Masters of Art

Introduction

In an age shaped by rapid technological transformation, globalization, and cultural convergence, artistic expression today transcends boundaries and mediums as never before. Masters of the 21st Century presents a singular selection of artists from around the world—each pushing the frontiers of creativity and shaping the narrative of our era.

This book brings together a remarkable array of visionaries: painters whose brushstrokes reveal the personal within the universal; photographers who capture fleeting moments and amplify them into timeless statements; sculptors who mold in three dimensions what once existed only in the imagination; digital and mixed-media practitioners who fuse tradition with innovation. Together, these artists reflect the layered complexity of modern life—its challenges, its celebrations, its questions, and its possibilities. Here we encounter:

A global dialogue, featuring artists from Europe to Oceania, North America to Asia—voices that resonate in diverse cultural harmonies, yet share a unified pursuit of meaning through visual form;

Mediums reimagined, as traditional boundaries dissolve and new media open bold avenues of expression, from photography and paint to digital art and immersive installations;

The personal as political, with creators drawing on their individual experiences—identity, memory, displacement, belonging—and in turn speaking to broader societal themes on belonging, migration, resilience, and hope.

Masters of Art • 21st Century

This collection is not merely a gallery of aesthetic excellence—though the craftsmanship is undeniable. It is a curated conversation about our times and the human condition in a moment of profound change. Each artist is a “master” not just because of technical virtuosity, but because they use their medium to challenge perceptions, spark dialogues, and inspire new ways of seeing.

As the world navigates complexities of ecological urgency, technological acceleration, and cultural flux, art offers both reflection and possibility. Masters of the 21st Century stands as a testament to how artists harness that potential—redefining tradition, echoing global diversity, and forging fresh narratives.

We invite you now to immerse yourselves in these pages, wander through the worlds these artists construct, let their perspectives expand ours, and find, within the strokes, the pixels, the frames, the forms, something alive and urgent.

Thomas Tunberg Editor

Despina Tunberg Curator

21st Century

Cover Artist

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Premium Masters

Jean Jacques Porret

Donelli J. DiMaria

Rosae Novichenko

Aura Op Den Camp

András Mengyán

Atom Hovhanesyan

Dennis Whalen

Betty Collier

Khaula Bin Buti

Barbara D’Angelo Månsson

Alex Klas

21st Century Masters of Art

Betsy Ashton

Khaula Bin Buti

J.D. Chou

Wendy Cohen

Betty Collier

Barbara D’Angelo Månsson

Cecilia Del Toro

Donelli J. DiMaria

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Jack Farkas

Vigdis Elisabeth Feldt

Michael Ian Goulding

Daniel Grannan Fine Art

Howard Harris

Freeman Hau

Atom Hovhanesyan

Roselynn Imbleau

Jyelle

Mary Kane

Nada Kelemen

Alex Klas

Leon Darwin

Magic of Mana

Marcelle Mansour

Rose Masterpol

Sylvia Mekhitarian

András Mengyán

Nikoloz Meskhishvili

Tahara Mio

William T. Moore III

Alissar Najd Langworthy

Henry Nelson III

Rosae Novichenko

Aura Op den Camp

Ivan Pahomov

Jean Jacques Porret

Natalia Rose

Mildred Salas

Rita Schoonmaker

Cherie Sibley W.

Isaac D. Smith

Marcia Söderman

Tamara Tarasiewicz

Alycia Thompson

Julie Turner

Marc Van Der Leeden

Nayibe Warchausky

Adrianna Wasinska-Fabian

Lydia Watson (Watsart™)

Dennis Whalen

Shaoqing Wu

Masters of Art 21st Century

by World Wide Art Books

CURATED BY DESPINA TUNBERG

Designed And Published In California 2025 by World Wide Art Books Inc. www.wwab.us

General Manager / Curator: Despina Tunberg Master Editor: Thomas Tunberg Editorial Design: MTDESIGN

Printed in South Korea

Front Cover

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Aluskyline, 2022 – Aluminum, 231 × 40 × 5 cm

Back Cover

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Quadrati di Color, 2024 – Oil on canvas, 70 × 70 cm

Zig Zag, 2023 – Aluminum, H 225 cm

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval systems, or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher and copyright holders.

® Copyright

World Wide Art Books Inc.

5533 Cathedral Oaks Road Santa Barbara, CA, 93111, USA

21st Century Masters of Art

by Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Introduction

A global dialogue, featuring artists from Europe to Oceania, North America to Asia—voices that resonate in diverse cultural harmonies, yet share a unified pursuit of meaning through visual form;

Mediums reimagined, as traditional boundaries dissolve and new media open bold avenues of expression, from photography and paint to digital art and immersive installations;

Masters of Art • 21st Century

Thomas Tunberg Editor

Despina Tunberg Curator

Natalia Rose

Denmark

Natalia Rose is a renowned Danish artist recognized for her captivating semi-abstract creations, distinguished by the presence of pictograph-like symbols meticulously painted with broad and substantial brushstrokes. Through her artistic endeavors, Natalia Rose explores profound inquiries concerning the essence of communication and the remarkable capacity of color and iconographic markings to convey abstract and conceptual ideas.

Born in the year 1953 in Stavropol, Russia, she pursued her education at the prestigious Moscow State University before further refining her artistic skills at the esteemed University of Copenhagen. In 2014, Natalia Rose celebrated a significant milestone with her inaugural exhibition held in Copenhagen, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that has since extended to notable cities worldwide, including New York, Paris, Amsterdam, and London.

Presently, Natalia Rose’s artistic contributions have gained tremendous acclaim, resulting in the inclusion of her works in esteemed private collections spanning the globe. These collections proudly boast the artist’s creations in countries such as the United States, Canada, Spain, Sweden, and various others. Natalia Rose continues to thrive as an artist of great distinction.

Golden Strait, 2024 Acrylic on canvas, 47 x 39 in.

The Square, 2021 Acrylic on canvas, 31 x 24 in.

Sleeping Rebellion, 2018

Acrylic on canvas, 47 x 47 in.

Flower Power, 2017

Acrylic on canvas, 39 x 55 x 2 in.

Natalia Rose Natalia Rose Natalia Rose

Natalia Rose

Postcard from Crete, 2022

Acrylic on canvas, 55 x 39 in.

Silence, 2020

Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 28 in. Denmark

Gold the Mysterious Medal 2022

Acrylic on canvas, 51 x 35 in.

Market Place, 2015

Acrylic on canvas, 51 x 35 x 2 in.

Arctic Rose, 2014 Acrylic on canvas,

Le Sacre du Printemps, 2024 Acrylic on canvas, 39 x 39 in.

Natalia Rose

Uden Titel (At the Roadside), 2024 Acrylic on canvas, 31 x 31 in.

Natalia Rose

Kalimera, 2022

Acrylic on canvas, 55 x 39 in.

Bronze Elegance Jean Jacques Porret

Jean-Jacques Porret, born in Switzerland in 1941, comes from a family of art and antique collectors. He began sculpting wood at an early age and soon turned to bronze, drawn to the lost wax casting method, which he described as both demanding and sensuous. Although figurative in form, Porret’s sculpture is primarily concerned with abstraction, aiming to communicate feeling and movement rather than literal representation.

His bronze sculptures balance elegance and dynamism, transforming the human figure into expressive rhythms of line and form. Porret has become recognized for his mastery of lost wax casting, a technique requiring exceptional precision, and his works are held in collections internationally. Each piece reflects his commitment to expressing abstract ideas through tactile form, blending tradition with modern expression..

Rendez Vous Galant

Cast bronze, edition of 3, 14.75 in. tall

Ode to Joy Cast bronze, edition of 5, 16 in. tall

Vagabonde Cast bronze, edition of 3, 19.5 in. tall

Jean Jacques Porret Bronze Elegance

Rêve Nocturne Cast bronze, edition of 3, 19.5 in. tall

Temps Perdu Cast bronze, edition of 5, 16 in. tall

Powerfully Expressive Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Gisela Engeln-Muellges is a German artist whose career first flourished in science before transitioning to the arts. She studied at RWTH Aachen, earning a doctorate in natural sciences in 1971 and receiving the Borchers Plaque for her research. She later became a professor at the Aachen University of Applied Sciences, served as Vice Rector for Research, and was a member of the Science Council of the Federal Republic of Germany. She has been recognized with honors including the Federal Cross of Merit in 1992 and an honorary doctorate from the Technical University of Nizhny Novgorod.

