Sea In 2020 ” - Oil on Canvas, 39” x 27.5”

“The Dancing Soul ” Oil on Canvas, 47” x 23.5” BEST Of International Arts

MANUELLA MUERNER MARIONI

Manuella Muerner Marioni was born 1964 in Thun, Switzerland. She studied art and fashion design at the New Art School Zurich (Switzerland). After finishing her studies she made several trips abroad for art-studies in Florence (IT), Vienna (AT), Lisboa (PT), Paris (FR), Spain, Southamerica and USA. For seven years she collaborated with the NIKI DE ST. PHALLE FOUNDATION in Germany, Switzerland, France and USA. During this time Niki de St. Phalle was her friend and personal teacher.

She has been featured in group and solo shows at museums, galleries and cultural centers in Europe, Asia and the US, i n c l u d i n g Z h o u B ro t h e r s Foundation Chicago, Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art in Las Vegas and solo show at the I n t e r n at i o n a l M u s e u m o f Contemporary Art ITALIA ARTE in Turin. www.arte-manuella.ch

“Music Silver” - Mirror Sculpture with CD's, 19” x 10.65” x 15.75”

www.arttourinternational.com

“Buildings ” - Acrylic with Spectrum Glass Fragments on Canvas, 15.75” x 15.75”

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MARCUS CARLSSON

BEST Of International Arts

“I was born in 1977 in Sweden, Teckomatorp. I’m an emerging artist and discovered painting rather late. It began with a 5-day summer course in drawing in 2009 and I fell in love and could not stop to sketch. It was just pencil and charcoal. In autumn 2011 I started painting with color and made my first color paintings called ‘Just Fruit’ exhibited once in Lund (Sweden).

I have no education in art but, as I said, I just follow my heart. I have also worked with photography for over 10 years and even there I’m self-taught. Now I have my own studio/gallery in Ystad, located in southern Sweden.” www.gallerym.se

“B&W No.7 “ - Oil and wall paint on Canvas, 27.5” x 35.4”

MEGAN VUN WONG

“Free Mind 1” - mixed media on Canvas, 11.8” x 11.8 BEST Of International Arts

www.meganvunwong.com

M e g a n Vu n Wo n g i s a C a n a d i a n international contemporary artist.

A philosophical painter, she holds a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from York University and is the recipient of a number of Canadian Council Arts Grants.

Vun Wong has created abstract expressionistic paintings for the past 25 years and continually develops her own unique, innovative style which has been described as ‘where Jackson Pollock left off.’ Her work is dynamic , daring and distinctive. The glorious use of colour and vibrant energy are “Something Saved In 2012” - Mixed Media her signatures though her more in Wooden Box, 2014 - 18” x 18” contemplative pieces are also very striking.

“My work which consist of plexi-constructions as well as paintings on canvas - concerns the idea that change is constant. All things, everywhere, are in flux. We are ever-evolving. Time “Hell Hath No Fury” and Memory are also themes throughout my art.” The Artifact Gallery in New York Enamel on Canvas 24” x 36” approached her and has offered her a solo show that will open Nov 8th, 2017!”

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MICHAEL LAM

Photography by Charles Eshelman

There’re three key words in Michael Lam’s art implementation: single stroke painting, art calligraphy and calligraphy. From these three key words we can grasp a brief understanding of Lam’s art implementation.

BEST Of International Arts

www.michaellamny.com after comprehension of the subject’s form and principle.”

Michael Lam’s single stroke painting was very much the fruit to his art calligraphy practice. Art calligraphy is an artistic expression of Chinese letters. It’s based on deconstructing the meaning of the Chinese characters, or sometimes the form.

This art technique is to introduce the Chinese characters to western viewers by transforming them, so that the wester n viewers can understand the meaning from visual expression of the characters. Lam also tried to deconstruct the meaning of the Chinese characters, and illustrate them from the pieces to make up into a new art form.

Art calligraphy is more prompt to painting instead of calligraphy. It’s a linear abstract painting technique.

Both art calligraphy and single stroke painting were developed from Lam’s Chinese calligraphy background.

Lam started practicing calligraphy from a very early age. His art implementation was mostly done on the basis of calligraphy. From the paper and brush he used, to how he use them, to the spiritual goal he tried to achieve in his painting, all can be categorized into the practice of traditional calligraphy.

“Rise” - Single Stroke Painting by Michael Lam

The concept of “single stroke painting” was raised

by Lam in 2003. What he wanted to emphasize was the effect. The serendipity of his work is actually the result of deep thinking.

Lam would set a mood for his art making. He incubated his work on selected themes. The whole process occurred on spiritual level and would not be applied on paper until the image he brewed in his mind fit into his understanding of the theme. Then Lam would grasp the inspiration and finish the work.

His work looks naturally conceived, but was never made casually. It’s more like what Chinese landscape painter Shi Tao from Qing Dynasty said, “painter should follow his heart. The easiness was achieved

Chinese culture backed Lam’s art implementation. The art form he developed from calligraphy has a sound base. The western culture he lived in also influenced his art works.

Lam’s art borrowed the form and composition from the western art. His work stands up to the utmost scrutiny, the consideration of the composition, and the standard of picking contents. These all made Lam’s work distinguished for innovation. If Lam can combine what he inherited from the Chinese culture to what he absorbed from the western arts, more possibilities can be forecasted on his art road.

By Wu, Shuang, The Graduate School of China Art Academy

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MICHELLE LARSEN

www.poetrypainting.com

BEST Of International Arts

Michelle Larsen’s paintings are unique for her signature technique of using tissue paper to sculpt the image of her subjects before painting the canvas. Her dramatically striking, bold colored three dimensional paintings draw the viewer in a journey. of exploration through her masterful compositions. The artist paints from her studio in the mountains of Idaho and her work can be found in galleries, art shows, and publications.