Since retiring in 2005, Engeln-Muellges has dedicated herself to sculpture, advancing the metal casting techniques pioneered by her late partner, Benno Werth. Her method allows for complex undercuts to be achieved in a single cast, without welding. Her work merges the expressive energy of Art Informel with mathematical precision, balancing emotional force with structural clarity. She has exhibited widely in Europe, the United States, and Japan, including shows in Paris, Rome, Florence, New York, and Tokyo. Her aluminum skyline won Best Sculpture at ArtExpo New York in 2024. Her sculptures are included in public collections such as the Riesa City Museum and the Sculpture Museum Glaskasten Marl.

Bronze Ring Bowl Composition, 2025 Bronze, 70 cm Ø, 40 cm h

All sculptures are cast in one piece and without any welds. The negative mold can only be used once for casting. All sculptures are therefore unique.

Bronze Bowl, 2021 Bronze, 30 cm Ø

Cube Stele 11, 2025 Bronze, 11 cubes with movable inner part, 6 × 6 × 6 cm each, total height 78 cm, base 12 × 12 cm

Paesaggi, 2025

Oil on canvas, 150 x 150 cm

Exploding Mushroom, 2023

Oil on canvas, arched, 100 x 100 cm

Vivace, 2024

Oil on canvas, 70 x 70 cm

Cascata, 2024

Oil on canvas, 150 x 150 cm

Alucube, 2021

Aluminum, 30 × 30 × 30 cm

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Light & Form András Mengyán

Interaction of Something–Nothing I Acrylic on canvas (+UV light), 55 x 79 in.

András Mengyán, born in 1945 in Békéscsaba, Hungary, is an artist and educator known for his groundbreaking exploration of spatial concepts in contemporary art. He graduated with a master’s degree from the Hungarian Academy of Crafts and Design in 1968. In 1981, he won a research scholarship from the American Council of Learned Societies, which led to collaborations abroad. He later served as advisor at Pratt Institute in New York (1986–1987) and was professor and head of Cross-Vocational Studies at the Bergen State Academy of Arts and Design in Norway from 1990 to 2006.

Mengyán is recognized for pioneering multimedia environments, beginning with a landmark exhibition at the István Király Museum in Székesfehérvár in 1984. His practice, which he calls Visual Space Polyphony, explores simultaneity, stereometry, transparency, and multidimensional vision. His works—installations, paintings, and spatial experiments—have been exhibited in Budapest, London, New York, Oslo, Ankara, and beyond.

His contributions have been honored with major awards, including the Munkácsy Prize in 2007. He is a member of the Hungarian Széchenyi Academy of Literature and the Arts. Living and working between Budapest and New York, Mengyán continues to advance his investigations into space, form, and perception.

Interaction of Something–Nothing II Acrylic on canvas (+UV light), 79 x 55 in.

András Mengyán Light & Form

Polyphony of Nothing Acrylic on canvas (+UV light), 35 x 47 in.

Acrylic on canvas (+UV light), 35 x 47 in.

Forming of Nothing Acrylic on canvas (+UV light), 39 x 39 in.

String Tearing Acrylic on canvas (+UV light), 47 x 47 in.

A True Master Atom Hovhanesyan

Atom’s practice spanned painting, drawing, and mixed media, blending classical references with contemporary sensibilities. Born in Armenia and later relocating to the United States, he developed a distinctive style that merged figurative subjects with expressive abstraction. His works included portraits, landscapes, and reinterpretations of art historical themes, unified by his interest in narrative, symbolism, and material experimentation. Hovhanesyan worked in oil, pastel, and ink, producing compositions that ranged from intimate drawings to large-scale canvases.

Fall Landscape with Two Trees, 2018 Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.

Exhibited widely in solo and group shows, his art entered private and public collections internationally, securing his reputation as a painter of both technical refinement and imaginative depth. His practice was rooted in skillful draftsmanship and bold experimentation, reflecting a dialogue between personal vision and cultural history. By reinterpreting classical themes through contemporary approaches, Hovhanesyan created works that bridged time, culture, and sensibility.

Study after Giorgione’s Sleeping Venus Oil on canvas, 30 x 48 x 1.5 in.

Woman 4, 2015 Oil on canvas, 48 x 30 in.

Madonna, 2016 Pen on paper, 31 x 23 in.

Grace, 2016 Oil on canvas, 20 x 16 x 0.5 in.

A True Master Atom Hovhanesyan

Woman 2 (December), 2016 Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in.

Timeless precision Dennis Whalen

Dennis Whalen was born in the United States in 1957 and has lived in Australia for over 45 years. His artistic journey includes formative studies in Japan and further training under Russian realist painter Alexei Antonov. Specializing in still life and botanical subjects, Whalen brings precision, sensitivity, and classical rigor to his compositions.

He is a member of the International Guild of Realism and the Botanical Society of Australia, affiliations that reflect his commitment to technical mastery and faithful observation of natural beauty. Over his career, Whalen has presented five solo exhibitions and participated in more than forty group shows, with his work featured in publications across Australia and abroad. His paintings are held in private collections in Australia, the United States, Britain, Germany, Japan, and Thailand.

Dennis’ still lifes reveal a profound appreciation for light, texture, and balance, while his botanical illustrations celebrate the intricacies of plant life with elegance and scientific clarity. His canvases capture both the vitality of organic forms and the quietude of carefully arranged compositions.

The Scent of the Orient Oil on canvas, 92 x 62 cm

Porcelain and Fruit VI Oil on canvas, 62 x 110 cm

Apples and Pears Oil on canvas, 62 x 110 cm

Porcelain in Orange Oil on canvas, 61 x 61 cm

Timeless precision Dennis Whalen

Leucadendrons and Wren Oil on canvas, 40 x 50 cm

Gymea Lily and Lorikeets Oil on canvas, 50 x 66 cm

Betty Collier A Pop of Color

Betty Collier, born in 1942 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, is a sculptor recognized for her contributions to public art and contemporary sculpture. Her work emphasizes rhythm, organic form, and balance, often realized in bronze, steel, and mixed media. Collier has created numerous public commissions throughout Australia, where her sculptures enrich urban environments and invite public engagement. With a background in education, she has also mentored emerging artists and advocated for women in sculpture, extending her influence beyond her studio practice.

Over the decades, Collier has exhibited nationally and internationally, earning recognition for her innovative approach to materials and her ability to create works that are at once monumental and intimate. Her art embodies a dialogue between structure and emotion, reflecting her ongoing exploration of form and meaning. Collier’s sculptures affirm the role of public art in everyday life and highlight the enduring relevance of sculpture as a medium for connection, contemplation, and beauty.

A Tapestry of Pink and Red Watercolor on paper, 11 x 8 in.

Dancing Butterflies on Golden Petals Watercolor on paper, 11 x 8 in.

Blue Butterfly Landing on Pink Flowers Watercolor on paper, 8 x 11 in.

Two Butterflies Landing on Pink Petals Watercolor on paper, 8 x 11 in.

Delicate Butterfly on Pink Flowers

Watercolor on paper, 8 x 11 in.

A Pop of Color Betty Collier

Patterned Butterfly in Purple Flowers Watercolor on paper, 8 x 11 in.

Expressive Color Khaula Bin Buti

Emirati artist Khaula Bin Buti, born in 1982 in Abu Dhabi, is known for her bold and expressive visual language rooted in themes of heritage, identity, and transformation. Educated in the United Arab Emirates, she began her career exploring traditional motifs and gradually expanded into contemporary modes of painting that incorporate abstraction and symbolism. Bin Buti’s canvases often feature vivid color fields, layered textures, and gestural marks that suggest both spontaneity and deliberation. Through her work, she reflects on the cultural shifts of modern Emirati society while preserving a connection to memory and tradition

Her paintings have been exhibited widely in the Gulf region and internationally, earning recognition for their ability to balance innovation with respect for cultural continuity. Bin Buti is also engaged in community-based initiatives, using her practice as a way to mentor younger artists and encourage dialogue about the role of contemporary art in shaping identity. Her work highlights the resilience and dynamism of Emirati women, positioning her as an important voice in the region’s art scene. With each canvas, she transforms personal reflection into collective narrative, offering viewers a compelling encounter with color, form, and cultural meaning.