“The Color Of Night” - Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media, 16” x 20”

“Wisdom” - Oil on Canvas with Mixed Media, 30” x 40”

NEREA DEL TESO

BEST Of International Arts

www.nereadelteso.com

Born in 1988 in San Sebastian, Spain where she lives today, Nerea del Teso studied design at the Usandizaga Design Institute in San Sebastian and Photography at the School of Art of Granada. She has shown her work in group exhibitions in Spain, New York City and Florence. Nerea Del Teso has worked for private companies and has done publications for art festivals and magazines.

“Bruma V” - Digital Photography

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“Underwater III” - Digital Photography

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MIRKO

BEST Of International Arts

http://mirkopainter.com

“I love human beings. My work is based on love and talks simply but surely about it. There are so many subjects and things that I find appalling that I decided, through my work, to join forces with those who would erase the world´s suffering with a smile.”

"The Smartphones And The 7 New Deadly Sins” - Fanaticism, Acrylic 39” x 39”

MIRKO is a French painter with Slavic and Catalan origins. He currently lives in Barcelona (Spain) and has worked from the city since 2007 as a portrait artist. He is defined as a portrayer, since human beings are the absolute protagonists of his works.

MIRKO reinterprets graffiti and portrait art, with a nod to the "pop art" often under review nowadays. The person is always the most important element, and he focuses meticulously on each and every detail of his subject. His attention to light and outline in particular distinguish his work. MIRKO prefers to work with acrylic and uses three colours as his base—black, white, and red—to give rhythm to his pictures.

MIRKO paints individuals of the 21st century. He dresses them in current brand-name clothes that impressed him during his fashion designer days. Some might think of him as both a painter and designer. He likes to paint "macro-portraits” to offer a richer interpretation of human character.

“Unsensored”-“Keep looking!” - “Keep earring!” “Keep smelling!” - “Keep smelling!” “Keep tasting!.

Acrylic 59” x 59”

As an unconditional admirer of classic painters, MIRKO also takes the liberty of paying them tribute; he sometimes takes requests to revisit their work with his own style. He adapts his painting style, listening to the tastes of his customers to create exclusively unique works of art.

As a painter, he believes that he must express what deeply touches him in our society. Using his paintbrushes and a touch of humor, he joins the host of people bringing change and critique to humanity.

MIRKO in the art book “Portrait In T he Contemporary Art 2015”: The reference book Portrait in the Contemporary Art presents a set of 148 contemporary artists from all over the world working on a theme restricted by the portrait.

"The Smartphones And The 7 New Deadly Sins” - Dissatisfaction. Acrylic 39” x 31”

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OLESYA

BEST Of International Arts

olesya.squarespace.com

“My paintings tell a story of love and celebration of life. Close your eyes.. Imagine falling in love and indulging on the never-ending kiss, and a life full of true moments of happiness. In simple ways my paintings speak a romantic language of love, lived through an unforgettable life journey.

I travel the world about 7 months out of the year, and discover new places, see and experience new things. Everywhere I go, I paint. From Gaudi Park in Barcelona, to hidden whimsical beaches in Ibiza, Spain, to ice glazed winter wonderland beauty of Mont Blanc, to Moroccan Riads, and all the way to candy land-like church structures in Moscow. Each piece is signed on the back, and noted geographically, 5 out of 10 pieces are usually painted elsewhere other than my Studio in New Orleans, or Provence, France.

Therefore, each painting carries its own life journey and a beautiful story. My subject matter is simple. Moments in life that truly make us happy. It is my recipe to life: “Simple things are what truly make us happy!”. You get a bouquet of beautiful flowers, and you feel happy! Indulge on delicious macaroons, you feel happy! You eat ice cream after a day on the beach, and you feel happy! “Love, and enjoy life and its simple pleasures” - is the message I want to convey through my paintings.

My painting process is intuitive. I make quick sketches and notes in my travel journal. The 1000’s of photos I take of every place I “Love_Birds” - Acrylic, Heavy Gel, Gloss, Genuine travel, they serve as color and theme inspiration. The creative Swarovski Crystals, 24” x 24” process is completely free and natural, no preliminary sketches, outlines, or controlled pencil drafts. I start with the brush and finish with texture, laying out rhinestones and crystals. Just like every mouth shape is unique, each “kiss” painting is unique. I shape the lips with extra large brush strokes, sculpting them freely on canvas with think glossy acrylics. All other elements evolve naturally and freely with vibrant color palette. Metaphorically speaking: “ Live with freedom of a dream, let things fall into place naturally”. So I let the brush strokes take over, and let the mind free to paint. The final touches are genuine swarovski crystals, glitter, and rhinestones. A dash of resin gloss is applied to the lip area, to show the luscious, glossy kiss effect.

With each canvas I want to make the viewer simply feel happy and embark on an exciting visual journey. Tell a story of a dream, and make each viewer believe that this dream is actually possible as a beautiful reality!”

“Queenlove” Acrylic, Heavy Gel, Gloss, Genuine Swarovski Crystals

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ROBERT BORIS TURPIN

BEST Of International Arts

robertboristurpinartist.com

“Lollipops” - Acrylic, chalk pastel, silver and gold pen on canvas, 3.28’ x 4.92’

“I like to think that my art work is in the style of abstract impressionism/expressionism/surrealism. My work is unpredictable; it changes as it goes, and I like that spontaneity. Vive la difference!”