Untitled Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 80 cm

Untitled Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 70 cm

Untitled Acrylic on canvas,100 x 40 cm

Khaula Bin Buti

Untitled Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 80 cm

Artist’s Playground D’Angelo Månsson Barbara

Barbara D’Angelo Månsson, born in Italy in 1977, is a contemporary artist based in Sweden. She has presented several solo exhibitions in Sweden and Italy, and has participated in around twenty group exhibitions in Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the United States, and Italy. A key moment in her career was her participation in the fremdARTige alla Biennale exhibition during the 60th Venice Biennale, which established her visibility on an international stage. Collectors from multiple countries have since acquired her works.

D’Angelo Månsson draws inspiration from Scandinavian artistic heritage and American Abstract Expressionism. She began with drawing and photography before discovering her artistic voice in abstract painting. Her method involves heavy impasto and the use of unconventional materials such as sand, plastic, metal, and paper, producing highly textured canvases. She also employs ink, charcoal, and oil pastels to add further complexity. Her abstract compositions are meditations on human nature, exploring emotion, memory, and the impact of human experience on the world. Through her tactile, layered works, she offers audiences a visual journey of introspection and contemplation, situating her among contemporary artists who merge material experimentation with psychological depth.

My Social Fobia med Vanilla, 2025 Mixed media on canvas, 47 x 59 in.

Sinestesie Apatiche, 2025 Mixed media on canvas, 39 x 39 in.

The Night That Falls, 2024 Mixed media on canvas, 31 x 39 in.

Odd Thoughts, 2025 Mixed media on canvas, 39 x 47 in.

Artist’s Playground

D’Angelo Månsson Barbara

Solitudine, 2024 Mixed media on canvas, 47 x 59 in.

Alex Klas

The Aroma of Still Life

Alex Klas was born in 1959 and lives and paints in California, United States. He has held 14 solo exhibitions, including a major solo show at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. His international career includes participation in 56 group exhibitions in the USA, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Israel, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Canada, Hungary, Austria, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Ukraine, Russia, and Spain, with notable appearances at the Biennale of Contemporary Sacred Art, Fine Art Biennale Basel, Contemporary Art Cannes Biennale, Riverside Art Museum, Crocker Art Museum, MOCAMAG Contemporary Art Museum, Luxembourg La Pinacothèque Museum, San Francisco Museum of Russian Culture, Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Salon d’Art Contemporain Carrousel du Louvre, the Venice International Art Fair, the Fair – World Art Dubai, Red Dot Miami Art Fair, San Diego Art Fair, and Swiss Art Expo.

Klas’s paintings belong to a range of public collections worldwide, among them the Triton Museum of Art, the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art, the Odessa State Literary Museum, the Odessa Museum of the History of Jews, the Odessa Museum of L.O. Utyosov, the Chanson Museum in St. Petersburg, the Moscow Museum of Judaism and Tolerance, and the Northern California Holocaust Museum Library. His recognitions include distinctions from the International Competition “World Culture and Art” (APOLLO–UNESCO); the International Peace Prize; the International LAC Academy; the Literary and Art Academy of Ukraine; the N. Gogol Award; the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Award; the Émile Zola Award; and the Luxembourg Art Prize.

He serves as Chairman of the Jury for several international literature and arts awards and medals and is a member of art unions in the USA, France, Germany, and Ukraine

Seven Sunflowers, 2023 Oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in.

Bouquet of Sunflowers in an Antique Vase, 2023 Oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in.

Bouquet of Sunflowers in an Orange Vase, 2023 Oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in.

Various Sunflowers in a Red Vase II, 2023 Oil on canvas, 30 x 24 in.

Sunflowers with Peppers, 2023 Oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in.

The Aroma of Still Life Alex Klas

Sunflowers with Fruits, 2023 Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in.

Contemporary Allegories Donelli J. DiMaria

Dr. Donelli J. DiMaria, born in 1946 in Waterbury, Connecticut, is an American artist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For 28 years, he worked as a physicist at IBM Research while studying classical painting and drawing with Cesare Borgia at the Reilly League of Artists in White Plains, New York. Twenty-three years ago, he retired from science to pursue art full-time. Since then, DiMaria has exhibited in more than 100 juried and invited shows, participated in 14 museum exhibitions, and shown his work in galleries across the United States. His paintings have been published in numerous books, newspapers, videos, and magazines.

Alongside his art, DiMaria has had a significant impact as an educator. His online drawing and painting courses on Udemy have reached more than 139,000 students, and his book Figure Drawing from Life: Tools, Techniques, and Tricks, co-written with his wife Diane, has been published on platforms worldwide. After years devoted to social realism, his recent paintings lean toward satire, addressing the complexities of the human condition with sharpness and wit. DiMaria’s career reflects the synthesis of scientific discipline and artistic imagination, offering works that are both technically precise and emotionally resonant.

African Strings #7 Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.

Paintball Wizard #1 Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.

Dances with Death #1 Oil on canvas, 24 x 36 in.

Friends #3 - Bedtime Stories Oil on canvas, 30 x 30 in.

Pinup #7

Donelli

Contemporary Allegories

Boxer #2 Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.

J. DiMaria

Painting, Photography & Drawing Rosae Novichenko

Rosae Novichenko is a Brazilian contemporary artist internationally acclaimed as both a painter and photographer. A multi-talented creator, she has also pursued music, composition, poetry, and acting. Active for more than 25 years, Novichenko has built an impressive career with over 100 exhibitions in galleries, museums, biennials, and international fairs. Her work has been featured in prominent publications and is held in public and private collections worldwide. Novichenko has received over 70 awards recognizing her achievements in contemporary art and is regarded as one of the most influential artists of her generation for her distinctive style.

Her practice is guided by the philosophy expressed in her own words: “Time transformed into art ceases to be time; it is eternity.” This vision resonates throughout her body of work. Her paintings and photographs are celebrated for their emotional power, striking use of form, and symbolic depth. By combining her visual work with her multidisciplinary talents, Novichenko presents art as a universal language that transcends boundaries and fosters cultural connection. Her ongoing practice continues to reinforce her reputation as a contemporary master.

Crescent Moon Flowers, 2024 | Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm

It Is She Who Paints the Night Perfumes, 2025

Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50 cm

Whisperings in Blue, 2025 Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 80 cm

Messenger of the Stars, 2024 Drawing on paper

Rosae Novichenko

Painting, Photography & Drawing

Garden of the Gods – Detail II, 2011

Photograph

Land, SKy & Paint Aura Op den Camp

Clouds, Sea and Earth Oil on canvas, 39 x 59 in.

“Aura Op den Camp, born in Semarang, Indonesia, now lives and works in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. She studied at Art Academy Maastricht, Fashion Academy Eindhoven, and the Academy of Fine Arts Arendonk in Belgium, developing a multifaceted foundation in painting.

Op den Camp has held 14 solo exhibitions in the Netherlands and Belgium, and has taken part in 42 group exhibitions across Vietnam, Spain, France, Belgium, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands. Her work is represented in private and public collections in the United States, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. A member of Boknet, Online Kunstenaars, and Pictoright, she is active within professional artistic networks.

Her oil paintings often focus on nature, water, and atmospheric landscapes, rendered with a balance of observation and imagination. Her compositions frequently expand into multi-panel works, reflecting her interest in rhythm and visual continuity. Op den Camp’s practice combines a mastery of technique with a poetic sensibility, situating her firmly within the European contemporary painting tradition.”

Water Bushes and Trees Oil on four-panel wood, 21 x 21 in.

The Mighty River Meuse at Maasband NL Oil on canvas, 39 x 47 in.

Aura Op den Camp

Land, SKy & Paint

Water, Earth and Clouds Oil on four-panel wood, 21 x 21 in.

Introduction

A global dialogue, featuring artists from Europe to Oceania, North America to Asia—voices that resonate in diverse cultural harmonies, yet share a unified pursuit of meaning through visual form;

Mediums reimagined, as traditional boundaries dissolve and new media open bold avenues of expression, from photography and paint to digital art and immersive installations;

Masters of Art • 21st Century

Thomas Tunberg Editor

Despina Tunberg Curator

Rose Masterpol

United States of America

Rose Masterpol is an American contemporary abstract painter whose career spans more than three decades. Self-taught in painting but formally trained in graphic design at CalArts, where she earned her BFA, she worked in advertising agencies in Los Angeles before turning to painting full-time. Her broad range of creative pursuits— including poetry, music, sculpture, and landscape photography—fuel the evolution of her work, which she develops in series.

Helium Acrylic on canvas 60 x 48 in.

Avant Garde Acrylic on canvas 30x 30 in.

Euphonic Acrylic on canvas 50 x 50 in.

Rose Masterpol

Rose’s practice is rooted in non-objective, organic abstraction, emphasizing bold color, line, and form. Working primarily in acrylic and oil on large canvases, Masterpol creates compositions that are simultaneously instinctive and meticulously balanced. Influenced since childhood by the New York School—particularly Pollock, de Kooning, Kline, and Motherwell—her style merges gestural freedom with compositional clarity. Her paintings are often described as poetic, vibrant, and powerful, with references ranging from De Stijl to Fauvism and Expressionism.

Represented in New York and other galleries across the United States, Masterpol’s work is collected internationally. Always evolving, she continues to expand the expressive possibilities of abstract painting while keeping her art raw, intuitive, and deeply personal. Her practice exemplifies the freedom of abstraction as a universal visual language.

Elevate

Acrylic on canvas 60 x 48 in.

Samarium

Acrylic on canvas 60 x 48 in.

Humanitarium

Acrylic on canvas 60 x 48 in.

Rose Masterpol

Aria Acrylic on canvas 50 x 84 in.

Reactionary Acrylic on canvas 36 x 60 in.

Rose Masterpol

Geocentric

Acrylic on canvas, 64 x 52 in.

Mildred Salas

United States of America

Mildred Salas, born in a family rooted in the traditions of the sea and community service, found her creative path through photography. Her father, a merchant marine, and her mother, a community activist, instilled in her a sense of resilience and observation that continues to shape her work. Gifted her first film camera in 1978, Salas began documenting her world, a passion that evolved into a lifelong practice. She still treasures that first camera as a reminder of her beginnings. In 2010, she transitioned to digital photography, self-teaching the craft while supplementing her knowledge through studies at Pace University’s Continuing Adult Education and the School of Visual Arts.

Dancing in Light 1

B&W digital photograph

Dancing in Light 2

B&W digital photograph Transitioning

Mildred Salas Mildred Salas Mildred Salas

Transitioning 2 B&W digital photograph

Mildred Salas

United

States of America

Salas’ practice is deeply personal, often rooted in emotion and memory. While she gravitates toward black-andwhite photography, she occasionally incorporates color to emphasize mood and narrative. A pivotal series emerged during a difficult period when she lost her spouse and home. Through the lens of her Nikon D90, she created images that helped her navigate grief and rediscover beauty in fleeting moments. Salas’s work is a meditation on resilience, transformation, and the enduring power of art to heal.

Riding the Wave 3

B&W digital photograph

Transitioning 3

B&W digital photograph

Adrianna Wasinska-Fabian

Adrianna Wasinska-Fabian is a Polish-born, Australia-based artist whose practice bridges fine art, equestrian culture, and naturalist inquiry. In 2004, she graduated with a master’s degree in painting and etching from the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice, where she developed her signature approach combining traditional draftsmanship with expressive interpretations of her subjects. Horses, which she also studies as an instructor and rider, are her greatest source of inspiration.

Since 2017, Adriana has run her studio in Lake Coogee, Perth, producing drawings that merge anatomical precision with abstraction, exploring the biological and behavioral complexity of horses. Her works have been exhibited across Australia and Europe, with drawings entering the permanent collection of the National Gallery of North Macedonia in 2021. She is represented by the Paard Verzameld Collective and has won numerous awards.

Connection 1

Ink, fine linear, acrylic on paper, 120 x 90 cm

Mirror Horses 2

Ink, fine linear, acrylic on paper, 76 x 56 cm

Mirror Horses 2

Ink, fine linear, acrylic on paper, 76 x 56 cm

Adrianna Wasinska-Fabian

Connection

Ink, fine linear, acrylic on paper, 120 x 90 cm

Wasinska-Fabian

Mirror Horses 1

Ink, fine linear, acrylic on paper, 76 x 56 cm

Adrianna

Betsy Ashton

Betsy Ashton was born at the end of WWII in the U.S.A. and was a radio and televison news anchor and reporter for two decades in Washiington, D.C., New York City and on the CBS News network before returning to the art she has loved since she was old enough to hold a pencil and sketch everything in sight — especially people. She has a B.A. in fine art and design from the American University in Washington, D.C., but later studied painting under Everett Raymond Kinstler, Michael Shane Neal, Sharon Sprung and Mary Beth McKenzie at the National Academy School of Art and the Art Students’ League of New York.

Her many commissioned portraits hang in public and private collections througout the United States and Europe, including in the collection of the U.S. Embassy in London, U.K. Her work has been in 25 major group exhibitons and she has 10 solo exhibits to date of her Portraits of Immigrants: Unknown Faces, Untold Stories, exhibit of paintings and stories of immigrants from different countries and cultures showing their struggles and the contributions they have made to their adopted country - the United States. She is a member of the National Arts Club, the Salmagundi Club of New York, and the Portrait Society of America and is a longtime supporter of major journalism groups and public television.

Porez Luxama Refugee from Haiti Oil on canvas,40 x 30 in.

Amina Ahmed Refugee from Syria Oil on canvas,40 x 30 in.

United States of America

Betsy Ashton Betsy Ashton Betsy Ashton

Edilson Rigo Immigrant from Brazil Oil on canvas,40 x 30 in.

Cecilia Del Toro

Cecilia Del Toro, born in Colombia, is a contemporary artist and surgeon who is also an American citizen based in the United States. Her creative work spans oil painting, jewelry design, and metalwork, combining technical precision with expressive depth. She studied art and sciences at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland, where she developed an interdisciplinary approach that unites healing and artistic creation. In addition to her visual practice, she authored a book on self-discovery and spirituality, extending her work into the realm of personal growth and reflection. She also holds the title of Princess of the Samu Samu Indonesian Royal House, a cultural heritage that adds a unique dimension to her life and art.

Del Toro’s paintings focus on themes of love, identity, and spirituality, often blending traditional oil techniques with unconventional materials such as precious metals, gold leaf, and crystals. Her richly layered works embody both beauty and symbolic meaning, offering audiences compositions that invite contemplation. Through her interdisciplinary approach, Del Toro bridges science, spirituality, and art, creating works that resonate on both personal and universal levels. Her art has attracted collectors internationally, demonstrating the cross-cultural and timeless relevance of her vision.

Colombia

Loving Soul Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in.

Look Inside My Heart Oil on canvas, 24 x 48 in.

Cecilia Del Toro

The Wedding Kiss Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in.

Royaltie Woman

Oil on canvas, mixed media, and collage with silver, gold tone, gold leaf, Swarovski crystals, 36 x 48 in.

Daniel Grannan Fine Art

United

States of America

Daniel Grannan, born in 1956 in Flagstaff, Arizona, is an American painter based in Page Springs, Arizona. He studied art at the College of San Mateo in California and graduated from the Famous Artists School, establishing a strong technical foundation. Grannan has exhibited in numerous shows across the United States and also participated in a group exhibition in the United Arab Emirates. His works are included in many private and corporate collections, demonstrating broad appreciation of his art.