Facebook: Robert Boris Turpin Artist Instagram: robert_boris_turpin_artist

“Le Jardin D'Anna” - Acrylic on Canvas, 3.28’ x 4.92’

“Circle of Dreams” Acrylic paint, ink, chalk pastel, gold and silver pen on canvas 6.56’ x 4.92’

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ROLLANDE DUFAULT

BEST Of International Arts

Playing with textures, energy lines, color harmonies, forms… whatever generates an atmosphere, a state of mind, Rollande believes that working with abstract and semi-abstract is a way to express a psychological side, it is also an extension of oneself that transfers a kind of magic to an artwork. She has been active in promoting contemporary art in countries such as Canada, Spain, Belgium, Italy, France, Rumania, the United-States and Brazil. www.galeriedufault.ca

“The City” - Mixed media, 48” x 36”

RUBY PURPLE

BEST Of International Arts

www.rubypurplecreations.com

Ruby Purple is a motivated emerging artist focusing on painting. She transposes her ideas to canvas, board and paper with mixed media and paint producing high quality work. Her paintings are bold, provocative and original reflecting her unique visual voice. She creates and commissions contemporary abstract impressionistic art that critically engages with her environment. She works from Brisbane in Queensland Australia.

“Blooming” Mixed Media on Canvas

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“Embrace” Mixed Media on Canvas

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ROSALYN ENGELMAN

BEST Of International Arts

Engelman's paintings and installations express the full range of human experience. Her art has won many awards and is featured in prestigious collections-public and private, in the U.S., Europe and Canada. She has had over 20 one person exhibits and her work was featured in over 30 group shows. A documentary, “Rosalyn Engelman: The Color of Memory,” produced by Subterracon Films, about the artist and her oeuvre, is currently being shown.

The impact of this installation, titled "CULTure”, comes, in part, from the shock value of the visible array of outmoded technological devices. This reflects an ironic comment on compulsive consumerism and concern with the values of advanced societies. In this context, materials designed for short term obsolescence make use of non-biodegradable elements often deleterious to the environment and human health, are arranged according to canons of composition and fine art.

These sculptures consist of eviscerated computer monitors, which contain parts of discarded cellphones, inner components of technology, wires, etc.

The inner workings of the “Sculpture Machines” protrude beyond the boundaries of the rectangular monitor enclosures, metaphorically representing the ubiquity of these elements in our society. They reach out to us, and from us. The layering of the components provides a threedimensional collage sculptural experience-modern, yet in keeping with art history.

All of the monitors and their contents were called from garbage heaps, on city streets, or given to the artist as outmoded. www.engelmanart.com

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BEST Of International Arts

RUMEN SAZDOV

“I was born in 1959 in Bulgaria, I graduated at St. Cyril And St. Methodius University Of Veliko Turnovo, faculty of figurative arts. I paint since I was 5 years old, my great inspiration are women.

Predominantly I create in style called lyric cubism, it is very much about the emotions, relations and colors. I am fascinated about different materials - my latest project was 25 metal sculptures, created from different leftovers in a cancelled train-depo workshop. You can see two peaces here.

I like to do instalations, portraits, pastels, collages, and I love assemblages. Since 1989 I live in Prague, but I love as well Paris and I have a great admiration for Provance. I like people with sense of humor, great food and wine and Paris in the Spring.” www.rumensazdov.cz

“Belaria” - Oil on Canvas, 47” x 32” “Nefertiti” - Metal, 30” x 30” x 25” BEST Of International Arts

SARAH POWERS

Sarah's contemporary paintings express the powerful emotions from her heart and soul through balanced composition and her dynamic and expressive use of color and line. It conveys a sense of brilliant emotion and adventure to the dazzled viewer. Her paintings represent infinite prospects, a world of possibility. She loves helping her clients invest in custom, one-of-a-kind paintings. www.sarahtpowersart.com

“Waves Of Blessings” - Acrylic on Canvas, 36” x 70”

“Welcome To The World” - Acrylic on Canvas, 58” x 48”

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SAN SAN

BEST Of International Arts

sansansandrasanchez@gmail.com

From childhood she had concerns about drawing, painting and drama. Her early studies were performed in the Colegio De La Presentation in Cartagena, Colombia, which pushed the art institution among its students. There, her passion for the arts flourished, and she studied architecture for two years. When she emigrated to the United States, she put aside all ties to the artistic and dramatic, but not her passion for painting, which was always latent, and after a short slumber, took the brush and started painting on canvas, on glass, porcelain and of course on canvas. In her works you find Sandra at her best, tender, romantic, sensitive but also hard and strong as Earth. The colors she uses in her works reflect her connection to the earth and their roots to what it is. In her work, she expresses all that her words cannot.

“Healing” - Oil on Canvas

“Born Dirty” - Oil on Canvas

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“Depart” - Oil on Canvas

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SHARON ROSS

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BEST Of International Arts

www.sharonross.com

My work tends to be in two mediums, Acrylic, and Pen and ink. I am an expressive artist exploring the abstract figurative form, and Abstract using inspiration of Zentangle.

I use my art to portray feelings and emotions.

My works are a form of Zen Meditation / Zentangle using the circle in a repetitive manner as a means of shading, providing form and tone to the piece.

“Constance” - Acrylic on paper, 11.8’’ x 16.5’’

“Blue Morpho” - Acrylic on paper, 11.8’’ x 16.5’’

“Tropical Dawn” - Acrylic on Board, 31.4’’ x 39.3’’

“Tropical Riot” - Acrylic on Board, 31.4’’ x 39.3’’

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SHELBATRA JASHARI

BEST Of International Arts

Shelbatra Jashari is a conceptual multimedia artist, actress and dancer/performer who works cross-medially in film, movement, sound, space and text. Her work researches the sculptural elements of the human body, the human condition and it's representation in various political and thinking systems. Humour, playfulness, games and laughing are important elements with which she experiments. www.shelbatrajashari.me - www.helloshelly.com

“Writing Piece” - Performance on Video or Photographs

“Roots” - Photograph

SHERRARD GRAUER

BEST Of International Arts

The world is so overwhelmingly complex in both image and event that I need to make things with my hands through painting, sculpture, and relief, in order to cope with it. I try to indicate the great beauty of my surroundings and leave room for a story. www.sherrardgrauer.com

“Warm Shallow Sea” Acrylic And Fibre Relief On Canvas, 65.5" X 53"x 2.5

“Cyclones” - Acrylic On Raw Canvas, 52” x 63”

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SIMA FISHER

BEST Of International Arts

Explorations Of Nature

by Viviana Puello

“Horses In Love” Mixed Media On Canvas

Multitalented artist Sima Fisher has captured the attention of the international art scene with her luminous, vibrant, color-saturated works of art.

Fisher unveils her love for nature, animals, and an interconnectedness with all living things in her work.

Through layers of oils, watercolor, and acrylics, Fisher explores the intersection of painting, nature, and spirituality by creating contemplative works of art that restore the relationship between humans and the universe. Her images strive to portray the great gifts bestowed upon humanity from its union with nature.

Sima Fisher’s journey of self-discovery has guided her to explore many creative forms of expression, such as poetry, songwriting, acting, and painting. The

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combination of these talents has contributed to the blossoming of this young artist’s very unique style.

As a self-taught artist, Fisher has a childlike freedom and ingenuity that channels her creativity and spirituality toward self-reflective explorations of her universe. Fisher makes use of various brush sizes, choosing her brush strokes carefully to add texture to her paintings; the result is the exciting vibrancy that reflects her lush view of the world.

As an adaptable actress sporting both glamorous looks and comedic appeal, Sima's extraordinary talent in creating captivating artistic images originates from her dedication and vision. Her natural talent has made her an internationally recognized artist, and her works have appeared in numerous magazines and online journals. She carries on her legacy in the California art scene by exhibiting her paintings in locations around Los Angeles. Her work has been sold to collectors in Michigan, Montreal, New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Florida.

Sima's lifestyle as an artist has evolved extraordinarily, both before and after establishing her own art gallery.

Sima started painting over fifteen years ago, and during her acting career, she even carried her paintings with her to shoots so that she could dedicate her free time to artwork. Given so much free time, Sima has created more than five hundred paintings on approximately one hundred film sets. At the moment, this classy, multitalented artist is in the process of opening her own gallery in South Florida and is also working on a new album as a singer songwriter with the very famous producer George Tobin .

"Papillon Brun" Acrylic On Canvas 24” x18”

"Ocean Swirl" Acrylic on Canvas 24” by 18”

www.simafisherarts.com "Floating Humming Bird" Acrylic on canvas 48” X 36” “Horses In Love” Mixed Media On Canvas

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BEST Of International Arts

SIRENES Sirenes – “Gentle as the music of Ravel"

New York based Art Critic Wilson Wong writes: "Sirenes conveys an even more elusive subject by virtue of her mastery of chromatic dynamics as vibrant and yet gentle as the music of Ravel" og "an atmospheric miasma conjured with a finesse that calls to mind the 19th century British painter J.M.V Turner". He continues with: "Sirenes appears to combine a gestural lyricism that can be compared favorably to the early Abstract Expressionist works of Philip Guston with a chromatic complexity that would do the Color Field master Jules Olitski proud.

Sirenes - The Irregular Story - In fact Sirenes do not believes in the need to establish a characteristic creative attitude, but rather chooses a nonlinear and abstract path, but always sensitive and "disturbed" from the outside. So begins the way of the irregular art of Sirenes. The canvas is transfor med, in the words of Kandinsky suggests that one might think of her as an “Abstract Impressionist” writes Art Critic Denitza Nedkova, Bologna Italy. It seems appropriate to define this modus operandi as Lyrical Abstraction, able to combine the personal universe with the real world without the seemingly and imposed abstraction from the phenomenal.

“Silent Flowers” - Acrylic on Canvas, 27.5” x 40”

Sirenes gets inspired by being in nature watching flowers, rivers, ocean, heaven, birds etc. She is doing meditation and yoga everyday in the morning. Sirenes simply loves the creative moment, playing with colors and experimenting with different techniques and tools, like throwel, brushes and broom in addition to using her fingertips and hands, always barefoot.

Biographical Information: Sirenes is an awarded artist, born in 1966, live and work outside Oslo, Norway. Sirenes has participated in exhibitions all over the world; Italy, Spain, Suisse, Norway, Denmark, Canada, China, New York, Miami and London. She is represented by several galleries in New York, Miami, Milano and Miami. Sirenes exhibits her artwork Roma – Amor at the exhibition Grazie Italia during the 56th Art Biennale in Venice 2015, the exhibition is hosted by the pavilion of Guatemala and Grenada. www.sirenes.no

“Birdsong” - Acrylic on Canvas, 24” x 30”

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“Blooming” - Acrylic on Canvas, 39” x 47”

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SVETLANA LEUCHUK

BEST Of International Arts

http://lanagraphic.com/

“I'm a graphic designer, illustrator and artist with a passion for the visual, based in Sweden. I have been creating art since I been a school child growing up in Belarus. Currently I’m running my own business from picturesque Karlskrona, the southeast coast of Sweden, where I find inspiration to create art work.

My artworks are owned in Germany, Poland , Spain, India, Belarus, Russia and Sweden.

The light of the day or evening atmosphere, the colourful happenings, the mood of the surrounding that flicked my emotions, made me want to take a pencil and brushes, and expressively dance the palette knives on the canvas. I will take my favorite media watercolor and lets live strokes to appear and glow on the paper. My paintings starts with an idea, lines and shapes, then evolve into compositions that will tell stories. My works is a mapping of moments of visual sensitivity and a reflection of a state of mind at that time.

The picturesque place where I'm living, the beautiful nature, my family and friends give me an inspiration for my new paintings. Since I live by the sea, I create a series of marine paintings (Baltic) which reflect the colourful elements of the pure nature. The power in every view and the never ending transforming with different light and colour.

I work on abstract paintings which I consider as a therapeutic medium and I paint female faces and figures combined with nature and patterns.