An award-winning artist, Grannan works primarily in oil on panel, producing paintings that combine expressive form with conceptual depth. His series explore themes of manifestation, transformation, and the natural world, often through bold use of texture, layering, and dynamic composition. His art reflects both careful craft and imaginative vision, bridging the physicality of oil paint with meditative subject matter. Through his practice, Grannan emphasizes the transformative power of creativity, offering viewers works that encourage reflection and discovery. His contributions to contemporary painting highlight his commitment to artistic exploration and his ability to communicate ideas through richly crafted surfaces.

Manifestation LG5 Oil on panel 36 x 48 in.

Terra Escarpments S2 Oil on panel 18 x 24 in.

Manifestation LG6 Oil on panel 48 x 36 in.

Daniel Grannan

Transformation M16 Oil on panel 30 x 24 in.

Darwin Leon

United States of America

Darwin Leon was born in 1972 in Santiago de las Vegas, a small town near Havana, Cuba. In 1987, amid Cuba’s political and economic upheaval, his family relocated first to Spain and later settled in Miami, Florida. Leon earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Miami International University of Art & Design, where he received the Visual Arts Scholarship Award of Excellence and won Best in Show at his first juried student exhibition. He later completed a Master’s in Art Education at the University of Florida, strengthening his dual focus on artistic practice and pedagogy.

Initially working in religious portraiture, Leon shifted toward figurative and expressionistic forms, blending surrealism and cubism with satire and irony. His signature style, “Expressionistic Surrealism,” combines Renaissance chiaroscuro with vibrant, socially charged imagery. His paintings probe human distortion and modern imbalance, often marked by theatrical characterization and humor.

Leon taught at the South Florida Arts Center for four years and at Art Center Manatee in Bradenton for eight. He lives in Miami, continuing to teach and create.

The Deception from the Virgin of the Rocks, 2023 Oil on canvas 30 x 48 in.

Radiance Amidst Shadows, 2023 Oil on canvas 40 x 30 in.

Darwin Leon

The Soul Improviser, 2023 Oil on canvas 40 x 30 in.

William T. Moore III

United States of America

William T. Moore III, born in Decatur, Alabama, is an American sculptor now residing in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1984 and his MFA from Kent State University in 1996. Moore has created three outdoor public sculptures located in Ohio and Georgia, while also exhibiting extensively in both online and gallery settings. His online presence has reached global audiences, complemented by in-gallery solos in the United States and participation in numerous national and international group exhibitions.

Moore’s hand-carved wooden sculptures reflect his interest in the spiritual and ethereal dimensions of human existence. His forms draw on ancient totems, stelae, and obelisks, reinterpreted through contemporary abstraction. By focusing on geometry, form, and space, his works create a dialogue between past civilizations and modern consciousness. His sculptural practice serves as both a tribute to universal history and an exploration of natural beauty, offering visual meditations that uplift and reinvigorate.

Serendipity Dancer Wood sculpture, 24 x 11.25 x 14.25 in.

Avian Samurai Wood sculpture, 24 x 11.5 x 14.75

William T. Moore

Henry Nelson III

United States of America

Henry Nelson III, born in 1970 in Philadelphia, now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. His artistic journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a friend invited him to experiment with acrylic painting. To his surprise, his first works were successful, igniting a passion that has since evolved into a dynamic and growing portfolio.

Nelson’s practice centers on abstract painting, characterized by vibrant color, textured surfaces, and a balance between spontaneity and structure. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, he incorporates references to beach visits in the Hamptons, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture, urban cityscapes, and his love for music. His layered compositions combine multiple mediums, producing works that are both playful and deeply expressive.

Through his paintings, Nelson tells stories that resonate with joy, rhythm, and reflection. His goal is to create works that are visually engaging while offering open interpretation, encouraging viewers to connect with his art on their own terms. His portfolio continues to expand, with exhibitions in the United States establishing his voice as a painter of bold energy and creativity.

Dance of Colors

Mixed media on canvas, 16 x 20 in.

Sunburst Symphony

Mixed media on canvas, 16 x 20 in.

Henry Nelson III

Henry Nelson III Henry Nelson III

Crimson Echoes Mixed media on canvas, 16 x 20 in.

Waves of Reflections Mixed media on canvas, 16 x 20 in.

Kaleidoscopic Metropolis Mixed media on canvas, 36 x 60 in.

Ivan Pahomov

Ivan Pahomov was born in Borova, in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, where the surrounding forests and the Oskol River profoundly shaped his early love for nature and beauty. From childhood, he was passionate about drawing, a pursuit that led him to art school and later to the Architectural University in Kharkiv. There, alongside his architectural studies, he received intensive training in drawing, painting, composition, and color theory, gaining a comprehensive artistic foundation. After graduation, Pahomov merged his architectural knowledge with his passion for painting, producing works that are at once structurally sound and emotionally resonant.

His art frequently draws on childhood memories while offering reflections on the future, exploring themes of happiness, sadness, and longing. Each piece functions as a visual narrative, opening a window into memory and imagination. Now based in the United States with his family, Pahomov actively exhibits his work and connects with diverse audiences. His art continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in nature, memory, and the human spirit, offering compositions that aim to inspire, uplift, and engage.

Boba Oil on canvas, 39 x 24 in.

Diver Oil on canvas, 24 x 16 in.

Ivan Pahomov

Knowledge is Like Fairy Tale Oil on canvas, 47 x 35 in.

Cherie Sibley W.

United States of America

Cherie Sibley W. is an American painter whose work reflects a lifelong reverence for the natural world and its ability to connect us to something greater. A native of southern Louisiana, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors from Louisiana State University. After an early career in graphic design, art direction, marketing, and advertising, she relocated to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she has lived and taught painting for more than 25 years. Her art is inspired by the majesty of wildlife, indigenous traditions, and the dramatic landscapes of Alaska. Each canvas is a meditation on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, inviting viewers to reflect on their place within the larger whole.

Cherie’s paintings balance vibrant color, expressive brushwork, and quiet reverence, stressing the urgent need to preserve the environments that inspire them. Sibley’s work has been widely exhibited and is represented in private collections throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. She is represented by galleries in both Mexico and Canada, affirming her international presence. Through her painting, she seeks to evoke awe and humility while celebrating the fragile beauty of the natural world.

Arctic Pile Up

Cherie Sibley W. Cherie Sibley W. Cherie Sibley W.

Mountain Scene Canvas print 24 x 60 in.

Weaver’s Apprentice

Mountain Scene

Marcia Söderman

2025

Marcia Söderman was born in Miami Beach, Florida, and lived for over fifty years in the Midwest before relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2018. She holds an MFA in Painting and Drawing, and a MA and PhD in Art History from the University of Minnesota. Alongside her academic career, she taught Women in Art, studio art, and art history for 25 years, nurturing the next generation of artists and scholars.

Söderman has exhibited widely, with numerous solo and group shows. Notably, her work was included in Women and Water Rights: Rivers of Regeneration exhibition, shown at Regis Art Center, Minneapolis, and curated by art critic Lucy Lippard and Dr. Lyndel King, Director Emeritus of the Weisman Art Museum. Her art has also been published in International Contemporary Artists, Vol. 2, Studio Visit No. 9, and Twin Cities TOSCA.

on Healing, 2024

Falling Water Series: Minnehaha Falls No. 3, 2016

Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in.

Meditation

Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 18 in.

Downpour,

Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 in.

Marcia Söderman Marcia Söderman Marcia Söderman

Marcia’s paintings, rooted in both abstraction and natural observation, often explore themes of healing, ecology, and transformation. Through layers of texture and color, Söderman creates meditative works that reflect her deep engagement with contemporary issues and personal reflection. Her pieces are held in both private and public collections.

Falling Water Series: Minnehaha Falls No. 6, 2018

Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in.

Meditation for Peace, 2024 Mixed media, 11 x 8.5 in.

Falling Water Series: Minnehaha Falls No. 4, 2018

Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in.