Travelling, new interesting meetings and new experiences stimulate my creativity a lot. I like to capture and preserve the impression and cultural specifics not only by taking photo but by drawing..”

“Lady Nature” Watercolor on Paper, 27.5” x 19.7”

TRICIA RISSMANN

BEST Of International Arts

www.triciarissmann.com

My drive to paint is innate. I simply must paint. I am inspired by my writings, music and life! I want to keep pushing the boundaries to “Comsumed” Mixed Media on Wood Panel find out what is there. I am inspired that through what I do, I may enable another “Passion” Mixed Media on Wood Panel person to open their mind, to remove the blinder s and “Montage” Mixed Media on Wood Panel “Surrender” Mixed Media on Wood Panel reach their possibilities. I strive to create work that moves others and myself. In the end I believe in staying true to what inspires me and allowing myself to open my soul and dive into the canvas.

My love of painting is also very much connected to my love of design, architecture and music. Every since I was a child, I have been drawn to color, balance, shape and especially to texture and form. I use these things to find unpredictable harmony and balance. The paintings create a portal for the viewer to go through that I have gone through first. Each piece encompasses the complexities of human emotion presented and contained within the composition. www.arttourinternational.com

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THOMAS THOMAS

Thomas T. Thomas is currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area and has developed an intense passion for painting, creating wonderful canvases filled with color, light and movement……

“I started painting because I had this intense desire to express my feelings in color and shapes. For me painting is spiritual and cleansing, always creating a path to renewal of body and soul. Painting is also very physical and when I am finished with a piece, I am emotionally and physically drained. My inspiration is drawn from nature, my day to day experiences and by music, where music is the driving force that brings everything together. Each painting captures my emotional state and represents a broad spectrum of moods, from happy and lyrical to sad and dark. The colors represent the richness of harmony, the shapes are the melody and the brush strokes represent rhythm and meter. When I begin a new painting, I never know what direction the painting is going to take until it is finished, always listening to the painting tell me the direction it wants to go, and so the act of painting is totally spontaneous. My primary motivation is to create a work of art that engages the viewer’s imagination….creating the conditions for a continuous state of discovery.” www.facebook.com/tommyttommy2?

Instagram: tommyart2

“Dancing” - 2015

“She Is Reborn” -2013

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“Her Grand Entrance” - 2014

“Life In The City” - 2014

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ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

TRACEY HARVEY

BEST Of International Arts

Tracey Harvey is an internationally awarded and exhibited artist who paints shape-shifting acrylic works that could almost be mistaken for watercolours for their fluidity and delicate nature. Harvey creates fields of riotous colour that melt into each other so gracefully that it is almost as if they continue to move as the viewer looks at them. The paintings make great use of drastic tone contrasts- darkest black paired with bright red, cerulean pitted against deep violet- and organic shapes that coalesce into extraordinary scenes.

An important influence in Harvey's work have been her travels. She has lived and travel extensively through the Middle East, Europe, and Asia and various parts of her home country Australia. Light and the environment are key elements in the creation of her unique painted universe. To travel the world and see the countless qualities of the effects of light and different terrain that exist have expanded her aesthetic language immensely.Harvey's work present an interpretive natural world that knows no boundaries, be it colour, luminosity, or texture. She has been quoted as saying "life is too short to live without colour and passion" and this is representative of her work. Harvey is planning a major SOLO exhibition for 2016 in support of a rare child hood illness which we are eagerly awaiting.

Tracey Harvey is currently represented by Agora Gallery in New York and her works can also be purchased and commissioned directly from her website www.traceyharveyart.com.au

“Holy Sky” - 2015 Acrylic on Canvas 39” x 59”

“Tequila Sunrise” - 2015, Acrylic on Canvas, 29.5” x 29.5”

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“Through The Looking Glass” - 2015, Acrylic on Canvas, 29.5” x 29.5”

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ZHIHONG WEI

BEST Of International Arts

“When I was a boy, I used to practice painting on my own.In 1984 ,I began to study at the Academy of Arts &Design in Beijing,China(Now the name has changed :Academy of Arts & Design Tsinghua University ).I Studied fine arts ,but also design, and graduated in 1988. Afterwards I worked two years as a designer in a silk company in Hangzhou ,China.Then, I moved to Guanzhou (Canton), Where I started my own design company and tool factory, and became a manager. After a few years, I decided to stop this activity, and went to Paris to begin a new life, in order with my real ambition and love for arts, and devoted my time to paint.

Since then, I have exhibited my works at numerous events and places, such as: 7e Salon d’Art de Saint Laurent Lolmie , Salond’Automne 2007,2008,2009 and 2014 in Paris, the exhibition in Carrousel du Louvre with SNBA(Salon des Beaux Arts), Cercle des Artiste de Paris in Parc Floral de Paris.ICO Gallery and Reference Gallery 2008 in New York. The Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Comtemporanea of Florence in 2009 and 2011. Biennale of Chianciano 2015 in Art Museum of http://weizhihong.com Chianciano.Also my first Solo Exhibition in Gallery Everarts in 2008 in Paris.”