J.D. Chou

J.D. Chou began his artistic career in 1972 with a mission to visually interpret the philosophical teachings of Taoism. Born in Beijing and educated in Hong Kong and Paris, he has devoted decades to developing a body of work that merges spiritual inquiry with contemporary artistic practice. Chou’s paintings and drawings are characterized by flowing forms, symbolic imagery, and a meditative rhythm that invites viewers to contemplate balance, harmony, and the cycles of nature. His style draws upon both Chinese ink painting traditions and Western abstraction, creating a hybrid language that feels timeless yet innovative. Over the years, his work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Chou is also recognized for his role in promoting cultural exchange, often lecturing and exhibiting abroad to share the principles of Taoist thought through art. His pieces are included in both private and public collections, valued for their depth of meaning and refined execution. Chou’s career stands as a testament to the enduring power of philosophy as a guide for artistic creation, offering a visual path to reflection and inner peace.

Taiwan

Wendy Cohen

Based in Sydney, Wendy Cohen has built a career exploring the expressive potential of abstraction, developing a style that combines gestural brushwork with carefully balanced structures. Her paintings are defined by dynamic color relationships, layered surfaces, and a sense of movement that draws viewers into an immersive experience. Influenced by modernist traditions and contemporary practices, she experiments with collage, mark-making, and mixed media to expand the language of abstraction. Cohen has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally, where her work has been recognized for its bold aesthetic and engaging dialogue. Often inspired by her environment and cultural heritage, she translates personal impressions into universal forms. Cohen’s work also highlights materiality, with surfaces that reveal the process of painting as integral to meaning. Through her ongoing practice, she continues to refine her exploration of color and form, offering powerful encounters that celebrate creativity, spontaneity, and the transformative potential of art.

Flying Flowers, 2025 Acrylic on canvas, 31 x 47 in.

Tipsy Waves, 2025 Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 24 in.

Vigdis Elisabeth Feldt

Vigdis Elisabeth Feldt is a Norwegian artist whose practice is centered on observation, interpretation, and communication through painting. Growing up in a creative household filled with music and visual art, she was encouraged from an early age to sketch and explore visual expression. She later pursued studies at teachers college, specializing in arts and crafts, which gave her both technical grounding and an appreciation for art as a tool for education and reflection. Norway

Feldt’s work is strongly influenced by the effect of light, both on natural forms and in human interactions. Her paintings often explore how perception is shaped by light and atmosphere, while also addressing broader concerns such as politics, environmental issues, human rights, and sustainability. She views art as a means of communication and empowerment, connecting contemporary issues with timeless human questions. Her reflections reach back to the earliest human expressions, likening her art to Stone Age carvings and drawings that sought to capture identity, belief, and survival. By drawing parallels between ancient impulses and modern concerns, Feldt situates her practice within a continuum of human creativity. Her works invite viewers to consider both personal and collective experience, while celebrating the enduring role of art in human life.

Autumn at Mekjarvik Oil on canvas, 31 x 24 in.

Evening Walk at Viste Beach Oil on canvas, 39 x 31 in.

Michael Ian Goulding

Michael Ian Goulding, born in 1964 in Albion, Michigan, is an American artist based in Silver Spring, Maryland. A self-taught creator, Goulding has built an international career with three solo exhibitions in the United States and more than forty group exhibitions in countries including Argentina, Canada, France, India, Russia, Spain, and the USA. His work is represented in private collections across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Goulding has received awards for his art and has been featured in numerous publications devoted to contemporary fine art. His images have also been licensed by musicians for album covers and promotional materials, extending the reach of his work into popular culture. Certified by the Museum of the Americas in the United States and an Affiliate Artist of the Circle Foundation for the Arts in France, Goulding was also represented by FotoNostrum, Mediterranean House of Photography in Spain. He previously served as president of the Foundry Gallery in Washington, D.C., demonstrating his leadership within the artistic community. His practice encompasses photography and fine art, with particular attention to black-and-white images that highlight contrast, form, and atmosphere. His work combines technical skill with emotional resonance, positioning him as a significant voice in contemporary visual art.

Becca I

B&W digital photograph, 14 x 11 in.

Aileen CXCIII

B&W digital photograph, 14 x 11 in.

Howard Harris

Howard Harris was born in Denver, Colorado, where he currently lives and works. He is recognized for his practice in Techspressionism, an artistic approach that employs technology to convey visual and emotional experience. Harris is known for his vivid colorations and multi-layered photographic images. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute and a Master of Industrial Design from Pratt Institute. Harris was granted a U.S. patent for his photographic processes, underscoring the innovative character of his work. His art has been featured in publications including International Artists of the Decade, 50 Artists to Invest In, Artisti Encyclopedia of International Art, and Top 10 Contemporary Artists. Harris’s work is represented by galleries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

United States of America

Dance of Light

Sublimation on aluminum, 30 x 36 in.

Freeman Hau

Origin

Freeman Hau is a contemporary painter who works in oil and mixed media, producing abstract compositions that emphasize surface, texture, and balance. His canvases are often large in scale, encouraging viewers to engage directly with the physicality of his materials. Hau’s work explores the relationship between structure and spontaneity, using layering and contrast to create a sense of both control and freedom. By blending traditional oil painting techniques with experimental mixed media approaches, he creates surfaces that are visually rich and emotionally engaging.

Hau’s paintings often explore themes of origin, resourcefulness, and resilience, expressed through bold composition and strong form. His practice situates itself in the ongoing dialogue between abstraction and materiality, offering works that invite contemplation and interpretation. His art has been presented in exhibitions and collected privately, where it is appreciated for its immediacy and its ability to balance order and spontaneity. Hau’s work demonstrates the enduring relevance of abstract painting as a language of exploration and expression.

Oil on canvas (mixed media), 40 x 40 in.

Resourceful Oil on canvas, 40 x 40 in.

Jyelle

Jyelle was born in Colmar, France and now lives in La Tremblade. As a teenager, she received private tuition from a teacher at the Academy of Arts, igniting a lifelong passion for painting. After a distinguished career in education and earning a Doctorate in Educational Sciences, she returned to her true calling - art- upon retirement. Her first exhibition took place in 2021 in La Rochelle, followed by her first solo show in 2023 in St Savinien. Jyelle’s work, known for its vibrant use of color and the interplay between abstract expressionism and floral motifs, explores the harmony within chaos and the transformative power of nature. She has exhibited internationally, including at the Amsterdam Art Fair and the San Diego Art Fair in December 2024.

Cheryl Proudfoot, known as Magic-of-Mana, is an abstract mixed-media artist whose work is infused with spirituality, imagination, and emotional depth. Born in 1962 in Gatesville, North Carolina, she was the eldest of five siblings and spent much of her childhood in New York City with her mother. Raised in part by her relatives, George and Minnie Riddick, Proudfoot’s early years instilled resilience and creativity, which later became the foundation of her artistic voice. Although she had a passion for art from a young age, it was about 25 years ago—through spiritual exploration—that she began pursuing painting seriously. Her life experiences, both challenges and triumphs, deeply inform her practice, shaping works that evoke wonder, mystery, and a wide range of emotions. Each piece becomes a reflection of her inner world, bridging the fantastical and the relatable, and inviting viewers into a space of healing and connection.

All Eyes Mixed media on canvas

River of Tears Mixed media on canvas

Nada Kelemen

Czech painter Nada Kelemen came to art later in life, beginning her practice at the age of 52 after decades of experience in healthy living, quantum therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Her transition to painting was a natural culmination of her commitment to spiritual exploration and inner growth. Kelemen creates in a meditative state, often accompanied by music, producing works that embody harmony, purity, and positive energy. Her paintings are not only visual compositions but also energetic imprints intended to connect with viewers on a subconscious level. Working primarily in acrylic and oil, she incorporates structural techniques and Japanese calligraphy, creating layered surfaces with both symbolic and aesthetic resonance.

Her art reflects her belief in the transformative power of creativity as a path without boundaries of age or culture. Exhibited in numerous international shows, Kelemen’s works have been recognized for their spiritual depth and contribution to intuitive art. Her practice bridges energy work with visual expression, offering pieces that are both contemplative and uplifting. Through her art, she continues to explore the dialogue between inner vision and external form, presenting audiences with a visual journey of renewal and inspiration.

Czech Republic

Dryada Acrylic mix technique on canvas, 37 x 37 in.

Spring

Acrylic mix technique on canvas, 41 x 37 in.