“The Yellow Waltz” 2013 Oil Painting 62” x 46”

“The Purple Waltz” 2014 Oil Painting 62” x 46”

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ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

ZHOU KANG

BEST Of International Arts

zhoukang.org

- Born in 1967 Shanghai, China; - 2003 The 3rd China Pingyao International Photography Festival featuring works from five photographers (Changfen Chen, Kang Zhou, Chui Hu, Xu Lian, Qingyun Huang); - 2004 The 4th China Pingyao International Photography Festival featuring his exhibition “Shanghai Memories.” Also featured in the French Photo Magazine; - April 2005 Solo Photographic Exhibition named “Shanghai” in San Francisco Asian Art Museum; - 2006 The 6th China Pingyao International Photography Festival featuring his exhibition, “Tibet”; - November 2006 Solo Photographic Exhibition named “The Quiet Stares in Shanghai”; - May 2008 Invited to participate in “Japan-China Culture Exhibition ” in Tokyo, Japan; - November 2008 Invited to the Forbidden City in Beijing in the “2008 China-Japan Photography Exhibition”; - December 2009 2nd prize photo in International Biennial Festival of Contemporary Art in Florence; - November 2010 Works “Beyond From Water & Ink” featured in “Salon D’Autumn” in Paris, France; - April 2011 Invited to participate in the “Union-International Touring Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Artists” in Bangkok, Thailand; - October 2011 Personal Photography Exhibition named “Beyond Ink” held by Hong Kong Jockey Club in Beijing; - November 2011 Works “Jiang Nan” featured in the “France artists salon” in The Grand Palace in Paris, France; - December 2011 Works “Crazy Lotus” featured in “International Biennial Festival Of Contemporary Art” in Florence, Italy; - August 2012 Works “Samsara” featured in “Europe Artists Exhibition” in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands; - October 2012 Invited to participate in “Salon D’Autumn overseas exhibition ” in Tel Aviv, Israel; - October 2013 Works “Blue” featured in “Salon D’Autumn” in Paris, France; - November 2013 Works “Shanghai” featured in “Photo Paris” in Paris, France; - December 2013 invited to participate in “SNBA exhibits at Carrousel du Louvre Salle Le Nôtre” and won the ADAGP Photography Award in Paris, France; - December 2014 invited to participate in “SNBA exhibits at Carrousel du Louvre Salle Le Nôtre” in Paris, France; - April 2015 Solo Photographic Exhibition named “Samsara” in Los Angeles,The United States.

“Early Winter Snow Drifting on the Ocean” - Photography

“A Hundred Year Long Dialogue” - Photography

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“Submersion” Oil on Canvas 48” x 48”

CHRIS DELLORCO Reality And Mystery

by Yadira Roman

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Chris Dellorco was previously mostly known as an illustrator in film, children's’ products and books. He is most particularly recognized for his work with Disney, including, among many others, the covers for "The Lion King" and “Lilo and Stitch.” He has also illustrated many award-winning movie posters, including “Conan the Barbarian,” “Revenge of the Nerds,” and “Coming to America.”

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“Liquid Dreams” Oil on Canvas 50” x 22”

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016 “Study For Falling” Oil on Canvas

“I don't paint to get paid; I get paid so I can paint.” The conviction that Chris Dellorco expresses with his words is a reflection of his dedication to art. Looking back at the positive change his work reflects, he takes us through a window into his own personal joy. Less is more in his eyes, and he's adapted this subtleness within his new pieces. “"My goal is less to impress people, and more to service the artwork, which is really what you are there to do."

One cannot help but marvel at Dellorco's ability to depict a sense of both reality and mystery in his pieces. His take on photorealism has carried a central theme with women; they give him freedom to do whatever he wants with his backgrounds. In contrast to the architectural and landscaping playgrounds he has given his viewers in the past, his most recent work plays with space and gravity. “I wanted to see again how little can I show and get the effect I wanted."

Having photographed all the women in his most recent pictures under water, his intent was to portray and express one's ability to defy gravity.

It's safe to say his art does exactly that. Dellorco

“Weightless” Oil on Canvas 48” x 32”

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“Aqueous” Oil on Canvas 48” x 32”

was still able to use the elements that fascinate him, mentioning his fascination with using fabrics and black space for depth. As an artist, his paintings are not expressions of himself on a personal level, but stories that flow through him with purpose. “I don't like to think when I concept, I like to just say that feels right. Then when I'm done with a painting I know what it's about.”

Coming from a career as an illustrator, he has adapted humbly to being a fine arts painter.

Dellorco established himself early on as a recognized name in many fields. Artistically, his influences have changed over the years, from Vallejo to Maxfield Perish and Rockwell. Having illustrated for film, children's books and even

advertising, this is a man who has set himself up for success. He shares the difference between being a commercial artist and the flip side of both fields. Having gained sight early on of what he wanted, each chapter of his career drew him closer to where he is now. His intent now - to welcome his viewers into his experience with his pieces - differs from his days as an illustrator, where his job was to leave nothing to the imagination. “As I became a fine artist I had to remove that Norman Rockwell approach to art, which is that you tell the whole story and everything is defined for you.” In recent years, his fondness has grown for the artist Carravagio, whom he admires for using shadows and lights in the form of storytelling. Using skills he gained as Cont. Next page

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016 Artist Chris Dellorco during his exclusive interview with ATIM writer Yadira Roman at the artistʼs studio in L.A., California.

an illustrator, Dellorco is an artist dedicated to pushing his audience deep into thought.

Spending his time in his studio, it is usually just him, the canvas and his delightful furry friend, his dog Elvis, using his mind, body, and soul as a vessel that allows stories to flow through him, manifesting their purpose. Having witnessed many emotional reactions to his work, he is still in awe of the power art can hold. He shares a powerful story regarding one of his pieces, Her Own Ballroom. “A collector bought it from me, she has cancer. I saw her about a year later and she told me often after chemo she would be bedridden for days. The painting was in her hallway, it was visible from her bed. The

painting is a woman dancing in a storm. She told me often she'd stare at it and think if that women can dance through a storm then so can I." This powerful affect stems from working intuitively. Thinking is not welcome in his process.

An L.A. native, Chris tastes the best of both worlds in his lake-view home. Isolated from the buzzing energy of the city, he is able to reserve his energy for his purpose, yet is close enough to take that drive back when he wants to tune up his energy. Birds are one of his many inspirations, and he is free to share space with them where he resides. Often seeing swans and ducks, he uses them as his models for many angel wings. His current goal is to be able to spend more time with his paintings. His work is his motivation; money is not a goal to keep him grounded. Money is the means to keep him painting, in order to stay grounded. A balanced artist who knows what he wants, it is no surprise Dellorco has had such great success in his career. www.dellorcofineart.com

Artist Chris Dellorco working at his artistʼs studio in L.A., California.