Mary Kane was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1933 and has devoted her life to painting. She studied Fine Arts at Ohio State University under Hoyt Sherman and later continued her training in painting and life drawing at American University. Kane began her career teaching in high schools and working as a traveling art supervisor before fully committing to her studio practice. Over the years, she studied with many artists, taught in Pennsylvania, and served as president of the Philadelphia/Tri-States Artists Equity. Now based in Virginia, she works from her studio at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Her paintings, which have shifted from representational to abstract, emphasize rhythm, color, and gesture. Widely recognized, her work has received numerous awards and honors.

Mary Kane

Love on the Rocks Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 52 in.

Speak to Us of Marriage Acrylic on canvas, diptych, 40 x 92 in.

Marcelle Mansour

Marcelle Mansour is an international, multi-award-winning Australian multidisciplinary artist, bilingual author, poet, Ambassador of Arts, and Peace Ambassador. Of Palestinian Christian heritage, she experienced the realities of war before migrating to Australia, a life journey that informs her creative vision. Mansour holds both a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Studio Arts from the University of Sydney, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Egypt. As a versatile artist, Mansour embraces art as a holistic form of communication, bridging cultures and perspectives through visual narratives that merge tradition with modernity. Through her work, she highlights the universal themes of humanity, resilience, hope, and peace, reflecting on her memories, identity, and connection to the world while seeking positive social change.

The Angel’s Symphony of Peace, 2023 Digital painting, 31 x 24 in.

Self-Portrait Sunbird and Iris on My Head, 2025 Digital painting, 31 x 24 in.

Sylvia Mekhitarian

Egypt / Australia

Disintegration

Sylvia Mekhitarian, born in Egypt in 1952 to Armenian parents, experienced the Suez Crisis before relocating with her family to England, and later migrating to Sydney, Australia in 1967. She now resides in the Blackall Ranges, Queensland. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Education from Griffith University in Queensland as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Visual Arts and Education from Southern Cross University, New South Wales, qualifying her as a high school teacher in NSW, Queensland, and Tasmania.

Mekhitarian has balanced teaching with her dedication to art, serving as a tutor at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery in Launceston, Tasmania, while developing her own practice. She has held six solo exhibitions in Australia, and her work has been shown in group exhibitions worldwide, including in Bulgaria, China, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Many of her works are held in private and public collections nationally and internationally.

Omnipresent Stone lithograph, 12 x 16 cm

Stone lithograph, 15 x 22 cm

Nikoloz Meskhishvili

Georgia

Nikoloz Meskishvili, born in 1980 in Georgia, is a contemporary artist whose practice spans painting and mixed media. He holds a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the Apollon Kutateladze Tbilisi State Academy of Art and a double MA in International Service Management from London Metropolitan University and Stenden University in the Netherlands.

Meskhishvili has exhibited in over 40 shows worldwide, including Dubai, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, India, Japan, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, the USA, and Switzerland, as well as four solo exhibitions in the United States. His accolades include winning first place in an art contest that enabled him to visit the Tokyo Art Exhibition, along with the International Prize Phenix for Arts in Florence and the Leonardo da Vinci International Prize in Milan. He also serves as an official delegate of Georgia at WorldSkills International.

Mosaic of Emotions, 2023

Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 17 in.

Woman Paradigm, 2022

Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 28 in.

Alissar Najd Langworthy

“This is my personal maxim: as we walk through an art exhibit, we often pause before a work that catches our eye, one that stirs an emotion within us. This is what I strive to achieve with my paintings. Contemporary abstract art has the power to capture a range of emotions and inspire multiple interpretations. I work with the hope of evoking such responses, applying color and shaping compositions with intention.

I also served as a maritime captain for several years, an experience that added new dimensions to my artistic practice. It marked a pivot in my style, opening my work to fresh directions and perspectives. New experiences and life challenges continue to influence my art, guiding me toward renewal and exploration. I paint, as I live, with passion.”

Midnight with Venus and her Seven Sisters

Rita Schoonmaker

United States of America

Rita Schoonmaker was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1954 and now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. She pursued her artistic education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Schoonmaker has cultivated a distinctive voice in painting, working primarily with acrylics to create expressive compositions that balance intuition with structure.

Her practice is grounded in an exploration of color, gesture, and emotional resonance. Schoonmaker often layers her canvases with vibrant pigments, allowing each work to emerge as a meditation on harmony and energy. Her artistic journey reflects both discipline and experimentation, blending her formal training with an openness to spontaneity.

Tempest Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 16 in.

Eudiamonia Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 14 in.

Isaac D. Smith

United States of America

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1970, Isaac D. Smith is a visual artist now based in Washington State, where he has lived since 2004. His creative vision is shaped by a rare sensory phenomenon: the ability to see colors and images while listening to music. Only recently realizing the uniqueness of this experience, Smith has embraced it fully in his artistic practice.

Working in both oil painting and glass, Smith translates sound into visual form, producing compositions that combine luminous transparency with bold opacity. His works explore movement, rhythm, and the emotional resonance of music, often described as “nourishing the soul through a symphony of light and color.” Each piece serves as a bridge between auditory and visual experience, allowing viewers to enter a world where music and imagery converge. Smith’s art invites reflection, contemplation, and joy. His canvases and glassworks evoke harmony and vibrancy, encouraging audiences to consider the profound connections between sound, emotion, and vision.

Anxiety Oil on canvas, 48 x 48 in.

Spiritual Tuning Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 in.

Tamara Tarasiewicz

Tamara Tarasiewicz is a visionary painter whose career has spanned decades and continents. Since dedicating herself fully to painting in 1988, she has developed a prolific body of work that now numbers more than 6,700 museum-quality paintings. In 1994, she founded her own gallery and museum in Białowieża, an endeavor that brought her both national recognition and international acclaim.

In 1996, Tarasiewicz relocated to Chicago, where she embraced a new phase of artistic exploration. Her canvases reveal a mastery of diverse techniques and materials, fusing texture, form, and emotion into strikingly original compositions. Each painting demonstrates her commitment to innovation, weaving narrative and abstraction into visual experiences that engage both intellect and imagination.

With decades of dedication, Tarasiewicz has left a lasting mark on the contemporary art world. Her works have been exhibited widely, celebrated for their emotional resonance and technical rigor. She continues to create with vitality and vision, pushing the boundaries of her practice and inspiring audiences across the globe.

Poland / United States of America

Hot Spots, 2022

Mixed media on canvas 58 x 68 in.

Energy of the Subconscious, 2022 Mixed media on canvas 68 x 58 in.

Julie Turner

Julie Turner is an American painter whose work is inspired by the natural world, music, and spirituality. She holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing from James Madison University. Turner’s practice is rooted in Abstract Expressionism and Expressionism, combining energetic layering with bold color palettes to create compositions that radiate vitality and emotion. Her work has been exhibited widely across the United States, including in San Diego, Washington, D.C., New York, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Alexandria, and North Carolina, as well as internationally in Bologna, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan. Turner’s art has been published globally and is held in numerous private collections. Turner’s paintings are visual meditations that aim to spark joy and positive energy. By layering paint and experimenting with form, she transforms her inspirations into vibrant, dynamic imagery. Her art offers viewers a chance to connect emotionally, encouraging reflection, creativity, and imagination.

Cowabunga! Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 in.

Little Wing Acrylic on canvas, 24 x 30 in

Marc Van Der Leeden

United States of America

Marc Van Der Leeden is an American watercolor artist whose impressionistic works capture the world through a refined balance of color and line. Largely self-taught, he has developed a distinctive style that uses a limited palette accented by graphite outlines, resulting in compositions that are both delicate and dynamic. His paintings have been exhibited internationally and have garnered numerous awards, affirming his standing as a respected watercolorist. Van Der Leeden’s art has been featured in Watercolor Magazine and in the book How Did You Paint That? 100 Ways to Paint Landscapes, further establishing his reputation within the field.

Iris Study #1 Watercolor on paper, 38 x 18 in.

Betta Fish #1 Watercolor on paper, 38 x 18 in.