Watch our video interview to this artist! Log on to www.atimtv.com

Montagnac The Spirit Of Languedoc

In the heart of the Languedoc Roussillon with its Mediterranean climate, its vineyards, cultural and architectural heritage and beaches. Montagnac is waiting for you.

Written by Ph. Martinez Photography: Ph. Martinez and Yann Llopis

Photo courtesy of Ph. Martinez - Yann Llopis. Copyright 2015. Al rights reserved.

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016 Photo courtesy of Ph. Martinez - Yann Llopis. Copyright 2015. Al rights reserved.

So why choose between the sea and the mountains, a small village or a big town, between vineyards or historical heritage?

Montagnac has all of this within a 30 minute drive.

Looking for authenticity? Come and walk in the typical narrow streets, visit its XIII (13th) century church with its towering steeple, its esplanade shaded by plane trees or centuries old houses built by rich merchants in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Park at Besilles is rich in vegetation and has many sporting activities; relax by the pool or picnic in the shade of the ancient pine trees.

Friday mornings come and share Montagnac life, the same for 800 years revolving around the stalls of the market which have a rich mix of products and fresh, local produce all of which contribute to a good quality of life for the people of Montagnac.

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Photo courtesy of Ph. Martinez - Yann Llopis. Copyright 2015. Al rights reserved.

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016 Photo courtesy of Ph. Martinez - Yann Llopis. Copyright 2015. Al rights reserved.

You could extend your visit with a wine tasting at the Cave Co-operative or one of the many wine domains in and around Montagnac.

Thanks to the Romans and Greeks for cultivating their vines and introducing wine all those years ago. Dionysos and Bacchus and the work of their men have shaped and made the land that surrounds our village.

Some of the wines produced here are amongst the best in the World and are served in many top restaurants World-wide.

Then it will be the perfect time to relax and have dinner in one of our warm and welcoming restaurants which are open all year round.

So it’s for all of these reasons it makes us

happy to guide you towards our village – welcome to Montagnac!

WWW.VILLE-MONTAGNAC.FR

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China

“Memories Of A Distant Journey�

It was the year 1988 when a fine art photographer took a trip to Hong Kong to capture the China of that time. We now bring to you exclusive images by this world-renown photographer, published for the first time and released exclusively for the ArtTour International Magazine anniversary issue. Enjoy!

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

“Il Buddha Nel Tempio Di Leshan” (Budda At Temple Of Leshan) 1988 Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

“Luo Yang, Grotte Di Long Man” (Grotto Of Long Man In Lou Yang) Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

“Ai Piedi Della Statua Del Grande Buddha” (At The Feet Of The Big Buddha Statue”) Photography Aldo Basili.

Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

“Riproduzione Di Antichi Testi Su Carta Di Riso E China” (Reproduction Of Antique Texts On Rise Paper) - 1988 Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

“The Cottage Of Poet Du Fu” - Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

ARTTOUR INTERNATIONAL WINTER 2016

“Hong Kong, Le Case Galleggianti” (Hong Kong, Floating Houses) - 1988 Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

“Beijing, il tempio del Cielo”, The Temple Of Heaven in Beijin - 1988 Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

“The Big Wall Of China” - 1988 Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

A Little Girl Teaches His Little Brother How To Write - 1988 Photography Aldo Basili.

Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

Fine Art Photographer Aldo Basili took his first steps as a photographer in 1958 when he was as young as 14 years old, practicing and printing in black & white on himself. He also attended a one-year professional photography class. Basili worked for eight years as a graphic designer in an advertising studio, in that time he focused his interest on the urban landscapes, dedicating on his hometown, Turin, of which he presented many unusual visions and perspectives.

After a long lasting research and experimentation he started to create "Photo-paints" that make him receive critics and public approval: "Fantasie Torinesi – Turinese Fantasies" and "Follie Veneziane – Venetian Follies" were his first creations, still in an everlasting evolution. He is nowadays in an on- going development of new series of photographs on this theme.The research and experimentation of the photographic pictures creation and the elaborating processes that always pointed out his artistic career are nowadays involving him in new projects, also on the publishing side.

Until today he covered all the different areas of photography, from the black & white to the color technique, from the coverage to the artistic photography, always searching in every image the artistic and creative potential that are in the picture itself.

Therefore it happens that pictures of common people shot in their quotidian acts show themselves as funny or ironic. Also it happens that an urban landscape via the in-shooting elaboration reveals itself perfect as an impressionist paint..

The unitary feature of his works: the quest of what every image can become through the artistic act, the looking for the art that can be showed and revealed through the shoot and in the inshooting elaboration or in the post-production processing, the search of the photographic interpretation of abstract concepts.

His works are present, in Italy and abroad, in public and private collections and in national and international galleries and museum and has been published on national and international magazines, catalogs and websites.

Artist Website www.aldobasili.eu

“Beijin, Traffick In The Tienanment”- 1988 Photography Aldo Basili. Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.

The

Longest

Walk

These works are a study of apportioned blame. They seek to look beyond the hyperbole of mass press and hive minds to reach for truth, uncomfortable and undeniable. This study aims to ask questions and initiate debate as to our role in the great exodus to our shores.

This study goes by the title of ‘The Longest Walk’.

Europe. A nation of people. A nation of history. Nations of culture, nations of enlightenment. Modern civilization birthed on these shores. Philosophy, artscapes. A nation of knowledge. A nation of nations.

2015 Europe. A nation of people. A nation of history.

2015. Europe, in the midst of the so called ‘Migrant Crisis’.

by Jamie Burroughs

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Light quelled through the ignorant. Modern civilizations burnt to the ground, burnt to the ground on these shores. Anger, fear, hate, ignorance. A nation of knowledge lost. A nation of nations. Nations of hypocrites.

Two thousand and something is the year…, 15 they say.

Exactly when could be unclear, such is the reactionary repetition heard loud above Europe’s head. A voice heard before, tone, intent, the same. Only the words have been changed. Changed, yet still somewhat the same.

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2015, 15 as they come. 15 as they shout. They that come are those that need us. They that shout are those that fear them.

Migrant. Syrian. Illegal immigrant. Eritrean.

Pakistani. Hoard, swarm, masses. Plague, Virus.

Nigerian. Benefit tourist. Asylum seeker. And as they come towards these European shores, they are met.

Distrust. Ignorance. Fear. The unknown. Stupidity.

Racism. Xenophobia. Anger. Force. Brutality. They are met. And as the scene plays, a scene of hackneyed and shameful duplicate, the cries of reaction and circumstance are lost like a whisper to the wind.

The drawn and desperate Exodus has pushed steady across Europe’s borders this year. Lines of questions that point straight back to their answers. Lines of stories to tell. Lines of circumstance and consequence. Lines that some wish to be banished to never was or could be.

Across Europe and indeed the world this year we have seen a trend of mass movement. We have seen these lines come and go, lines that never stop. Played to the tunes of human misery, inflicted, beyond and to come. And at their destination’s end, a choir. Blood curdling, shame be upon its chorus. A choir of noise.

One that witnesses pain and says that it will not care.

One that witnesses suffering and tells of how it does not care. One that does not see the truth, uncomfortable, blatant and there to know of inside a mirror’s reflective glare.

The ballot box. The chance to vote. Democracy.

Things we take for granted so often. Something that was fought for, something that people died for. A principle that people still fight for, that people still die for. Denied to them as blatantly as we here take it for granted. Each half a decade we clap feet in the direction of the ballot box. We lay steps towards deciding what the future to come will be. Hospitals, schools, the economy. Energy reliance, GDP, wages and growth. Words, phrases. They take pride of place atop posters, bombarded through tv screens to the cerebral cortex. We go. We vote and very little changes. We go home. We turn on the tv screen and some wonder why it is that those lines of migrants want to come to our nations?

Action comes with reaction. Act is followed by consequence. Iraq was engulfed in flames by the shock and awe of Tony Blair and George W Bush.

Millions rendered to death. Millions more awaited the same fate as the chain of events, unstoppable, clicked into gear. Isil, Islamic State, that troop of degenerates were guaranteed long before they ever existed.

And that man Tony Blair. That false leader. I voted for. We voted for. Our Leader. Our representative at home and abroad. Our vote. Our fault.

Libya was there and then it was gone. Twisted dictatorship replaced by the mayhem of competing evil. On the 19th March 2011, western powers began an air war against the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi. In the UK, British Prime Minister David Cameron, began the scramble to add a foreign intervention to his political CV. Like so many others before him, the lives and times of the unseen and unknown were neglected behind the desire for political vanity.

The planes were summoned, the drones made to fly them. The bombs they fell, the explosions they were televised.

The aftermath mostly ignored.

Triumphalism courted and gratefully received.

The dictator fell. Gaddafi was defeated. All was well in the world.

Except for those left behind in Libya. In the ruins of the western bombing campaign grew instability that struck out at all sides. Tyranny of the state mutated to tyranny totality. All around the unnumbered fell. Madness gripped and took hold. Civil war. More numbers. Stories untold behind mere statistics. And from this theatre of drawn red, the gates were opened. The pathway paved with bombs.

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11/3/11.

Syria - Libya - Escape. The route clear.

Iraq - ISIS - The need to escape.

Everything is connected. Every act has a consequence.

Action leads to Reaction. Your vote matters. It mattered to Iraq. It mattered in Libya. Your leader.

Your Vote. Your fault.

What comes from there?

From your golf club comes Wolframite, which is a source of Tungsten. Its correct term is Conflict

“Go back to where they came from�. Where is it that they come from?

They come from war zones. Lands set ablaze in rage red and orange regretted tones. Lands like Syria. Lands of civil strife, brother vs. brother, these civil war lands. Wars that have been stoked, wars enabled, funded. Wars prolonged, made possible. Wars created by hands and minds from far away. The United States. The Russian Federation. Middle Eastern turmoil transplanted, both foreign and domestic.

European pretenders. Guns, weapons, know how.

Training programmes, funding of terror, support for dictators.

Where do they come from? From Libya, blown apart by western political vanity and left to die in pain and orchestral misery.

Mineral and bullet holes pattern those that were forced to mine it.

From your shiny new tablet comes Cassiterite, which is the main ore needed to make tin, which is essential to solder the circuit boards of electrical products. Its correct term is Conflict Mineral. And the seas of blood

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that wash away countless lost souls lap gently to the tide mark of Europe’s consciousness as we consume it.

From your phone comes Columbite-Tantalite, which is the metal ore from which tantalum is extracted.

Tantalum = tantalum capacitors, which enable you to ignore reality and update your damn twitter status.

From your wardrobe comes clothes stitched in a state controlled prison complex by a designated number stripped of identity and choice.

From your second drawer comes your kicks, your shoes, imprinted with the blood from the busted lip of the modern day wage slave that boxed and laced them, all with a forced smile stapled to the face and corporate watermarked.

1st world entitlement.

3rd world slavery.

To the ignorant souls calling for migrant culls, think about that the next time you tell these PEOPLE to go back to where they come from.

Your lifestyle. Your fault.

Time to say Sory.

This has been a Jamie Burroughs creation, an exercise in artography, a soul to soul collaboration.

Peace, Love, Unity, then finally freedom. www.jamieburroughsfoto.com