Nayibe Warchausky

Brutalist, 2024

24k yellow gold plated brass brooch, 3 x 1.5 in., handcrafted in Italy

Nayibe Warchausky is an architect, landscape designer, and jewelry artist whose practice merges high design with cutting-edge technology. Based in Milan, Italy, she also holds a master’s degree in jewelry design and operates Warchausky Design Studio, which produces wearable works of art that bridge sculpture, fashion, and craft. Her creative process is international in scope, with workshops in Milan, Venice, Murano, Limoges, Como, and Caracas.

Her Murano rings, crafted in collaboration with awardwinning Venetian glass masters, combine hand-carved detail with 18k gold, while her sculptural earrings and brooches in Limoges porcelain and 24k liquid gold push the boundaries of material exploration. Warchausky has exhibited in Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Week, and her work has been recognized in international publications. In 2019, she was honored at Milan Jewelry Week for a Murano glass ring; in 2021, she exhibited in Athens, her Murano collection. At the XIII Florence Biennale dell’Arte Contemporanea e Design, she presented her headpiece Formina Ilium Royal. In 2023, she expanded into design objects, presenting the Synthetic Geometry Table at the Salone del Mobile. Most recently, in 2024, she received the Japan Jewellery Designers Association Award for her brooch Brutalist, exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Tokyo.

Shaoqing Wu

Wu Shaoqing, born in Nanjing, China, in 1951, is a distinguished painter with ancestral roots in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. Currently based in Qingdao, Wu’s career reflects decades of dedication to Chinese painting traditions and their contemporary expressions. Her work embodies a balance of natural observation, cultural memory, and poetic imagination. With a focus on themes drawn from nature and human experience, Wu employs brush and ink to create large-scale paintings on paper that combine refinement with expressive freedom. Her pieces often suggest philosophical reflection, presenting imagery that resonates beyond the visual into realms of contemplation. Over the years, Wu’s paintings have earned recognition both in China and internationally, contributing to her reputation as a respected voice in modern Chinese art. Her ability to maintain fidelity to tradition while engaging contemporary audiences underscores her unique place within the field.

Jack Farkas

United States of America

03.02.25

Oil pastel on 140gr cotton paper, 31 x 30 x 1 in.

Jack Farkas is an American artist whose work connects contemporary culture with vibrant abstraction. His 2025 composition 03.02.25 reflects the excitement of that year’s Academy Awards, marked by Timothée Chalamet’s Best Actor nomination, while also celebrating the energy of spring’s renewal. The piece features overlapping circles in distinct, bright palettes, radiating positivity and spirituality. Farkas often draws from cultural moments to create works that combine immediacy with lasting resonance.

His practice focuses on oil pastel and paper, using bold color and layered form to produce compositions that pulse with energy. Each work engages viewers through both its surface vibrancy and its symbolic underpinnings, linking aesthetic delight with broader cultural commentary. Farkas’s approach highlights the potential of abstraction to translate contemporary life into visual form, using rhythm, repetition, and luminosity to create harmony. His work has attracted attention for its ability to capture not only cultural snapshots but also timeless themes of vitality and renewal. By blending expressive abstraction with cultural observation, Farkas creates art that resonates on both personal and collective levels, encouraging viewers to find meaning in the interplay of color, form, and contemporary experience.

Roselynn Imbleau

United States of America

Roselynn Imbleau was born in 1960 in Morganton, North Carolina, and currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina. She studied art for more than twenty years and holds an MFA from Jacksonville University. Imbleau’s work is deeply emotive, reflecting on solitude, human experience, and the distilled moment. Her practice draws inspiration from Old Master techniques, which she integrates with contemporary approaches to create compositions that embody both tradition and innovation. Central to her art is the concept of “coalesced play,” in which multiple strands of technique, process, and narrative converge. Through this approach, her paintings become meditative spaces that invite contemplation and renewal. Imbleau’s works often address the dialogue between the external world and internal reflection, embodying both presence and introspection. Exhibited in solo and juried exhibitions nationwide, her art has been recognized for its restorative subjects and narrative depth. By merging technical discipline with expressive content, she creates works that resonate on both visual and emotional levels, offering viewers a chance to engage with universal themes of solitude, resilience, and transformation.

Serenity Marsh, Homage to J.M. Whistler Oil on canvas, 9 x 12 in.

Tahara Mio

Japan

in Tokyo, Tahara Mio graduated from Musashino Art University with a major in oil painting. Her work is deeply rooted in a reverence for nature—drawing on memories of birds, insects, and rural landscapes that informed her childhood—and a sensitivity to cultural heritage. Through painting, she expresses profound contemplation of light, form, and emotion, often blending traditional techniques with experimental materials.

Alycia Thompson

United States of America

Blush

on hot press paper, 15 x 12 in.

Alycia Thompson, born in Indiana in 1985, is a contemporary painter currently based in New York. She received her BFA from the University of Louisville and her MFA from the New York Academy of Art. Thompson has exhibited widely in both the United States and abroad, with appearances at New York Expo, Superfine Art Fair, Tokyo Tower Art Fair, and Ivory Alive, where she also contributed as a curator.

Her work combines technical skill with a lyrical approach to subject matter, often exploring themes of nature, emotion, and personal narrative. Thompson is a member of the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York, a recognition of her growing influence within the contemporary art scene. She has also been the recipient of multiple awards, including the Kennelly Family Scholarship.

Through delicate handling of watercolor and a refined sense of color and composition, Thompson creates works that are both intimate and resonant, inviting viewers into her personal world of imagery and reflection.

Peony

Watercolor

Earth and Pyramids Watercolor mixed media on paper, 23 x 15 in.

Born

Lydia Watson (Watsart™) United States

of America

Lydia Watson, known professionally as Watsart™, is a New Jersey-born artist whose bold, identity-driven work transforms personal history into visual storytelling. From childhood doodles and comic strips to her present-day multimedia practice, Watson has used art as a vehicle for self-expression and cultural dialogue. Her company, Watsart LLC, extends her work into a broader mission of cultural preservation, authenticity, and education in art collecting.

Her early experiences, including challenges faced in high school when her art celebrated Black identity, cemented her commitment to addressing culture and representation through her practice. Motherhood later became a catalyst, reigniting her passion for painting and propelling her into professional exhibitions. Today, she has exhibited internationally, earned awards, and built a collector base that values her fearless engagement with themes of culture, identity, and resilience..

Three Roses, 2024 Collage, 24 x 36 in.

Masters of Art

21st Century

Cover Artist

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Premium Masters

Jean Jacques Porret

Donelli J. DiMaria

Rosae Novichenko

Aura Op Den Camp

András Mengyán

Atom Hovhanesyan

Dennis Whalen

Betty Collier

Khaula Bin Buti

Barbara D’Angelo Månsson

Alex Klas

21st Century Masters of Art

Betsy Ashton

Khaula Bin Buti

J.D. Chou

Wendy Cohen

Betty Collier

Barbara D’Angelo Månsson

Cecilia Del Toro

Donelli J. DiMaria

Gisela Engeln-Muellges

Jack Farkas

Vigdis Elisabeth Feldt

Michael Ian Goulding

Daniel Grannan Fine Art

Howard Harris

Freeman Hau

Atom Hovhanesyan

Roselynn Imbleau

Jyelle

Mary Kane

Nada Kelemen

Alex Klas

Leon Darwin

Magic of Mana

Marcelle Mansour

Rose Masterpol

Sylvia Mekhitarian

András Mengyán

Nikoloz Meskhishvili

Tahara Mio

William T. Moore III

Alissar Najd Langworthy

Henry Nelson III

Rosae Novichenko

Aura Op den Camp

Ivan Pahomov

Jean Jacques Porret

Natalia Rose

Mildred Salas

Rita Schoonmaker

Cherie Sibley W.

Isaac D. Smith

Marcia Söderman

Tamara Tarasiewicz

Alycia Thompson

Julie Turner

Marc Van Der Leeden

Nayibe Warchausky

Adrianna Wasinska-Fabian

Lydia Watson (Watsart™)

Dennis Whalen

Shaoqing Wu

21st Century Masters of Art

“Creativity takes courage.”

– Henri Matisse